How to Use a Neti Pot to Clear Sinuses and Congestion

The neti pot is a simple, natural cold buster and sinus cleanser that has been around for thousands of years. Oddly enough, not many people know about the neti pot. It is so easy to use and is much healthier for your body than taking decongestants from the drug store. Plus it is more frugal than buying expensive cold medicines since you can purchase one for less than $15 and use it over and over.

I used to suffer from sinus infections and ended up on antibiotics almost every winter to clear up my sinuses. Then I heard about the neti pot and began using it when I got a cold. I have not had a sinus infection since I began using the neti pot six years ago!

This last week our family has been sick with a nasty cold that our little nugget picked up from some other sick kids when we were at the library story time in town. While focusing most of our energies on caring for our sick daughter, my husband and I neglected caring for ourselves. I've been battling sinus congestion and headaches the last few days; for me this is a sure sign I'm headed for a sinus infection.

I finally realized I needed to care for myself too since I cannot care for our baby if I'm too sick. So yesterday I got out my trusty neti pot and began flushing my sinuses a few times per day. I'm always amazed at how much better I can breathe after using the neti pot!

This morning I woke up congested with a terrible sinus headache. Before I even had a cup of coffee, I got out my beloved neti pot and flushed my sinuses. After clearing out quite a bit of nasty gunk that had built up in my sinuses overnight, my headache was gone!

My husband is still feeling quite congested but refuses to use a neti pot even though he has to listen to me rave about the results. Unfortunately neti pots are not for everyone. He has watched me use the neti pot and always jokes that "it looks like an ancient tourture technique" and won't try it no matter how congested his sinuses get.

Using a neti pot is quite simple. Here are ten easy steps to use a neti pot  :

1. Mix 1 TBS salt in 2 cups warm water* until dissolved.
2. Pour 1 cup of the solution into the neti pot
3. While leaning over the sink with your head down and tilted to one side, place the pour spout of the neti pot into the nostril on top.
4. Pour half the water solution in the neti pot into your nostril and let it run out the other nostril always making sure you breathe through your mouth!
5.  Stop and blow your nose to remove some of the loose gunk
6. Finish pouring the last 1/2 cup of water through that same nostril.
7. Blow out more gunk.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 on the other nostril.
9.  Now take a deep breath through your nose and feel how wonderful it is to breathe easier!
10. Wash the neti pot with hot soapy water so it is ready for your next use. 

*Do not use straight tap water, it is recommended you use distilled or boiled water. When I boil water for tea I boil extra water and let it cool before using it in my neti pot 

While using the neti pot cleans out the gunk and feels wonderful, it is recommended that you don't use the neti pot too often during the day. Overuse can cause your nostrils and sinuses to dry out too much which can actually have a detrimental effect rather than helping your sinuses. When I have a cold and congestion, I use my neti pot 2-3 times per day.

Update February 2013: My husband used the neti pot! His sinuses were so clogged he finally said he wanted to try it. He said using the neti pot wasn't as unpleasant as he thought it would be and it actually helped clear out some gunk! 

Have you ever used a neti pot? Any other ideas for naturally clearing out congested sinuses?

-->

Don't want to miss a post with the latest natural and frugal living tips, fun DIY projects or tasty real food recipes? Subscribe to our blog by clicking here and find us on Facebook here to join in our fun growing community!

This post shared on: Natural Living Monday, Simply Natural Saturdays