Neti Pot for Sinus Relief

Don’t you just love this time of year?  You know, for the warmer temperatures, the sunshine, oh, and the seasonal fun going on in your sinuses?  For me, I never experienced any of these symptoms until a few years ago.  At that time, I started to feel stuffed up with the itchy eyes, but also during the winter months I was starting to get more sinus discomfort with colds.  If you know what I am talking about, you know it feels miserable.  Sinus pressure and pain sucks, simply put.  Sinus headaches are miserable. 
A couple of years ago I saw an episode of Oprah that actually changed my life.  Yeah, I know…Oprah, changing a life.  Well, she doesn’t really get the credit for this one, Dr. Oz does.  This was when he was doing a weekly appearance on her show and that day he discussed and shared a neti pot with the audience and, of course, with us the viewers.  He shared alright.  We got to watch him actually use the neti pot.  I considered doing a video for you here, but feared you may go running at the sight of my nasal cleansing up close and personal.  I can tell you are pleased I chose not to do that for you. 

You’re welcome.

It really isn’t that bad to watch, though.  I do think it makes a huge difference to see something demonstrated to see just how it works before you actually buy it.  There’s something about Dr. Oz that makes you believe what he says or there was some sort of crazy hypnotizing going on through my television screen that day.  Either way, I went out and bought a neti pot.  I remember thinking if this little ceramic teapot looking thing can fix me forever, I will shout it from the rooftops.  Well, close enough, I have a blog and I am telling you all about it.    

Here are a few reasons and times that I use my neti pot:

• At the first sign of a cold I use my neti pot with several drops of grapefruit seed extract added to the warm salt water mixture.  It helps to ward off any nasties trying to invade my body.
• Often times when I have a headache, especially a sinus headache, rinsing with my neti pot offers almost instant relief.
• During any time that I have “seasonal” symptoms of sinus pressure.  I feel the relief during the actual cleansing of my sinuses.  Not kidding.

How to Use a Neti Pot

1. Combine a mixture of warm water and sea salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the neti pot.
2. Stand at a sink or over a large bowl.  (keep a couple of tissues handy)
3. Tip your head to one side.
4. Place the end of the spout into one of your nostrils.
5. Slowly tip the pot to start the water flowing through your sinuses.  The water should start to come out of the opposite nostril.  If it doesn’t feel like the water is going anywhere, you may need to adjust the pot a bit or it may be that you are overly congested.  If you are too “stuffed up” then wait a bit and try again. 
6. Use about the half the water for each side.  (I usually need to blow my nose in between…..gently, though.)

Honestly, just writing all that makes me feel the relief in my sinuses from using my neti pot.  I just love it. I don’t buy over-the-counter remedies (at least not the “drug” ones) for anything.  I prefer to find a more natural solution and that was what I found when I purchased my neti pot.  I always have it on hand and I definitely always have the sea salt, too.  The other purchase I made was the grapefruit seed extract.  It seems a bit expensive, but considering you only use a few drops at a time, the price is perfect.  Just imagine all that you spend on over-the-counter remedies for colds or seasonal symptoms.  The amount can be astronomical, so this is totally worth it in my opinion.

Also, I have to say that I have way less symptoms in general.  I really believe that using the neti pot has created a healthier environment in my nasal passages, which has kept me from getting sick as much as I used to.  Of course that is also combined with a healthy diet, but the neti pot has definitely played a huge part.

I know that I didn’t include a video, but I am more than happy to do so it if it would help you decide whether or not you want to buy one.  Just let me know in the comments!!  Also, what makes you nervous about using a neti pot?  What makes you most curious about it?  Do you use one already?