I started using a neti pot over ten years ago.  I still remember the day I got it because when I mentioned to my mom, during our weekly phone call, that I was going to the health food store to pick one up, she was revolted by the concept.  She kept referring to it as my “nettle pot.” (P.S. About a year later though, she asked me to pick one up for her after she read an article in the Times about an opera singer who uses a neti pot.)

A lot of people, particularly in the United States, are appalled by the idea of using a little pot (that looks like a cross between a ceramic teapot and a magic genie lantern) to pour salty water into one nostril; so it can run through your nasal passages and come out the other nostril.  It can be a little intimidating the first time you use it.   Fearful of drowning, I remember leaning as far forward as possible, to ensure I could still breathe through my mouth while I was irrigating.  I was willing to try it though because I had a lot of sinus trouble, particularly when I was still consuming dairy.

I hadn’t used it since my nose was broken six months ago.  This morning I woke up with dry eyes and felt that twinge in my sinuses that lets me know that something is in there and it needs to come out. My nose finally started to feel normal again over the last week.  So, I broke out the neti pot and got to irrigating.  I won’t gross you out with the details but let’s just say it was very productive.

The benefits to using a neti pot are numerous.  It obviously gets the gunk out.  I have avoided sinus headaches by using it when I get that first twinge.  It’s also good for treating sinusitis and helping to clear a sinus infection or a cold.  Allergy sufferers can use it to clean pollen and other irritants out.  The best part is that it is all natural, no harsh chemicals …just water, salt and gravity.

Do you use a neti pot?  Would you consider?  I would love to hear your experiences or answer any questions you may have.

Love and blessings to all.

Cynthia

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