How to Use a Neti Pot

Clean the Neti Pot. After not being used for some time, the Neti Pot can become a breeding ground for various bacteria. Prevent these microorganisms from entering your body by washing the Neti Pot thoroughly with soap and warm water. Allow it to air dry completely before use.

Prepare the saline solution with sterilized water. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized fine salt or about 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt (table salt) into the Neti Pot with 240 ml of warm water, boiled or filtered, until the salt completely dissolves.

• Do not use untreated tap water as it may contain amoebic microorganisms that could cause illness. It is crucial to use filtered or distilled water.
• Do not use regular table salt. The additives in table salt may irritate your nose. Instead, use salts specifically made for nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot.

Get into position. Bend over the sink and tilt your head to one side so that the ear on the opposite side faces the sink. Keep your forehead level with your chin or slightly higher. Finally, tilt your head to let the saline solution flow out of the other nostril.

Exhale through your nose. To prevent the saline water from flowing into your throat or mouth, make sure to exhale through your nose. Avoid talking or laughing to keep your throat sealed, preventing the water from entering it.

Insert the Neti Pot spout into the upper nostril. Hold the spout in place to create a tight seal, preventing the water from flowing backward into the pot. Raise the pot to allow the saline solution to enter the upper nostril and flow out from the lower nostril. If the solution exits from the mouth, lower your forehead slightly below your chin. Pour half of the saline solution into one nostril.

Repeat the process on the other side. Turn your head to the opposite side and follow the same steps as above. Use the remaining half of the saline solution to rinse the other nostril.

Clear excess water. After using all the saline solution in the Neti Pot, lean over the sink and gently blow your nose (without pinching your nostrils) to remove any excess water. Continue until the water flow decreases, and you can breathe more comfortably.

Gently blow your nose into a tissue. Remove any excess water and fully clean your nose by blowing it into a tissue. Make sure not to block one nostril while blowing your nose.

Clean the Neti Pot. To prevent bacteria from growing inside and on the Neti Pot, you should wash it one last time before storing it away. Use warm soapy water and allow the pot to air dry.

• Exercises you should try after using the Neti Pot for nasal irrigation:
  
  
  • Exhale strongly. Exhale forcefully through both nostrils while keeping your head over the sink. Contract your stomach tightly with each exhalation to increase the force of your breath. If exhaling into a tissue, be careful not to block your nostrils while breathing out.
  • Forward bend. Bend forward from your waist so that the top of your head faces the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds before returning to a standing position. Exhale strongly a few times after performing this posture.
  • Alternate toe touches. Stand with your feet about 0.6-0.9 meters apart. Stretch your arms out to the sides, level with your shoulders. Slowly bend forward from your waist and touch your left hand to your right knee, shin, or foot (whatever is within reach without straining). Keep your right arm extended upward toward the ceiling and gently turn your head toward your right hand. Hold the position for a few seconds. Stand up and repeat the movement on the left side. Exhale forcefully through your nose.
• The ideal salt concentration in the Neti Pot solution is 0.9%. One teaspoon of salt with 500 ml of water creates this ratio.
• You can use the Neti Pot regularly, just like brushing your teeth.
• Ensure the water temperature is comfortable, at body temperature or slightly warm.

• The Louisiana Department of Health (USA) issued a warning to only use filtered or distilled water for nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot after two individuals died from a rare amoebic brain infection caused by untreated tap water in 2011. Always use purified or distilled water. Additionally, make sure to keep your Neti Pot clean at all times.

• Neti Pot
• Non-iodized salt, free from anti-caking agents and chemicals, or salt specifically designed for nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot.
• Pure water, at a comfortable temperature

Consider purchasing a Neti Pot kit that includes all the necessary items for effective nasal irrigation.