Sinus Relief Using the Neti Pot

Allergies have been something I have contended with most of my life. Ragweed, dust and pollen were some of my greatest arch-enemies. Twice a year I would invariable get some type of sinus drainage that before long would turn into a case of chest congestion that I couldn't shake for weeks.

A year or so ago a good friend of mine, who is more than twice my age by the way, suggested that I try daily nasal irrigation using a device called a neti pot. My friend described for me the following process. A neti pot is filled with a luke warm saline solution that can be made from water, sea salt and baking powder. The spout of the neti pot is then placed into the nostril while you breathe freely through you mouth. Once the spout is in the nostril, the head is turned to the side and the solution washes through your sinuses and out the opposite nostril, irrigating the nasal passages removing excess mucus and other irritants. Once the solution stream has stopped, the nostril is blown out gently and the process is repeated on the other nostril.

I find greater sinus and allergy relief from the neti pot than I ever experienced from either over the counter or prescription allergy treatments. Although it seemed a little strange at first, I quickly got used to it and wouldn't trade the ability to breathe easier for anything.

Neti pots come in stainless steel or plastic. The most common neti pot is marketed under the trade name of Sinucleanse. Sinucleanse also sells the pre-mixed solution packets.