As the seasons change, my co-workers have taken turns fighting sinus infections and illnesses that involve pain, phlegm, and missing days of work. I have not yet caught this round of sinus germs and I attribute that to the Neti Pot. I recommended nasal irrigation to a friend at work, and had a hard time explaining it to her. As I was searching for a "how to Neti Pot" video for her, I decided to share the information here. I would like for everyone possible to find sinus and allergy relief. I also should add that at times using the Neti Pot has alleviated some of my migraine pain.
Sinus Irrigation as Illness Prevention
In the spring, our own Bev Owens reviewed NeilMed Sinus Rinse. She shared how adding this sinus irrigation to her daily hygiene routine has alleviated her sinus headaches. Please take a peek at her review to learn how helpful nasal irrigation has been for her.
Personally, I use a ceramic Neti Pot, warm water, and a bit of salt. Initially, I tried to learn how to Neti Pot when I was already ill. For a week or so, no water passed through my nasal passages - that is how swollen and congested my sinuses were at the time. Thankfully, I did not give up.
Every morning I lean over the bathroom sink and use Neti Pot. Since I've begun this routine on a regular basis, I've only had a sinus infection/bronchitis type illness that required a doctors visit and prescription medication 2-3 times over the last decade. Historically, I'd visit the doctor for such illnesses 4 - 6 times each year!
It is very important that the water is a good temperature. I check my water temperature on my wrist, as I did with baby's bottles. Too cold is painful. Hot water could be damaging. Baby bottle temperature is soothing to me. Learning to relax enough to allow the water to pass through is not an easy thing for some people. But I encourage you to try and to practice before giving up. I believe it is well worth the practice.
I prefer the ceramic Neti Pot because:
- it holds the warmth longer than plastic
- it seems to be easier to clean than plastic
- the Neti Pot (versus a nasal spray bottle) holds more water and more fully flushes my sinuses
- the model of Neti Pot I use, has a partial top covering, which prevents me from spilling water on my face
ceramic Neti Pot |
Others Who Recommend Neti Pot and Nasal Irrigation
I am not a doctor. Nor can I give trained medical advice. I highly recommend that you choose Neti Pot and nasal irrigation after consulting with your doctor. I am only sharing what has worked very well for me and has nearly eliminated my use of allergy medications and visits to the doctor for sinus/congestion types of illnesses.
The writers on WebMD shares a brief history of nasal irrigation, comments that research proves that it works, why it works, and how to use a Neti Pot. This is a fairly complete and concise overview for beginners.
Many hundreds of Neti Pot purchasers give 4.5 - 5 star ratings on Amazon Neti Pots. See their recommendations on the various styles
I know someone who frequently tells me that because I Neti Pot, I'm going to die from the water-born, brain-eating amoeba. My first thought is that swimming in fresh water during the summer months is far more dangerous than using my Neti Pot. But, out of an over abundance of caution, I am including this informative video from The Doctors. I have also begun to refrain from using tap water in my daily routine. The Doctors speak of the amoeba concern as well as demonstrate how a Neti Pot is used.
I am actually sitting over here laughing after watching the doctors demonstrate how to use a Neti Pot. It was so funny watching several fully grown men rinse their sinuses. However, I do appreciate the demonstration. I have heard people talk about Neti Pots before, but never really grasp how you were supposed to use them. I know a lot of people who suffer year after year with sinus infections. How weird would it me for me to give them a Neti Pot for Christmas?!!
ReplyDeleteProbably pretty weird. haha. I got my kids (grown men) to try it, and they both HATED it and say I'm weird for doing it. So I think it is something that you have to be pretty miserable on a regular basis to try. So.. I am not sure I'd give it as a gift. Maybe an Amazon gift card with the comment that you'd like it to be a Neti Pot... but if not, then something they choose?
DeleteI have to admit I've never heard of the Neti Pot before or of flushing your sinuses. I suffered greatly from sinus infections in my teens in upstate New York. Too bad I didn't know about the Neti Pot then. I'm sure it would have alleviated my daily symptoms back then.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost positive it would have helped you then. I'm not sure why it's not more widely known.
DeleteI've been fortunate to have very few sinus issues, but I know others who haven't had such luck. I also know people who swear by the Neti Pot. Great to read your very informative and helpful review.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan.
DeleteI've not heard of the Neti Pot before, I have used the nasal spray with pure saline before. I like the video with the demonstration it is very informative and I do trust WebMD. Thanks Dawn for another great product review.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eugene for the kind words and visit.
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