How to Use Neti Pot Salt to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Year after year, my husband and I battled sinus problems and bouts of sinusitis. Ever since he was a child, he'd had a variety of nasal allergies and I was miserable during allergy season, especially when ragweed was in full bloom. Because we also live near some woods, summers always seemed to herald rounds of coughing, sneezing and stuffy noses from whatever plant was currently releasing pollen into the air. Our local pharmacist was used to seeing us dash in there to refill prescriptions for Singulair as well as Zyrtec and over the counter nasal sprays.

While all of these helped to some degree, our doctors and my husband's allergist suggested we try neti pots, along with neti pot salt, as an alternative to the prescription drugs that were taking a huge chunk of money from our budget. Although initially skeptical and also reluctant at the thought of putting a salt solution up our already irritated nasal passages, we finally decided to give it a try. Medical specialists like Dr. Oz, often seen on the Oprah show, have actually advocated Neti pots, as shown here: www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/slideshow1_ss_oz_20070426/5

After we got past our initial reluctance, the results of using neti pot salt in a special container (a neti pot) were better than we ever expected. We have fewer bouts of sinusitis, rarely get colds and have little to no need for many of the medications we'd taken before. Colds were also a rarity and antibiotic prescriptions went way down as well. It was truly amazing!

How Neti pot salt helps with sinus pressure

Before using neti pot salt and/or a neti pot, it helps to understand a bit about the possible causes of sinus pressure - as well as why Neti pot salt can provide relief. Although the causes for sinus pain and pressure can vary, conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, smoke and pollution can all set off cycles of nasal irritation and stuffy noses, as we'd experienced. Even though we were on medications, they did little to keep our nasal passages clear of the very allergens, such as dust and pollen, that set off allergic reactions. The medications only treated our symptoms but did little to cause longer lasting results. As soon as the medication wore off, we were in pain again, with plenty of pressure and tenderness in the sinus areas above and within our nostrils.

In short, the medications were treating our symptoms but not keeping the offending substances from getting into our nostrils. When our allergist noted this fact, it made sense. Why keep taking medications if we didn't do something to keep nasal irritants out of our nostrils as well? Neti pot salts made a huge difference because they rinsed away dust, pollen and other allergens from our nostrils.

Neti pot salts are not the same as regular table salts

Although some people do use regular table salt in neti pots, we were discouraged from doing this. The one time I tried actual table salt, the burning sensation was incredible and I was determined never to make that mistake again! Neti pot salts and solutions can be free of additives and purer than table salt (which can contain preservatives and other ingredients). There is nothing wrong with table salt sprinkled on food but when you put a saline solution in nostrils, table salt may be inadequate. Neti pot salts were the only solution we could tolerate. The difference was clear.

How and when to use neti pot salt

While our doctors told us we could use neti pots salts in special squeeze bottles, our preference was to use neti pots. I do have to urge any potential users that the thought of putting a saline solution up your nose may seem unappealing. We felt the same way. But I urge you to stick with it - especially if you are tired of paying for prescription medications that don't do enough, have repeat attacks of sinusitis or allergic reactions and are prone to colds or other nasal conditions. If so, you might see the same benefits we did.

We use our neti pots salts every morning. If it is allergy season, we may use our neti pot and salts in the afternoon as well but avoid using neti pot salts shortly before bedtime to avoid from nasal dripping or discharge while sleeping. Before using neti pot salts, make sure hands are washed and the neti pot is absolutely clean. Always use purified or filtered water to avoid any issues with mineral deposits.

Most neti pot salts come with specific directions about how to mix the salts with water. We follow the recommended amounts, generally 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of salt per 8 ounces of water. It is very important (as we learned the hard way) to make sure the water is the right temperature. We warm ours in a microwave for about 35 seconds (results will vary depending on the microwave used). Lukewarm water works best and if you decide to try this technique, you'll want to avoid overly hot or warm water mixed with your neti pot salt.

It can take a bit of practice to learn how to use neti pot salt

It only took a couple of days to get the technique down so don't get discouraged. Just try to stay calm and relaxed and tilt your head to allow water to go in one nostril and then tilt your head to the opposite side to let water flow into the other nostril. You may feel water drain down your throat as well as the sensation of water going through your nasal passages.

Your goal is to rinse allergens, pollen and other nasal irritants from your nasal passages. The nasal pot salt solution accomplishes this very well. As the water drains through your nose, you should automatically breathe gently through your mouth. Afterwards, you may need to take a paper towel or washcloth and allow any excess water to drain into that. Blowing your nose is an important and final step to help get rid of any allergens. Once you have your routine down, using neti pot salts and the proper dispenser takes only a few minutes.

Where to find neti pot salt

We often get our solution from our allergist. If he is out of town and we need to find alternative, we have used Amazon or other online stores as reliable sources. Many health food stores also have neti pot salts.

When you should avoid using neti pot salts

Although we've found neti pot salts to be very safe, there are some instances when you may want to avoid using them. Our doctors cautioned against the use of them if we had complete blockage in any of of our nasal cavities. Also, if you have a fever or infection, always consult a doctor before trying alternative or new medical treatments and even if you are feeling relatively healthy, be sure to tell your doctor that you are trying something different that could affect your condition.