The Neti Pot: Yes, You Really Stick it Up Your Nose

As an opera singer, I live in constant fear of catching a cold or any other bug that causes sinus problems. Singing with a cold is nearly impossible, and I (like most singers) find traditional decongestants too drying to the delicate tissues of the pharynx. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about the Neti pot, an alternative medicine treatment tool for sinus issues. Of course, I was considerably less thrilled when I found out that "Neti pot" is code for "stick a tube up your nose and pour salt water into your sinus cavity." However, the process is not nearly as painful as it sounds, and it really does work. Here's how!

The Neti pot itself is just a vessel - it's salt water that makes this sinus pressure relief method so effective. The Neti is shaped like a squashed teapot or genie lamp, with a long narrow spout on one side. To use a Neti, fill the pot with a weak, lukewarm salt water solution and insert the spout into one nostril. Lean over a sink and tilt your head to the side opposite the Neti pot, forcing the water to flow into your sinus cavity and out the other nostril. If your sinus cavity is badly blocked, you may need to take a steamy shower first to help soften the blockages for best results. Switch nostrils halfway through the pot of salt water. After you've emptied the Neti pot, blow your nose gently to clear out any loosened mucus and leftover salt water. Repeat as necessary - several times a day if desired.

Sounds like fun, huh? Actually, it's not that bad. The warm salt water is approximately the temperature of your sinus cavity, so there's no temperature shock. It may sting a little bit, but it's much less irritating than swimming pool water, for instance. The salt itself is extremely important - it helps break up mucus, reduces swelling of the sinus tissues and promotes hydration. However, the type of salt used is basically irrelevant. Although some people believe that sea salt is best because it is less processed than table salt, either will work. Some Neti pots also come with special packets of salt that contain other buffering ingredients. These are convenient, but expensive and unnecessary in my experience - salt is salt when it's up your nose. A ratio of approximately 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of water will produce the correct solution strength, and you can dilute or strengthen this solution as desired.

I urge anyone who has sinus issues to give the Neti pot a try. Singers swear by Neti pots, and they really do provide relief to irritated or clogged sinuses, without overly drying medications. Sticking a spout up your nose and pouring salt water into your sinuses may not be your idea of fun, but the benefits are worth it. Besides, just think of what a good trick it will make for your next Halloween party!