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How to Use a Neti Pot: Getting Started with Nasal Wellness

By Maggie 30 September 2021
Reading works meditatively, relax 6 minuten with this article.
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We know what it looks like, but no, it’s not for watering plants or wishing on a Genie. So what is a Neti pot then? It’s a special tool that helps you care for your nose and sinuses. Do you often have a cold or do you regularly suffer from hay fever? Then this could be just what you need!

white ceramic neti pot with flowers

Neti is a technique for cleaning your nose, and according to Ayurveda tradition, it also balances your Doshas. The Neti Pot and Ayurveda are inextricably linked and its use is an important part of this teaching and wellness practice. Essentially, a Neti Pot is simply an instrument with which the nasal cavity can be rinsed. The Ayurveda Neti Pot contains a solution of Himalayan Salt and warm water. You then pour the saline solution through each nostril with the aim of cleaning the nose and sinuses. You may be wondering ‘how often can I use a Neti pot?’ Some people do this daily, others only when they have a cold or are suffering from hay fever. Read on for more Neti pot tips!

white ceramic neti pot with spices

Neti Pot: Ayurveda Nasal Rinse

Jala Neti is the practice of cleaning the nose [Neti] with water [Jala]. This cleansing technique originated from Hatha Yoga and is one of the six Ayurveda practices of daily hygiene. There is also another version, the Sutra Neti, where you pass a beeswax cord through one nostril to the other. While it is important to learn the cord practice under the guidance of a professional, Jala Neti cleansing with water is safe to be done by anyone right at home. Rinsing with water and a Neti Pot is safe, quick, and easy.

How Does a Neti Pot Work?

Nasal rinsing with a Neti Pot is simple. Natural salt mixed with warm water makes a saline solution that dissolves mucus without irritating the delicate nasal tissue. It flushes out dirt, allergens, and irritants as well. Basically, by irrigating the nose and sinuses regularly, they may stay cleaner, helping to prevent discomforts like congestion and headaches.

neti pot plastic purple

Neti Pot Benefits

Many people use this simple tool as a means to prevent or manage allergies, upper respiratory problems, headaches, or congestion. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, a Neti pot ritual may help you to breathe freely again. In addition to the physical benefits of clear sinuses, according to yoga philosophy, a clean head ensures clear thoughts and improves concentration. So go ahead and try a Neti pot for your hay fever, and maybe experience some clear-headedness as a bonus! Of course, always consult a doctor in case of persistent complaints. This ritual is not a substitute for medication, but a supplemental health practice.

What You Need for a Jala Neti

First, you need to choose between a plastic Neti Pot or ceramic Neti Pot. The difference between them is mainly in durability. For example, the ceramic variant is sometimes less suitable for children simply because it is a bit fragile. However, ceramic pots are easier to sanitize than plastic, so it’s really up to you to decide what you’re looking for in a neti pot. Once you have the pot at home, you will need the following:

  • Lukewarm water of 38-39 degrees. Make sure that your water is always sterilized, for example by boiling it first and then letting it cool.
  • Himalayan salt or natural sea salt (iodized table or table salt can cause irritation due to the chemical additives)
  • Measuring spoon
  • Tub or sink
  • Towel

Check Out Our Neti Pots and Accessories

Neti Pot plascti white with salt

Using a Neti Pot: Step by Step Guide

Using a Neti pot is not difficult, but it does take some knowledge and practice. That is why we have made this Neti pot user manual, so that you can rinse prepared and eventually breathe more freely with this Ayurveda nasal cleanse!

  • Rinse your pitcher with clean, warm water.
  • Put in lukewarm, sterilized water of about 38-39 degrees.
  • Mix a generous scoop of salt into the water. About 9 grams per liter, so it tastes like your tears.
  • Bend over your tub or sink with your chin on your chest.
  • Tilt your head 45 degrees to the left or right so that one ear is pointing up.
  • Gently insert the spout of your Neti Pot into the top nostril. A bit into the nose, but not too far.
  • Breathe through your mouth a few times and continue to do so as you slowly begin to pour.
  • Let all of the Neti pot of water flow into one nostril and out the other and then gently blow your nose without pinching your nostrils.
  • Turn your head and repeat the steps for the other nostril.
  • All done? Then gently blow your nose again and bend completely over for a while so that the remaining water runs out of your nose.
  • Use a towel to dry yourself.
  • Clean the jug according to the instructions, so that you can safely use it again!

After just a few Neti pot uses, benefits should begin to become noticeable.


Some Final Tips for Using Neti Pot

  • You can use half a jug per nostril, but also a whole one. Make sure you rinse both nostrils equally within one session.
  • “Slow down to speed up”as they say. Pour the water slowly enough that it flows fully into the nostril without spilling.
  • It is recommended to clean your nose in the morning before breakfast.
  • Don’t do this salt ritual if you have inflamed or sore nostrils, or any other injury in or around your nose. Salt can then be painful and disrupt the healing process.
  • Start with the nostril that is least congested.
  • Practice makes perfect! Give yourself time to master the Neti technique. However, if it hurts or is otherwise irritating, stop it. Safety above all!

Neti Pot Keramiek - 250 ml (kopie)

Other Sustainable and Natural Ways of Care

Neti pots are good for allergies and colds, among other things, but there are many other products believed to help with these problems. For example, Salt Lamps are also used by many for air purification to help with these issues. In the blog Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits: How to Use the Lamp, you can read how this works. And have you ever heard of Ear Candling? These candles are used in special ear cleaning therapy as an alternative medicine which you can read about here: What does an Ear Candle do? Better Hearing and Clean Ears. For the women among us, a Yoni Massage with Yoni Eggs could be interesting. In other words, plenty of sustainable and natural ways to shape your grooming rituals!

Have you ever done a Neti ritual? We are curious about your Neti pot experiences!

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