Is the mess of nasal irrigation worth it?
By: Gabbi Di Marino - content manager and fellow allergy sufferer
If you have seasonal allergies, there’s a good chance you’ve already used nasal irrigation methods like the neti pot, or you’re constantly getting recommended to start adding it to your routine. Either way, it’s a super messy method that can feel anything but glamorous. But does it work? Let’s do a little digging to see what we can find out!
How long has nasal irrigation been around?
It turns out this method was not new at all - nasal irrigation or sinus flushing spanned back centuries ago! In recent years, nasal irrigation started getting more popular in the U.S. with devices like the Neti Pot, which stems from the Ayurvedic Yoga medical tradition.
Is nasal irrigation effective?
Research and allergy-sufferers alike say yes! Some even say that using devices like the Neti Pot alone helped alleviate symptoms, while others use it in conjunction with medications to boost their allergy treatment! Nasal irrigation, for many, can be an effective way to tackle the sinus-based symptoms of seasonal allergies, like dreaded congestion and sinus pressure!
How do Neti Pots work anyways?
Well, inside your nose, you have these tiny, hair-like structures called cilia. These hairs line the inside of your nasal and sinus cavities and have the important job of managing where mucus inside your nose goes. Like the Neti Pot, a saline solution can make their jobs easier by increasing speed and coordination and allowing the cilia to remove the allergens that give you grief effectively! Kind of like how a cup of coffee in the morning can help jump-start whatever work we have ahead of us!
How do you use a device like the neti pot?
Usually, nasal irrigation methods like the Neti Pot will come with a short instructional manual to walk you through the process. But we’ll also do just that! You’ll need to mix three teaspoons of iodide-free and preservative-free salt with one teaspoon of baking soda to make the solution. These ingredients will act as the base of the liquid, and you can store this in a container for later use! You’ll then mix one teaspoon of this magical mixture with 8 oz of distilled or previously boiled water - you’ll want to make sure the water is as pure as possible. And remember, this isn’t supposed to burn or sting, so if you’re experiencing those symptoms, make sure to cut down on the dry mixture.
After everything is combined, it’s time to use the solution. Head to your favorite sink in the house and tilt your head at a 45-degree angle over the basin. Place the spout in your top nostril and pour. The solution will then travel through your nasal cavity and may also make a slight detour into your throat. If it does, spit it out in the sink. When the solution is gone, give your nose a big ol’ blow to rid of any excess solution that may be leftover. And voila - you’ve used a neti pot!
How often should you use a Neti Pot?
When symptoms are at their worst, using it daily seems to be the way to go! But once things have calmed down, it’s recommended to use this method around three times a week to keep symptoms at bay.
So, there you have it, folks - turns out nasal irrigation methods, like the Neti Pot, are worth the mess! Give it a try this allergy season to see if it can help your nose catch a break.
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