Does neti pot help with allergies: How Neti Pots Can Be Used to Treat Allergies

16.09.202007.06.2023 by alexxlab

How Neti Pots Can Be Used to Treat Allergies

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Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Dale Kiefer — Updated on October 19, 2021

Anyone who has ever played in rough surf at the shore can tell you there’s nothing quite so bracing as having cold seawater forced through your nasal passages. While initially unpleasant, this forced irrigation sometimes results in unexpected, but not unwelcome, relief from clogged sinuses.

Perhaps it was just such an experience that inspired the invention of the neti pot in India long ago. People have been using neti pots and other forms of voluntary nasal irrigation for many years to relieve the annoying symptoms of allergies.

Among the worst symptoms of nasal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, are excess mucus production, stuffy nose, runny nose, and irritated nasal passages and sinuses.

Some people with allergies also develop a condition called chronic rhinosinusitis. This continually inflamed condition is characterized by irritated or even infected sinus cavities.

Read on to learn about nasal irrigation and whether it can provide you with allergy relief.

Centuries ago, practitioners of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine system, pioneered the use of warm salt water to flush nasal cavities and remove excess mucus, pollen, and other debris.

Also known as nasal douche or nasal lavage, nasal irrigation uses two simple ingredients: salt water and a neti pot. A neti pot is a vessel specifically designed to deliver a stream of salt water into your nasal cavities through one nostril and out the other. Practitioners usually do this one to four times per day, with no dip in the sea required.

Supporters of the technique claim it offers significant relief from nasal congestion and irritation.

They also claim it can reduce headaches associated with sinus congestion and allow people to rely less on antibiotics to treat sinus infections. It can decrease the use of nasal corticosteroid sprays to control allergy-related nasal inflammation.

Users report feeling empowered to take control of their allergies and claim that nasal irrigation delivers significant improvements in their quality of life.

Experts have conducted numerous clinical trials on nasal irrigation, and most agree that it’s safe and well tolerated. At worst, they note that the procedure can be cumbersome. It requires more effort than other options, such as taking medications.

At best, nasal irrigation provides significant improvements in a wide range of allergy symptoms.

A 2000 study at the University of California San Diego examined more than 200 people who used the procedure. Participants experienced “statistically significant improvements” in 23 out of 30 symptoms. They also saw improvements in subjective quality-of-life ratings.

A 2009 survey article concluded that saline nasal irrigation is safe and effective for people with several conditions, including:

chronic rhinosinusitis
viral upper respiratory infections
allergic rhinitis

There are a few caveats, however.

Don’t use on infants

Nasal irrigation shouldn’t be used on infants.

Don’t use regularly

Regular use of nasal irrigation may actually increase your risk of sinus infection. You can use nasal irrigation occasionally without any risk, but try not to do it on a regular basis. Routine use may remove some protective elements of the mucus membranes lining your nasal passages and sinuses.

Only use sterile water

One final warning: It’s crucial to use sterile water to prepare the irrigation solution. Boiling before use should be sufficient.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a parasitic amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has been linked to several deaths among neti pot users who did not use sterile water. Once introduced into the sinuses, the parasite makes its way to the brain, causing an infection that is fatal.

A neti pot is a simple device that looks like a small teapot. To use a neti pot:

Mix warm, sterile water with pure salt in the pot before you start.
Place the spout in your nostril on top while tilting your head slightly to one side.
Let the saline solution drain through your bottom nostril.

As noted above, it’s crucial to use sterile water. Create a saline solution by adding the correct amount of pure, noniodized sodium chloride to the water, to make one of two solutions:

Isotonic. This is a 0.9 percent saline solution, or 9 grams of sodium chloride dissolved in 1 liter of water.
Hypertonic. This is a 1.5 percent to 3 percent salt solution.

Kosher salt or sea salt are suitable sources of pure sodium chloride with no added minerals. The New York Sinus Center warns against using table salt or iodized salt.

Don’t attempt nasal irrigation with tap water. Using sterile water is essential for safety, and salt prevents the uncomfortable burning sensation associated with using solutions that aren’t isotonic.

Isotonic solutions contain enough dissolved solids to match the concentration of solutes dissolved in the blood. Not surprisingly, sea water is essentially a hypertonic solution of salt and water. However, never use sea water deliberately for nasal irrigation — doing so can increase the risk of introducing unwanted contaminants.

Neti pots are a great, natural way to relieve nasal congestion and allergies, as long as you use sterile water and don’t use them too frequently. They have been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns about nasal irrigation.

Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ballas SK. (2017). Of pools, oceans, and the Dead Sea.
ashpublications.org/blood/article/130/24/2578/36889/Of-pools-oceans-and-the-Dead-Sea
Heatley DG, et al. (2001). Nasal irrigation for the alleviation of sinonasal symptoms.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11458213/
Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe? (2021).
fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your-sinuses-neti-pots-safe
Principi N, et al. (2017). Nasal irrigation: An imprecisely defined medical procedure.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451967/
Rabago D, et al. (2002). Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12540331/
Rabago D, et al. (2006). Qualitative aspects of nasal irrigation use by patients with chronic sinus disease in a multimethod study.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1522156/
Rabago D, et al. (2009). Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.
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Ritual nasal rinsing & ablution. (2020).
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Tomooka LT, et al. (2000). Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Oct 19, 2021

Medically Reviewed By

Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C

Feb 8, 2017

Written By

Dale Kiefer

Edited By

John Bassham

Copy Edited By

Emily Schalk

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Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Dale Kiefer — Updated on October 19, 2021

Neti Pots for Sinus Infections: Do They Help?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Does the Neti Pot Really Work?
Neti Pot Solution
Using a Neti Pot
Sinus Rinse Dangers
How Often Do You Need to Use the Neti Pot?
Where Can I Find a Neti Pot?
Where Can I Find a Neti Pot?
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If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with sinus problems, you know how uncomfortable facial pain and clogged nasal passages can be. In their search for relief, many have turned to nasal saline irrigation, a therapy that uses a saltwater solution to flush out the nasal passages.

Although several methods of nasal irrigation exist, one of the most popular is the neti pot, a ceramic or plastic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin’s magic lamp. Although nasal irrigation using the neti pot has been around for centuries, its use is on the rise in the U.S. The neti pot originally comes from the Ayurvedic/yoga tradition.

Some ear, nose, and throat surgeons recommend nasal irrigation for their patients who’ve had sinus surgery to clear away crusting in the nasal passages. Many people with sinus symptoms due to allergies and irritants in the environment also use neti pots or other nasal irrigation devices, saying they ease congestion and help with facial pain and pressure.

Research backs up these claims, showing that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation relieves sinus symptoms without the use of medications.

How does the neti pot work? At its most basic level, it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages.

A more biological explanation has to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of your nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solution can help increase the speed of the cilia and improve their coordination. This helps them better remove allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

You can buy premade solutions meant for use in the neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices. But you can also make a saline solution at home.

Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide- and preservative-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Store in a small, clean container. When you’re ready to use the neti pot, mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture into 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water.

For children, use a half-teaspoon of salt with 4 ounces of water.

Neti pots usually come with an insert that explains how to use them. Be sure to follow these directions carefully. You might want to ask your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to talk you through the process before trying a neti pot on your own.

Fill the neti pot with the saline solution. Tilt your head over a sink at about a 45-degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the solution into that nostril.

The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. It may also run into your throat. If this happens, just spit it out. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid, then refill the neti pot and repeat the process on the other side. Always rinse your Neti pot or other irrigation device after each use, and leave it open to air dry.

If you notice burning or stinging when you use the saline solution, cut the amounts of dry ingredients to make it weaker.

Research has found that the neti pot, used as directed, is generally safe. A few regular users have mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. You can also get nosebleeds, but they’re rare. Reducing the amount of salt in your solution, using the neti pot less often, and changing the temperature of the water may help reduce side effects.

But it’s possible to get a potentially serious infection from nasal irrigation. To prevent this, take these precautions:

Never use unboiled tap water for nasal irrigation. Some tap water contains bacteria or other harmful organisms. It’s safe to drink since your stomach acid kills them. But they can live in your nasal passages.

Take proper care of your device. Nasal irrigation devices can harbor bacteria, too. Before you use it, wash your hands and make sure the device is clean and dry. After using it, always wash it thoroughly. You can wash it by hand or put it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Let your device air-dry completely between uses. Replace your neti pot every few months or as its directions recommend.

If you have side effects from using a neti pot or develop an infection, talk to your doctor.

In studies, people with daily sinus symptoms got relief from using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system daily. Three times a week was often enough once their symptoms eased.

But using it too often can irritate your nasal passages. And it might be counterproductive to use it daily for a long time.

The mucus in our nasal passages helps to protect us against infection. It captures germs and irritants before they enter our bodies and can even kill some bacteria. Some experts think that when you flush out mucus with nasal irrigation, you lose some of that protection.

That’s why it might not be a good idea to use nasal irrigation as a preventive when you don’t have any sinus symptoms. Some experts say you should use it for no more than 1-3 weeks at a time.

If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor. They can figure out what’s causing the problem and find the right treatment.

Research has found that the Neti pot is generally safe. A small number of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can also occur, but they are rare. Reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use, and changing the temperature of the water may help to reduce side effects.

To help prevent infection, always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Also, it’s important to properly care for your nasal irrigation device. Either wash the device thoroughly by hand, or put it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Follow by drying the device completely after each use.

If you experience side effects or develop an infection, talk to your doctor.

Neti pots are available over-the-counter at many drugstores, health food stores, and online retailers. They usually cost between $10 and $30.

Top Picks

Neti Pot: 6 Health Benefits of Nasal Wash

From Allergies and Colds to Sinus Infections – When is Neti Pot Useful, How to Use It, and What are the Health Mistakes of Usage

Photo: photos.demandstudios.com

A neti pot is a small teapot or pot for rinsing the nose. Neti pots come in a variety of shapes and colors, but are usually all plastic or ceramic.

Neti Pot is filled with purified water and salt or a salt-based mixture specially formulated for it.

It was invented by Eastern healers. And it is believed that the systematic use of neti pot improves immunity and improves well-being, relieving a person of many ailments associated with the nasopharynx.

6 Health Benefits of Neti Pot

1. Stuffy Sinuses

Sometimes we may experience sinus congestion due to environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

Neti pots help keep the contents of the nose healthier by flushing out unwanted irritants and mucus.

2. Colds

Colds are nasal congestion, sometimes accompanied by headache and facial pain. With neti pot, you can thin the mucus so it can flow out more easily. This will ease the symptoms of a cold.

3. Sinus infections

The use of neti pot can help not only with acute sinus infections, but also with chronic sinusitis.

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients with chronic sinus infections improved their symptoms.

Over time, they not only got rid of sinus congestion. They also had fewer headaches and were much less likely to resort to over-the-counter medications.

4. Allergies

A scientific review published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy states that rinsing the nose with salt mixture with a pot of neti is not only a safe and inexpensive way to relieve nasal congestion from allergies.

It also improves a person’s overall quality of life and reduces the need for allergy medications.

5. Sinus problems associated with pregnancy

Photo: www.verywellhealth.com

Due to hormonal levels, some pregnant women often experience nasal congestion.

The American Pregnancy Association and the Mayo Clinic recommend this nasal wash.

For expectant mothers, this is a safe and effective home remedy for nasal congestion due to sinus infections and allergies.

6. Snoring

If sinus congestion makes you snore, neti pot can help clear your nose. Getting rid of congestion, you are likely to get rid of the unwanted habit of snoring.

How to use

1. Lean over the sink and turn your head to the side. Place the spout of the neti pot into the upper nostril.

2. Breathe with your mouth open, slowly pour the contents of the neti pot into the upper nostril. The solution will begin to flow from the bottom of the nostril.

3. Repeat the same with the second nostril (turning the head to the other side).

Common Mistakes and Risks

– Use of a hazardous source of water (particularly tap water).

There are at least two known deaths in the United States due to the use of tap water in a neti pot contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, a deadly type of bacteria.

– Do not rinse / do not wipe the instrument. The neti pot is extremely important to keep clean.

After each use, rinse with good quality water and dry (air, or dry well with paper towels).

– Sharing. Neti pots are like toothbrushes, they cannot be used by several people at once, it is not safe from a hygiene point of view.

– Too regular use of neti pots. This can damage/remove some of the important protective elements of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages and sinuses.

Photo: cdn.abcotvs.com

Neti pots are also not recommended for babies.

If you experience discomfort or unwanted side effects after neti pot, stop using it and seek medical attention.

__________

The information on this site is not a treatment guide. The site team strongly recommends contacting a specialist if you suspect any disease. The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only.

Health tips cold

Neti pot. What is this? | Kurkuma

Have you ever suffered from an inability to breathe through your nose? Many people suffer from this seemingly harmless disease. Nasal congestion can be caused by a variety of causes, both colds and allergies. There are many drops sold in pharmacies that temporarily clear the nose, but after the action of the medicine, the problem returns again. There is a simple, time-tested way to solve this problem. It consists in the use of a teapot called a neti pot, with which it is simple, convenient and very effective to perform the technique of washing the nose of the neti.

Neti pot is a water vessel with a convenient spout specially made for cleansing the nasal passages. You need to draw warm water into the kettle, add a little salt, then insert the spout of the kettle into the nostril and start rinsing. The technique of neti or jala neti comes from traditional yoga and Ayurveda. “Neti” means to lead or direct. Yogis use neti pot to facilitate deep breathing before practicing pranayama. This is a simple health secret that many Ayurvedic experts recommend today. Traditionally, this vessel is made of copper, but today it can also be found in plastic and ceramic. The neti pot is a handy personal care device that is easy to use at home and on the go. After you use it regularly, it will become a habit and will become a regular morning and evening wash.

Washing the nose is as important as brushing your teeth. With the help of the Neti technique, the body is rejuvenated, toxins are eliminated, and weight loss is achieved. Diseases and infections of the nasopharynx are also easily treated. It is easy to do, safe and has no side effects. The benefit of the flushing technique is to clear mucus from the entire body. The procedure also improves the conditions for the passage of air and energy through the nervous and circulatory systems, which, during their normal operation, will have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole. For anyone who suffers from excess mucus and clogged lymph nodes, neti pot will greatly help in improving health. The neti technique is a good way to lose weight. When the sinuses are clogged, the air circulates incorrectly and the immune system weakens, the digestive functions are weakened, and as a result of the weakening, toxins-slags (ama) and excess weight accumulate.

Does neti pot help with allergies: How Neti Pots Can Be Used to Treat Allergies

How Neti Pots Can Be Used to Treat Allergies

Don’t use on infants

Don’t use regularly

Only use sterile water

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Neti Pots for Sinus Infections: Do They Help?

Top Picks

Neti Pot: 6 Health Benefits of Nasal Wash

Neti Pot: 6 Health Benefits of Nasal Wash

6 Health Benefits of Neti Pot

1. Stuffy Sinuses

2. Colds

3. Sinus infections

4. Allergies

5. Sinus problems associated with pregnancy

6. Snoring

How to use

Common Mistakes and Risks

Neti pot. What is this? | Kurkuma

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