DEMYSTIFYING THE NETI POT FOR ALLERGIES

Have you ever wondered about using the neti pot for allergies? Does it really work? Or is it just a ploy to make you look (and feel) ridiculous?

By now, you have probably heard of the neti pot. Most people either use it and love it or are so turned off by the concept that they never even try it. Let’s get one thing straight – it is weird. It is awkward. I mean, it’s a little genie jar that you use for your nose. There is really nothing I can say to make it sound cool. It’s just not.

However, the neti pot is a very useful tool for people who suffer from allergies and sinus problems. I have used it off and on for years. I can definitely tell a difference when I use it on a regular basis.

Years ago, I had an allergy test done. It basically stated that I’m allergic to everything outside. Imagine my joy! I can’t go outside without my nose stuffing up and my eyes watering. It makes springtime so much more fun! (Side note: I really need to invent a sarcasm font because I’m laying it on pretty thick right now!)

Obviously, NOT going outside is not really an option. My doctor prescribed medicine, but I’m not really one to commit to a prescription for the “rest of my life” unless dire circumstances are involved. So, I went to my local health food store to chat up the staff about their recommendations. Without hesitating, they all recommended trying the neti pot and even pointed me toward a shelf of different pots for the picking.

I, of course, chose the one that looked like genie in a bottle. I may or may not have rubbed it a few times in hopes of getting my shot at three wishes. No genie. BUT I noticed that using it once a day through allergy season drastically reduces my symptoms. It’s almost like magic!

USING THE NETI POT FOR ALLERGIES

You will need:

Neti Pot – Here is one similar to mine. I prefer ceramic, but they come in plastic too.
Non-Iodized Salt – It’s best to use one formulated for neti pots, like this one!
Water – NO tap water. It is easiest and safest to use distilled water.

You will need to warm your water to roughly body temperature. Some people heat it on the stove and let it cool down. I did it like this for a while, but quickly learned that I really have no patience for such things.

One day, I had an AHA moment for the easiest way to heat my water. If you have kiddos, you probably already have the supplies. If you don’t, they are pretty easy and cheap to buy. All you need is a bottle and bottle warmer, similar to this one! I use a liquid thermometer (similar to this one) and heat it to 100 degrees. Voila! The bottle warmer is small enough to store under my bathroom sink, making it super convenient.

Once your water is heated, add it to your neti pot with 1/2 tsp of salt. You can add a pinch of quality baking soda, if you desire. This is supposed to “buffer” the solution and make it a bit gentler. I’m not sure of the science behind it, but I read that’s how Gwyneth Paltrow’s does it. If Gwyneth does it, it must be great, right?!

The next step is to use it! This is a great video from the Himilayan Institute that describes the detailed steps on how to do use your neti pot. Remember, NOTHING about this process is cool. BUT I’m assuming that if you have read this far you are more worried about getting relief from your allergy symptoms than losing your street cred. So, neti with pride.

NETI POT QUICK TIPS

• Use a bottle warmer to heat your water.
• Use a thermometer to easily know when your water is the right temperature.
• Do NOT use tap water. Distilled is best.
• Try using your neti pot right before you shower…while standing in the shower. Then you don’t have to worry about getting water everywhere.
• If you feel like the water is going down into your mouth or you get a “drowning” sensation, bend over a bit more at your waist. Once your angle is right, it is a more pleasant process.
• Do NOT forget to add the salt. It hurts. Don’t ask me how I know.
• Do NOT do it without warming the water. It hurts. Don’t ask me how I know.
• Adjust the temperature and salt content (up and down by a little bit) until you have it perfect for you!
• I like using it at night about an hour before bed. This clears any allergens out from my day and also allows time to make sure the water drains out before I lay down for bed. Find what works best for you!
• If you know you have a lot of allergy and sinus issues, use the neti pot preventively. Although it can help if you are really congested, it is best to use it regularly during allergy season. So, get on a routine!

WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY?

Yes, there were two cases in 2011 where people died after using their neti pots. They used tap water that contained a rare amoeba that was safe to drink, but deadly in the sinuses. This is the same amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) that has caused several deaths from swimming in warm, fresh water. The problem wasn’t with the neti pots, but with the fact that they were used with tap water. So, use distilled water. Problem solved. Even the FDA says neti pots are safe when used correctly.

NOW GO FORTH AND BREATHE

Using the neti pot once or twice probably won’t do much. But once you get into a routine, you should experience some relief from your allergy symptoms. So, go forth and breathe in the air! Smell the flowers!

Have you ever used a neti pot? Did it help your symptoms? What other things do you do to get relief during allergy season? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!!

Peace, Love & Happiness,