It's been several years since I first saw a neti pot being used when it was featured on Oprah, but I didn't start using one myself until about a year or two ago when my nurse practitioner suggested I give it a try. I am now convinced that the use of a neti pot is one of the simplest, most effective methods for maintaining upper respiratory health. I have seasonal allergies and the resulting inflammation caused me to get sinus infection after sinus infection (that would lead to ear infection after ear infection). After my nurse practitioner recommended a neti pot, I started using it twice a day until I got things under control. Now, even though I think I'd do well to use it every day, I only use it when I'm feeling congested, sick, or if I've spent the day caring for patients with infectious diseases. I rarely get sinus infections (haven't had one all winter!) and I don't get nearly as many ear infections. When I first started using it I didn't even realize how stuffy I always was because I was so used to feeling that way!A lot of people use herbal preparations in their neti pots, but I prefer to stick to saline. Add 1/4 tsp. non-iodized salt and fill the neti pot with room temperature water. Repeat for each side.
It took me several tries of using a neti pot to tilt my head and breath just right so that the water didn't run down my throat, so don't give up if it's unpleasant at first! Also, watch to make sure that you don't add water that's too hot or cold or you'll get shooting pains similar to a "brain freeze" when you use it (not to mention risk for inflammation or injury to the delicate tissues in your nasal passages if you use really hot water). On a side note - spend the extra $4 to get a ceramic neti pot. They're worth it. The overpriced, cheaply made plastic ones I've seen are a horrible embarrassment to neti pots everywhere.
6 comments:
That sounds terrible. You can keep your neti pot. :P I think this blog is AWESOME, by the way! I half-way ran out the door to buy some coconut oil, but remembered it's Sunday. Where do you get your castile soap and coconut oil, anyway?
That's odd considering I just dropped charges against you for breaking into my home and trying to steal my neti pot last month, but I'll let you tell people whatever you need to... :P
They sell castile soap at Target but sometimes I can find it a little cheaper on Amazon. After I use up the bottle I currenly have I'm gonna start making my own. You ought to join me! I buy the unrefined coconut oil at Good Earth. My favorite brand is Spectrum - it seems smoother than some of the other brands I've tried.
Awesome!
And, besides, it was only fair. You keep peeking in my windows. :P
Yeah, but seriously, can you blame me? You guys lead such interesting lives (;
I think the neti pot is really cool. On that note IT TERRIFYS ME!!! I would be the one who swallows all the crap and gets in in the eyes and blah blah, I may need some "bullying" to get on the ban wangon....
Aw, Amii! You know me, I'd be more than happy to bully you into trying it ;)
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