How to Use a Neti Pot
Step 1: Choose Water
The most important choice you will make when learning how to use a neti pot is choosing the right water. We recommend using one of the following:
- Distilled or sterile water
- Tap water that has been boiled for 1 minute (3 minutes at high elevation) and cooled
- Filtered (1 micron or smaller) tap water
Instructions for use
Step 2: Make the Saline Solution
Start with bottled purified or distilled water. Warm it to body temperature or slightly warmer. The temperature of the water used for the nasal wash should be body temperature or very slightly warmer. Avoid very hot or very cold water.
If you're using our ceramic neti pot, you can warm the water in the microwave directly in the pot. The pot holds 8 ounces comfortably, but don’t fill it to the very top.
Use the cap of the Aromatic Salt bottle to measure the salt. Fill the cap just over half full. Adjust the salt based on your preference. The specific amount of Into the Scented Garden neti salt is a rounded 1/2 teaspoon of to 8 ounces of warm water.
Mix this rounded 1/2 teaspoon of scented or unscented neti pot salt into 8 ounces of lukewarm water.
The amount of salt needed can vary depending on the mineral content of the water used. Be sure to adjust to find the amount of salt that's right for you. If our neti pot solution salts are not available to you, choose a salt which contains no added iodine, anti-caking, or free-flowing agents. Furthermore, the amount of salt needed varies depending on the fineness of the salt.
The general rule is that the finer the salt, the less salt that is needed. If you are using a very fine salt, 1/4 teaspoon may be enough. If you are using a coarser salt, such as kosher salt, you will need 1/2 teaspoon or slightly more. When learning how to use a neti pot, experiment and adjust the amount of salt until you have a solution that is comfortable for you.
If the solution feels like a "swimming pool," add more salt. If it stings, use less. The right amount will make the saline flow comfortably through your nasal passages. Our proprietary neti pot salt dissolves quickly, so a quick stir will blend it smoothly.
Step 3: Rinse Your Nasal Passages
With the neti pot filled and standing over a sink, tilt your head. One nostril should point down, and the other should face up.
Insert the neti pot spout into the upper nostril. Gently pour the saline solution into this nostril, letting it flow out the lower nostril.
When the neti pot is empty, blow your nose into the sink or a tissue. Keep both nostrils open while blowing out. Repeat the process on the other side.
After rinsing both sides and blowing your nose, bend forward and turn your head to help release any remaining saline.
Step 4: Clear Nasal Passages
After rinsing both sides thoroughly, bend forward at the waist. You can do this over the sink.
Slowly turn your head from side to side. Forcefully blow out your nostrils at the same time. Specifically, tilt your head slightly downward to encourage the solution to drain out completely. These actions help expel any remaining solution from your nasal passages.
Continue this gentle motion and blowing until no more liquid comes out. This step ensures a clean and refreshing feeling.
Step 5: Clean Your Neti Pot
Our neti pot is crafted from durable high-fired porcelain, making it both easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
After each use, rinse it with hot water to remove any residue. For a deeper clean, wash it using mild soap and warm water by hand, Additionally, you can place it in the dishwasher once a week or as needed to maintain hygiene.
Ensure it’s completely dry before storing it.
Now that you've experienced the benefits, you can teach others how to use a neti pot and being health and happiness to their life.