Wednesday Dec 03, 2008
Wednesday Dec 03, 2008
The last few weeks I've been fighting a cold. I finally made an appointment with my doc, who suggested I consider using a Neti pot to "improve the health of my nasal passsages".
So, off I went and picked out a cute little blue neti pot. Little did I know this would now be my new best friend....
You fill the neti pot with warm water, add a little packet of salt and baking soda, lean over the sink, put the spout at one nostril and then pour, amusing yourself as you watch it dribble out the other nostril. Half way through you switch sides, all the while breathing out of your mouth.
This is the oddest sensation....my sister said it's like flossing you nose, which totally fits. It's a bit uncomfortable at the time, but WOWZIE how good it feels when you are done....
Speaking of which I think I need to floss my nose right now....
Ok, I am gonna ask you to do something for me - I think we, your blog readers, need a pictorial demonstration of the neti pot. :) I have been hearing so much about it but I do NOT grasp how you pour it into your nose while leaning over. I need to see this, honestly. Can you help me out? :)
p.s. it sounds like I would LOVE this.
Posted by christin on December 03, 2008 at 09:32 AM MST #
There are plenty of videos on youtube that show neti pot use. Some are good some bad.
By the way, instructions vary, so google for the right docs.
Posted by josef B. on December 03, 2008 at 10:09 AM MST #
+1 on regular use of the Neti pot. Many people's reaction is "ugh, gross", but it is not worse than flossing teeth. And it works.
Posted by Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart on December 03, 2008 at 10:19 AM MST #
If you want a cheaper, less "fu fu" version of a Neti Pot, go to your local Walgreens, and find the NeilMed Sinus Rinse bundle.
I get chronic sinus infections, during the harsh midwest winters, and you are right. Not only do you come to love the feeling, it does help keep infections at bay.
Posted by 192.18.101.5 on December 03, 2008 at 12:15 PM MST #
I would never have guessed the neti pot post would have been so polular! I actually do have the less fu fu version...I've got the walgreens NeilMed bundle as anonymous suggested - it's awesome! Makes me want to run home an floss the sinus' again!!!
Posted by Barbara Kish on December 03, 2008 at 12:48 PM MST #
My friend Krista told me about these neti pots, she uses them when she hears a ringing sound in her ears, which apparently is related to her sinuses. I LOVE the idea of using natural remedies like this instead of medicating ourselves. Thanks for the suggestion.
Oh speaking of natural remedies, I gargle with salt water now at the first sign of a scratchy throat. I haven't had a cold in over a year.
Now of course I'm going to get a cold because I said that.
Posted by melanie gao on December 03, 2008 at 07:19 PM MST #