Posted May 5 2011, 3:00 am
The time flowers bloom – along with your allergies. Whether you’re allergic to pollen, pet dander, dust mites, gluten, mold or just plain LIFE, the sneezing fits and stuffy nose that come with allergies are just not that much darn fun.
You can take over the counter antihistamines or decongestants to relieve your suffering. You might even consider going to the doctor to get a prescription for Claritin, Allegra or Omnaris. All of which costs money and will only mask your allergy symptoms and not actually do much to get rid of the problem. So what will? A nettie pot.
A what? A nettie pot. Also known as a netie pot or a nose bidet (I’ve even heard it called a nose bong). This ancient East Indian practice is a natural way of rinsing out the nasty allergens that cause our noses to plug and for us to sneeze and sneeze and sneeze.
I got turned on to the wonders of a nettie pot by my massage therapist, Laura. (Laura is an awesomely cool lady y’all will meet next month. Hey, Laura! I’m waving to you. Got your Google account set up yet?) Anyway, after spending a good portion of my adult life unable to breathe through my nose, I couldn’t believe the solution was as simply as saline (salt) water and an I-Dream-of-Genie-looking pot. But it was. Since I’ve been a regular nettie pot user, I can’t remember the last time I had an allergy-induced stuffy nose.
Now, a couple of things you need to know about nettie pots. First, this is NOT a saline wash. When my husband had sinus surgery a few years back, his doctor gave him a wash kit. Pat forced the saline water up into one nostril and it then exited through the other one. A nettie pot is kinder and gentler, using gravity rather than force. Second, you can use every day, non-iodized salt you find at the grocery store for your saline solution. No need to spend the extra money to get pre-packaged saline packets. The amount of salt you use should match the saltiness of your tears and the temperature of the water should match your body temp. Some people are grossed out by the whole stick the pot in your nose deal, but it’s a natural way of eliminating allergens from your sinuses. I’ve also used my pot to wash out the icky mucus of a head cold. (Now that’s gross.) But if you have an actual sinus infection, the pot probably won’t do you much good. Then you do need to get your boo-tah to the doctor and get on antibiotics.
Something else to remember is salt is a drying agent. After using your pot, you need to moisten the tender lining of your nose. Stick you pinky finger in a bit of olive oil and ring each nostril. The other thing to keep in mind is not to blow your nose right after using your pot. You might force lingering moisture into your ear canal and set yourself up for an ear infection.
If you’re interested in checking out more about nettie pots, just Google the name. There are tons of YouTube videos out there showing the different styles of pots as well as how to use them. You can purchase a pot online or simply go to your local natural food store.
I’d be curious to know how many of you use nettie pots. Is there a trick or tip you can add? Please share. As always, you can email me lynda@lyndabailey.net. Have a great weekend.
8 Comments
Home •• Meet Lynda •• Bookshelf •• Extras•• Privacy Policy •• Connect
© 2023 Lynda Bailey. All rights reserved.
This site contains content that might be considered offensive and/or inappropriate to some. If you are under 18, or are easily offended, please click the "exit" button.
Good morning Miss Lynda! You have the most interesting information! In this case, it’s weird–I was just talking about nettie pots with a friend and now you have even more info. The universe must be telling me something 🙂 I am so fortunate NOT to suffer with allergies; I’ve always been grateful! But hubby does and this might be just the thing for him. I may have to show him some of those videos. Thanks for all your great topics.
Happy to help, dear Lizzie!
And, yes, the universe is talking to ya! Good luck with hubby’s allergies!
Love ya!
I’ve been using one for several years, to help control a mild dust mite allergy. It really helps, and it’s so CHEAP compared to medication. The only expense, once you buy the pot (which is not expensive), is salt. I’m so hooked on my neti pot (actually, on the feeling of having a non-clogged nose) that I take it with me when I travel.
Amy~
I travel with my nettie pot, too! It’s great, especially when I’m gone for a week or more. And you’re right on about the expense. Thanks for pointing out the economical advantage of a nettie pot and for stopping by!
I’ve been doing this for years. Opera singers have been known to use this technique to keep their sinus clear. It’s not pleasant, but it works.
How true!
Thanks for popping in, Shea!
Lynda, I will definitely check it out. My family has allergies! Great post 😉
Thanks for stopping by Donnell!