Calming Allergies with a Neti Pot
This time of year I start having allergy problems, particularly when I spend time outside working in the dusty leaves. I wake up the next morning kind stuffy, my ears burn and my throat hurts. Several years ago I started using a neti pot to help with my allergies so I wouldn’t have to take medication. I am now a HUGE fan of the neti pot and I use it all the time. It not only keeps my allergy symptoms at bay but it’s extremely useful for keeping colds/flu away and for helping with congestion when you have a cold/flu.
Many sources will tell you to only use kosher salt for your neti pot, but I use sea salt. I don’t like the idea of using refined salt in any application. Some people swear by using Himalayan salt, I just use what I have around for cooking.
You can get the natural kind without the minerals, but I use Real Salt with minerals (I just mix in a canning jar and pour out all but the last little bit to keep the minerals in the jar). I also add a pinch of baking soda to my neti water. Here are some other great recipes for the neti pot.
Have you ever used a neti, or it is out of the question to pour water through your nose?
Filed under Make Your Own | Comments (18)
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I’ve tried it. Flooded my sinus and ended up a mess. May consider giving it a whirl again. I find saline sprays work well too.
Beegirl´s last blog ..
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I tried it awhile ago, and I felt like I had water sloshing in my ear after. Maybe I didn’t do it right, but it was not comfortable, so after a few tries, I gave up.
Thankfully, I don’t really suffer from allergies, though.
kristin @ going country´s last blog ..This Can’t Be Healthy
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I can see how this would work, I suppose it is just a matter of getting used to using it properly. My wife has early spring grass allergies, perhaps this would help to releive them. I suppose one would have to use it every day during allergy season? Very interesting….thanks.
Mike´s last blog ..Our Ultimate Survival Food
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I usually use it in the evening (not within a half hour of going to bed). If my allergies are particularly bad I use it in the morning as well. It flushes out all the allergens and helps clear congestion.
You have to make sure not to blow your nose after you neti, otherwise you may force the saline solution up into your sinuses or into your ears. Sounds gross, but you snort & swallow when you’re done, that helps get everything draining properly. And the saline helps soothe your throat.
to Susy's comment
I’ve never managed to get a neti pot here but use this method if I’ve got a cold. I use an egg cup and yes it does end up dripping all down your face. I’ve used salt and also a very dilute solution of Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with water. As with gargling HP does a great job of killing bacteria and nipping infections in the bud before they take hold. It needs to be really dilute for use in the nose though or it’ll sting like hell!
nic @ nipitinthebud´s last blog ..making sloe gin
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Oh yes, I use HP in my ears as well and I gargle with it or apple cider vinegar as well. I’ve have to give it a go in the neti, I used to use a small tea pot before I got a proper neti pot.
to Susy's comment
I don’t use a pot, per se, I use one of those squeeze bulbs, so it’s very controlled and doesn’t get everywhere. I was incredibly skeptical–I’m not a fan of anything to do with noses and sticking things in them or what comes out of them–but agreed to give it a try when my allergist suggested it. I was amazed at how much better I felt afterwards–clearer and…more moist (you know how your sinuses feel so dry after you have been blowing your nose a lot). I’m now a die hard fan.
melissa´s last blog ..vodka infusions
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I recommended this to my mom a couple years ago when she was getting frequent sinus infections, and she swears by it. She bought one of the squeeze bottle ones, and uses it every night before bed during allergy season. It’s kind of funny to watch, but if it works, it’s awesome.
Christine´s last blog ..Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education
to Christine's comment
I liked it at first, but then my ears started hurting. Maybe I was getting the water up in them or something.
pam´s last blog ..A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
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I use the “turbo” neti all the time…where you squirt water through your nose under pressure! It saves lives!
warren´s last blog ..Fall Colors
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I remember seeing your post about it. That’s the kind my mom uses. I’m not sure I could handle all that power :)
to Susy's comment
I appreciate this post! A friend recommended a neti pot, and I have been using one for a few weeks, with I think, good results. I had just been using salt for the solution, but I am going to try some of your recommendations. Wish I had it back in September, when seasonal allergies were really giving me trouble!
Gudrun´s last blog ..New Kitchen Tools from Cuisipro and VacuVan (and a Giveaway!)
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I love my netti pot!!!!
Leiah´s last blog ..Be the change you want to see in the world
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I have never tried one, but have thought about it for years. It sounds so interesting, I may have to give it a go!
Nancy´s last blog ..Easy Listening
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I just recently started using one this past summer and have been happy with it. I normally had to take allergy medicine all fall, and have been able to avoid doing so by using the netti pot.
Andres´s last blog ..Wintersown Tomatoes
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Neti pots are amazing. My boyfriend started using one and it’s helped him so much. I’ve actually never used one though. I’m one of those obnoxious people who are allergic to pretty much nothing, so I very rarely have congestion problems.
Sarah Jane´s last blog ..New Moon Swap!
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I was a bit skeptical at first, but now I LOVE the neti!
Pampered Mom´s last blog ..How to Make Elderberry Syrup
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I’m one who swears by using Himalayan sea salt! If you need to find some I love the products at Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com.
to Jessica's comment