How to Use a Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation with a neti pot is an ancient Hindu practice most popular from Yoga called Jala Neti, which in Sanskrit, literally means “water cleansing”. It is a popular practice to flush out dirt and excess mucus from nasal cavities in order to keep them healthy from infection and aid with breathing techniques for overall good health. Today, it has become a common household item for many families around the world to help prevent allergy flare-ups, infection or inflammation from sinusitis.

Nasal Cleansing Solutions

Before using a neti pot, it is important to choose a good nasal irrigation solution that will work best for safely cleaning out the nasal passages. The most common type is a simple saline solution using pure sea salt, but there are many others who use iodine-free table salt. Regardless of the type of salt used, it is important to find clean and pure salt that is free from additives and chemicals, though there are some practices where a very small amount of sodium bicarbonate is added to the saline solution to make it gentler on the nasal tissues.

In general, it is recommended to have less than one percent salt concentration in the liquid solution, which would come out to be approximately one teaspoon per 500ml of water. The saline solution temperature will vary from one person to another. For example, some people prefer a slightly warmer solution to room temperature while others like a cooler one, but it would be a good idea to have a general temperature that is close to one’s own body temperature. This will keep the process comfortable without potentially aggravating the inner nasal tissue.

Steps to Properly Use a Neti Pot

Prior to use, always ensure the neti pot is clean inside from any foreign particles and small debris. This is important to keep the saline solution pure and keep other potentially hazardous materials from entering the nasal passages, instead of cleaning them out.

Using a neti pot requires a few simple steps for the best nasal irrigation results.

1 – First, mix the saline solution by stirring the salt in the water until it has completely dissolved, then pouring it into the pot.

2 – Then, lean your head forward with the chin angled towards the chest. If the right nostril will be cleaned first, angle your head slightly to the left. This procedure is best done outside, leaning over plants or indoors over a sink to catch the runoff.

3 – Next, take the neti pot spout and gently insert it into the first nostril. Make sure not to press the opening of the spout against the nasal wall since this may block the water flow.

4 – Now, keep your mouth open for air and to allow the water to redirect through the nasal passages, rather than down the throat. While some people may experience runoff to the back of the throat, it is usually due to the procedure or some physiological attribute, which is easily solved by simply spitting it out followed by gargling clean water.

5 – Finally, tilt the pot to allow the water to flow through one nasal passage and exit through the other.

Make sure to practice the proper procedure in order to clean the nasal passages thoroughly without any discomfort. While many yoga practitioners use neti pots prior to every session, it is recommended to use it every now and then, especially during high allergy times or sinus flare-ups.

How to Make Solution for Your Neti Pot

The health benefits from using a neti pot are endless and a wonderful way to save money from using fewer medications and medical treatments. For those new to the Jala Neti (act of cleansing the nasal passages) scene, purchasing pre-packaged saline cleansing solutions is a great way to have a clean mixed and weighed batch, but in order to save money from these purchases it might also be a good idea to mix personal batches at home.

Investing in two simple bulk ingredients, can end up saving time, money and help a little more with the environment by getting rid of excess packaging.

Salts

Before using any old salt from home, it is very important to remember that this solution will travel throughout the nasal region where there is a vast amount of sensitive tissue and delicate nasal lining. Table salt and bath salts usually contain a great amount of chemicals and anti-caking agents that are fine in moderation for cooking or for external use, but for nasal irrigation it is advised to use pure, chemical-free salts like sea salt, kosher salt and any others that are natural and colour-free.

Checking health food shops or specialty shops are best for finding an array of natural salts, but it is also possible to check the salt packages from regular food shops. The most common salts that people use for their cleansing mixtures are different types of sea salt, but as with everything, it should be used in moderation and properly mixed with water.

Water

For cleansing sensitive internal areas, especially near the eyes and ears, it is very important to remove all potentially harmful particles and not indirectly adding more by using unpurified water. The best water for nasal irrigation with a neti pot should be purified or distilled. While many people may use tap water, it is not advised to use it directly from the tap, but at least boil for several minutes then allowing it to cool.

The water temperature is also a very important factor for comfort and proper jala neti technique. The ideal temperature should be very close to one’s own body temperature. This will ensure comfort, proper cleansing and hydration of the internal system.

Recipe and Procedure

Even though the saline solution sounds easy enough to make, simply dumping a bunch of salt into water can actually irritate and possible harm your nasal passages and even the eyes from a concentration that is too much for the sensitive sinus region to handle.

The ideal saline concentration should be approximately equal to that of the human body, which means the salt concentration should be less than 1%. Adding too much salt will irritate the nasal passages and possibly create discomfort in the eyes and even the ears.

Here are two saline mixture recipes that can be done at home. Make sure to mix the solution until all of the salt has dissolved to ensure a uniform distribution that will not irritate the nasal passages.

For smaller neti pots you will require:

8 ounce (238ml) of purified/distilled lukewarm water

1/8 teaspoon chemical-free salt

If you would like to use a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate, the recipe will change to:

8 ounces (238ml) of purified/distilled water

1/4 teaspoon chemical-free salt

1/4 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate

For larger neti pots:

17 ounces (500ml) of purified/distilled lukewarm water

1 teaspoon chemical-free salt

If you would like to use a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate, the recipe will change to:

17 ounces (500ml) of purified/distilled lukewarm water

1/2 teaspoon chemical-free salt

1/2 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate

The Health Benefits of Nasal Irrigation

There are many benefits from nasal irrigation, especially when using a neti pot. The practice of cleaning out the nasal passages with a small pot has been around for centuries from ancient Hindu tradition prior to Yoga sessions. The neti pot is a wonderfully simple yet effective tool for removing bacteria and other potentially hazardous particles from the sinus area, while also relieving symptoms from many of the most common ailments today.

Allergy Relief

Most allergy sufferers have an array of symptoms from the air they breathe. With so many allergens like dust, dander and pollen floating around in the environment, it is very simple for them to get trapped in the sinus cavity, then triggering the allergic reactions by irritating the body from the inside. A neti pot is a great answer to clean and prevent these reactions by completely clearing out the nasal passages of all foreign bodies that can potentially harm or set off the allergies.

Sinus Congestion and Sinusitis

With so many pathogens that can easily get trapped in the nasal cavity, it can be quite easy to get a sinus infection or suffer from sinus congestion on a daily basis. By using a neti pot to remove all of those pathogens and promoting a healthy working system, the chances of sinusitis will decrease dramatically and the pressure from sinus congestion will reduce to practically nothing.

Asthma

There are millions of people who suffer from asthma all around the world. While many asthma cases are not so severe, there are others who have very serious problems where even specific medications are unable to relieve the sudden attacks. The majority of these conditions are brought on by the air and particles within it. The neti pot is designed to flush out all of the harmful particles, bacteria and excess mucus that holds everything in the sinus cavity. While the pot may not cure asthma, it will certainly minimize the sudden reactions and pressure from within.

Headaches and Migraines

Just like asthma, millions of people suffer from headaches and migraines on a daily basis. While the main cause for them is still uncertain, it has been said that neti pots help relieve and eliminate the constant pain and pressure. Since the saline solution used with neti pots is a comfortable temperature that mirrors the body, when there is an increase in temperature within the head from headaches, the neti pot water will actually create a slight cooling effect that has been shown to alleviate headaches and migraines.

Common Cold

While using a neti pot will not cure the common cold, it is certainly a wonderful tool to help clear the cloudy feeling and sinus pressure to help with clear breathing and congestion. By removing the bacteria, it helps the body heal faster while also creating a more comfortable feeling for rest.

Eye Health

Though it has not been scientifically proven, many neti pot users have promoted the pot to help with their vision and other eye-related problems. Since the eyes, ears and nose are all connected, using a neti pot will not only clean out the nasal passages, but also indirectly help clean other areas like the tear ducts from foreign bodies that may block or prevent them from properly cleaning out the eyes.

Good Sleep

Good sleep comes from many factors, but most of all, from proper breathing. The neti pot cleans the nasal region and removes excess mucus that minimizes the area for air flow, causing slightly laboured breathing. This in turn causes unrest and difficulty for proper sleep. By regularly using a neti pot, it will promote overall good health and allow for clear air flow for peaceful sleep.

Use a Neti Pot for Allergy Relief

Using neti pots for nasal irrigation is an ancient Hindu practice called Jala Neti that originates from cleansing rituals that were performed prior to Yoga in order to promote healthy breathing passages and good health. By cleaning out the nasal passages of excess mucus and other foreign bodies the breathing techniques during yoga were clean and accurate.

Just as in the past, the neti pots are used for healthy breathing pathways prior to Yoga, but it has now become a widespread practice throughout the world to help relieve allergy symptoms and prevent nasal inflammation from infection.

How It Works

A neti pot is a very simple design that looks just like a regular tea pot. Ranging in sizes that hold anywhere from 30ml to 500ml, they are filled with a slightly warmed up saline solution or other special nasal irrigation solution that cleans the nasal passages without irritation. The short stout of the neti pot should fit snuggly into one nostril to prevent leaks and direct the liquid through to the other nostril. While the liquid travels from one side to the other, it takes along all of the excess mucus and other debris that may be lodged within the nasal cavity, preventing clear airways.

How It Helps With Allergies

For those who suffer from hay fever or other allergies from dust, dander and other particles found in the air, the main problem is breathing in the allergens. Once in the sinus passages, the allergens attach themselves to the soft tissue then aggravate breathing and trigger other reactions like watery eyes and sneezing. A neti pot is a wonderful tool to ease the severity of such allergic reactions and even help minimize future reactions. By using a clean sea salt or chemical free salt for the saline solution, it not only flushes out the allergens throughout the sinuses, but also helps hydrate the surrounding tissue for combatting inflammation and possible infections.

As good as it is for adults, neti pots may also be used for children who might suffer from allergies. Since the nasal irrigation only uses clean and natural saline solutions, they are perfectly safe for children, however, one very important thing to remember is to follow the procedure properly and make the practice fun and so the children see it as a good experience.

Not Just for Sinuses

While many believe that neti pots only help the nose, it has also been found that for some, regular and proper jala neti practices also help with vision by cleaning out the tear ducts as well as aiding with healthy ear secretions that prevent infection. Making sure the neti pot is used properly will help heal any facial pain from pressure and since they are all connected, will keep a healthy working system between the nose, eyes and ears.

In order to help allergy symptoms that may flare up and affect day-to-day life, trying nasal irrigation with a neti pot at least once a week with a mild saline solution will not only help that, but also overall health of the nasal region for breathing.

Neti Pots Aid in Relief of Sinus Infection and Sinusitis

A neti pot is a wonderful device designed to flush out excess mucus and foreign bodies from nasal passages and promote good health from sinus infection and sinusitis. Also known as a nasal irrigation device or nasal douche, it is an effective way to clean out the nose by using a range of natural cleaning solutions or more typically a simple saline solution.

Famous for Yoga preparations from the ancient Hindu practices, the neti pots are now becoming more popular throughout the Western world for sinus problems and even relief from allergies. For anyone suffering from sinusitis or other inflammatory conditions through the nasal passages, using a neti pot on a regular basis may help to alleviate the sinus discomfort and promote healthy breathing pathways.

Sinus Infection and Inflammation

Millions of people around the world suffer from sinus infection and inflammation that cause blocked passages, breathing complications and even occasional facial pain. The neti pots help clean out the bacteria and hydrate the sinus area to keep a good healthy balance within the nasal system. While the system is made to be self-cleaning and protect the body from foreign bodies from entering, sometimes the passages become dry which may lead to infection or block clear passageways for proper breathing.

How Neti Pots Work

In the simplest form, a neti pot is used to flush out the nasal passages with pure salted water or natural cleansing solution. As the solution passes from one nostril through to the other, it cleans out any foreign bodies or excess mucus that inhibits proper air flow or promotes nasal congestion due to inflammation or infection like sinusitis.
The most common solutions to flush out nasal passages are generally made using pure sea salt or chemical free table salts. Dissolving the salt into lukewarm water works best in order to comfortably flow through the passages and not aggravate the soft inner tissues.

Once the dissolved solution is placed in the neti pot, the water is poured into one nostril where it should run through one passage and out through the other. The debris and impurities are gently washed out while clean water adds moisture. The moist sinus area aids in combatting bacteria while also keeping a good working sinus system for overall good health.

Things to Remember

With sinusitis and sinus infection, there are some potentially minor problems that may arise with the saline solution. The salt concentration should be less than one percent to keep it mild on the sensitive nasal tissue. While the saline solution helps hydrate the nasal passages, it may still cause a little discomfort during the wash, which is when sodium bicarbonate may be added as a way to create a mild buffer that can easily and naturally clean while being absorbed into the soft tissues.

Rather than use over the counter medication for sinusitis, neti pots are a healthier and natural way to clean out the nasal passages that will not only create a stronger working system but also save on cost and other possible side effects from chemical medications.

Get Relief From Asthma By Using a Neti Pot

There are millions of people around the world who suffer from asthma and is has been said that neti pots actually help relieve many asthma induced symptoms and reactions. Most asthma cases are brought on by many of the same allergens and pathogens as those who suffer from allergies.

By breathing in the allergens in the air, they irritate the internal tissue in the nasal cavity and the back of the throat, triggering coughing spouts and excess mucus build up to separate the bacteria, which is all of the body’s natural response to get rid of the things that don’t belong.

Since the most common triggers and symptoms for asthma are very similar to allergies, treating both with the same methods may also help relieve the pressure and minimize the body’s reaction. Using a neti pot for regular nasal irrigation will not only help with overall health and quality of life, it will also help save money in the end.

How Neti Pots Work

Neti pots look like small tea pots but they are specially designed to have the spout fit comfortably in a nostril while the saline solution is poured in one nasal passage and directed through to the other. As the solution flows through the passages, it carries along with it the bacteria and allergens while also clearing all of the excess mucus that inhibits proper air flow and holds the allergens in the sinus cavity.

By regularly using neti pots for cleaning, it will hydrate the soft tissue and delicate nasal lining for an overall healthier working system. This will greatly help combat against infection and prevent asthma triggers from allergens that irritate dry nose and throat tissues.

The most important component for the neti pot nasal irrigation is the saline solution. It is very important to clean out the sinuses using only purified water and chemical-free salt. The most popular saline solution is made with natural sea salt due to its healing properties and availability around the world. Generally, the saline solution is lukewarm and used on its own, but there are some people who prefer to add a safe buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate to aid with sensitive nasal lining.

Once mixed uniformly with the water, the saline solution is poured into one nasal passage and either allowed to flow out the other, or kept in the passage to help eat away at stubborn mucus build up.

How Neti Pots Help Save Money

With so many health benefits from using a neti pot, it is certain to also help save money in the long run from fewer medical treatments and medications. If the nasal irrigation is done properly and on a regular basis, it will not only relieve immediate asthma symptoms but also help make the body stronger and less susceptible to triggers from allergens in the air.

With a one-time purchase of a neti pot and learning to mix personal batches of saline solution from bulk ingredients, it is sure to save hundreds of dollars a year from less effective nasal sprays and other sinus and breathing medications.

Neti Pot History

The neti pot was developed in India centuries ago as a way to practice Jala Neti. This is the ancient Hindu practice of cleansing the breathing passages in the head with the use of a pot and a specially mixed cleansing solution.

Prior to neti pot use, the cleansing technique was performed by yogis (professional yoga practitioners) with a fairly short string that was passed from one nostril through to the back of the throat and out of the mouth. As the string passed through the breathing passages, it cleared and purified the breathing passages from excess mucus and maximized the specialized Yoga breathing techniques that were developed for good health.

This cleansing technique is tied to Ayurveda, which in Sanskrit means “longevity related to knowledge”, or in other words, is an ancient holistic practice for health, healing and overall well-being. The entire cleansing ritual was thought to bring forth many physiological benefits, healing powers, psychological benefits and even in some cases, clairvoyance. This was all to aid in the best possible quality of life and spiritual fulfillment.

While the string was used as a nasal irrigation tool at first, it would be many years later that the neti pot would be designed, and the practice of nasal irrigation with water took its place.

Ancient Neti Pots

The first neti pot forms were made by hand with clay. They were small pots that would hold enough water to clearly irrigate each nasal passage prior to yoga breathing sessions and the cleansing solution comprised of a lukewarm isotonic salt solution.

Modern Neti Pots

The modern neti pots have changed very little in terms of shape and size, though there have been a couple of main changes to help make the experience more comfortable and safe. Most of the pots today will have a special cone-tipped spout or spout attachment for a tighter seal and more comfort in the nostril. The other difference is that clay neti pots are solemnly used, but rather an array of other materials like ceramic, plastic, glass and stainless steel and copper. These materials are far more popular for safety and cleanliness.

Since clay is a very porous material, it is easy for different particles to get stuck in the pores within the pot, then being mixed in the saline solution. This may cause some problems during and after the nasal irrigation practice due to the fact that bacteria and foreign particles are being introduced into the nasal cavity, rather than being flushed out. If the particles get stuck in a nick or dry spot, it may turn into an infection or greatly irritate the sinus area.

The saline solution has also changed a little, but only with the types of salt and other additions to the saline mix. The most common salt that is still used is sea salt, but there are other natural, chemical-free salts that are found in the market, specifically for nasal irrigation. Also, most of the pre-mixed solutions will include a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate to ease the saline through the nasal passages without irritation.

The neti pot is certainly a wonderful device created thousands of years ago that has great physiological and psychological benefits for everyone and it is simply a matter of giving it a try to reap the rewards.

Neti Pot Types

Jala Neti is Sanskrit for nasal irrigation with a neti pot. From ancient Hindu practice to modern day use, the neti pot is becoming a common item in many households to help many with sinus ailments like allergies and sinusitis. While the main pot shape and use has not changed for over a century, there is a wide range of neti pot types that have both advantages and disadvantages for the person using it.

Clay Neti Pots

Original neti pots from ancient Hindu practice were handmade with clay. While they are not as widely available today, there are still a few natural clay styles available for purchase or workshops where instructors show step-by-step instructions for handmade pots. Using clay pots is great to stick with the look and feel from a traditional point of view, but there may be potential hazards that may accompany this type as well.

Clay has a porous surface that may be difficult to properly clean out before and after each use. One problem with porous materials is they are prone to having small particles attach themselves to the small crevices and may in turn wash into the nasal passage leading to irritation or possible infection. Another potential problem may be for families with children or anyone who may be prone to dropping things, since the fragile nature of clay will cause it to chip.

Ceramic Neti Pots

Like the clay pots, the ceramic neti pots have a porous surface that may be difficult to clean and trap foreign bodies like dust and dirt. They are also not as durable as plastic or metal and are in reality more brittle than clay.
While they do offer a wide range of beautiful designs and finishes, the ceramic pots are usually made in small sizes which will require a new fill for each nostril and they may feel hard or uncomfortable to use since they generally do not include special cone shaped spouts that fit nicely into nostrils.

Glass Neti Pots

Most of the glass neti pots are considered works of art that may be displayed around the home and they are available in several different sizes for comfort and ease of use.

A great point for glass neti pots is how easily they clean and rinse out. The salt solution does not affect the glass except by leaving slight salt stains if not rinsed and dried after use. The one major problem with glass is the fact that it does shatter easily when dropped.

Plastic Neti Pots

Plastic is very durable and the pots are made in a wide range of colours and sizes. Generally the most inexpensive material around, they are also lightweight and easy to transport anywhere.

Depending on the way it is made, the plastic pots normally have a specially shaped spout that should fit comfortably in nostrils and a smooth non-porous surface that is easy to keep clean prior to each use.

One problem that there may be is if the plastic neti pot was created in a mold with two halves joined together. The seam running along the middle of the pot may scratch the sensitive inner lining of the nose. Another problem that may arise is the fact that plastic may change over time, giving off an odour and possibly changing shape from extended use or simply from being left in the sun.

Metal Neti Pots

The most common metals used for making neti pots are stainless steel and copper. They are both lightweight and durable materials that can withstand drops and knocks and are made in many sizes for comfort and ease of use. Most metal pots will include changeable spout tips that are specially shaped to fit comfortably in nostrils.

The stainless steel pots are less expensive than the copper and will not tarnish as easily. Since there is a salt concentration used with neti pots, over time the stainless steel may develop slight salt deposits, but they can easily be avoided if properly rinsed and cleaned after each use.

The copper is a beautiful finish for any shape and size, but the cost does add up for these types. No matter how well it is cleaned, it will have a tarnished look in a short span of time.

Neti Pot Benefits

Using a neti pot is a very unique and ancient Hindu experience that cleanses the sinus area and promotes overall good health in many different ways. Gaining in popularity all over the Western world for the last few decades, the neti pots not only have a long list of diverse health benefits from regular use but have also become a great way to save money from cutting out many medications and treatments.

Neti Pot Health Benefits

The practice of using a neti pot to clean the nasal passages and sinus area is called Jala Neti, which in Sanskrit means “cleansing the nasal passages”. This is a very old practice that has been passed on by many professional Yogis, or professional Yoga practitioners as a way of purifying the body and creating a clean and clear path to maximize the various breathing techniques. Today, it is still a very common practice prior to Yoga sessions, but it has also become a very well-known tool for anyone needing some relief from the more common medical symptoms affecting millions around the world.

The way a neti pot works is very simple and effective for instant and long-term relief from allergies, asthma, headaches, sinusitis and more. The pot is very basic like a regular tea pot, which is then filled with a natural, chemical-free and warmed up saline solution. This solution is then flushed into one nostril and redirected through to the other, carrying along with it all of the excess mucus, foreign particles and bacteria with it. This creates a healthy breathing passage and clears the sinuses from possible infection or allergen irritation. By slightly cooling and cleaning the sinus area, this also helps relieve headaches and migraine symptoms that affect many people on a daily basis.

Neti Pot Cost Benefits

As for a cost benefit, it may not seem obvious from the get go, but purchasing a neti pot can certainly help save quite a lot of money in the long-term. With proper regular use, the neti pot can not only relieve some medical symptoms and conditions, but also help minimize or completely eliminate different ailments that may affect daily well-being.

By minimizing allergies and sinus-related problems, it saves on the cost of medical treatments and medications that would normally have been used for more severe reactions. This is the same case for those who regularly use nasal sprays or other medications to help with regular breathing. By using one simple device with the most inexpensive ingredients of water and salt, it can possibly save hundreds of dollars a year for good health and better quality of life.

The history and benefits from using a neti pot are certainly not something that should be ignored for good health and the improvement of one’s own body. Today, there is a very wide range of neti pot types and prices available all over the world, and the cost to purchase one is very low compared to the potential cost for sinus and breathing-related treatments that are purchased and used every day.

Avoiding Neti Pot Dangers

For anyone looking to try out a neti pot for nasal irrigation should know about any potential problems that may arise. Many of the “dangers” are actually false or are not from the neti pots themselves, but more from the procedure or other physiological conditions of individual users.

The following list will address the most common concerns from new or first time neti pot users. While some of the problems may apply to the average user, others are either special cases or effects from improper use.

Improper Water Flow

There are many people who have trouble with the water flow from pretty much any type of neti pot. This problem may arise from either improper use or individual physiological attributes within the sinus cavity.

The main and simplest cause of poor water flow is from pushing the neti pot spout too close or too hard against the nasal wall, which ends up blocking the spout opening. The easiest way to avoid this is by angling it a little more centred and easing the pressure against the internal nostril.

The second factor may be from excess tissue growth within the nasal passages, a nasal septum deviation or excess mucus/debris build up that prevents the water from passing through to the other side.

If at first the water does not pass through, try holding it in the nasal passage to allow the saline solution to possibly clean the area and then draining it from the same nostril. Continue this action a couple of times to see if it begins to clear up. If it does not, there is a possibility of excess tissue growth or a nasal septum deviation that will require a quick medical procedure to correct it. While it is nothing to be alarmed with, the procedure followed by a regular neti pot practice, could certainly help with breathing and overall health.

Nasal Irritation or Tissue Damage

There are a few users who complain about nasal irritation or tissue damage after using a neti pot. Generally, this is due to the saline solution being somewhat harsh on more sensitive nasal linings and from having too much pressure applied from the spout that causes tissue damage.

One of the main things to remember is having a perfectly balanced ratio of salt to water in the solution. Overall, the saline concentration should be very close to that of the human body in order to safely clean and absorb into the tissue. One component that can be added to a saline solution is a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate. This will create a much milder formula that will decrease any irritation.

Neti Pot Degradation

One of the main concerns about neti pots is the degradation of the materials into the water. Since neti pots use salt and water, there is a concern about the salt eating away at the inner lining of the pot, then mixing into the saline solution that is flushed through the nasal passages. While it is a possibility, most of the materials will last a long time without such problems if properly washed and rinsed with clean water before and after each use.

For materials such as plastic, they should always be kept out of the sun and away from heat sources to prevent warping and possible chemical transfer into the water. For other materials like ceramic and clay, they should have a clear coating to cover the fine pores, leaving a smooth and protected finish.

Ear Infections

While many people would not consider any connection with neti pots and ears, there have been many cases where users had ear infections after using a neti pot. This should never be the case if the pot is used properly. Even though the sinus region is connected to the ear canals, the proper posture and procedure should not allow water to flow into those regions, but rather from one nostril through to the other.

As discussed earlier, there may be some physiological attributes that may account for misdirected water flow, other cases are as simple as trying to blow any excess water from out of the ears (like after swimming)instead of allowing it to drain naturally.

The main danger is not from the neti pot itself, but instead from the foreign particles that are carried from the nasal region through to the sensitive ear canals.