Saturday, October 3, 2009

Weekend Rerun!

Jephy's Mom gave me a wonderful idea in her comment on my previous post. Considering how the Swine Flu season is now in full swing, I'd like to share with you an extra line of defense.

My new followers may be unaware of my devotion to the Neti Pot. I use it daily and it has cut back, tremendously, the number of sinus infections I used to get. I've gone from around 4 or more per year to maybe once, twice max. I also use the Neti Pot when I return home from my work as a Respiratory Therapist where I am exposed to all sorts of muck and yuck.

So, what exactly is a Neti Pot?


The neti pot is simply a form of sinus/nasal irrigation. It’s name is derived from jala neti, a Sanskrit word meaning “nasal cleansing with water”. This practice is common in Avurveda, a traditional Indian form of medicine.

You can find neti pots in most drug stores and natural food groceries. Many come with packets of premixed dry ingredients that you simply can add to water. I, however, find those packet mixes irritating to my sinuses so I prefer to make my own nasal rinse.

The directions for use are simple: Add 1/4 tsp. non iodized salt (I prefer Kosher) to 1 cup warm water. Pour this into your neti pot. Place tip of neti pot into one nostril. Keeping that nostril up, tilt your head and bend over a sink. The warm saline will begin to wash over your sinuses and drain out of the bottom nostril. You will need to breath in and out through your mouth during the rinse so remember to keep your mouth open. Once finished, blow excess saline out your nose into the sink, then blow your nose into tissues you have close at hand. Repeat with other nostril.

For those who are more "visual" in nature, here is my personal demonstration. (Viewer beware, not for the squeamish or faint of heart)



P.S. That snickering you hear in the background is dear daughter, whom I forced to videotape this demonstration. I had to stop the nasal wash early because she was starting to make me laugh. Trust me, you don't want to laugh while using the neti pot!

6 comments:

ChristineM said...

Actually, very nice demonstration! My husband has to use a neti pot (chronic sinus issues)...he obviously does it wrong, because we get a lot more sound effects with him!

Lissaloo said...

lol, kids :) I have always wondered exactly how these worked, thanks for the demo. I have heard from lots of people how wonderfully it works :)

life laugh latte said...

Come on over to lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com. We have an AWARD for you to pick up! Passing some love on to you:) Have a great weekend.
Holly & Charisse

SPEAKING FROM THE CRIB said...

found you from life laugh latte, and i'm desperately afraid that video is going to end up on you tube somewhere!

never heard of a neti pot but i tremendously enjoyed the demonstration

Raoulysgirl said...

Oh, dear sweet Polly! I had to watch that again (I watched it the first time you posted it,too!) just because you are probably the only person that I can think of who can de-snot with so much class! I'm not kidding! I would NOT be able to be filmed while doing that. Also, I think I may actually look into getting a neti pot. I've put it off long enough. It may be just what the doctor ordered! My hubby will want one, for sure...he likes "natural" remedies...I will have to share this with him.

Willoughby said...

Even after your wonderful demonstration, I'm still a little afraid of the neti pot. I always choke and gag when I get water in my nose. On the other hand, I can't live without saline nasal spray when I have a stuffy nose. Maybe I'll get brave and try one!

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