“The History of the Neti Pot"
While nasal irrigation has only recently become popular in the United States, it has been practiced for thousands of years in India. The ancient yogic technique of Jala Neti means “nasal cleansing.“ (Practitioners of Jala Neti use a device called a neti pot to rinse out the nose. Shaped like Aladdin's lamp, a neti pot allows you to flow saline into one nostril, through the sinus cavity, and out of the other nostril.)
These days in India and South Asia, the use of the neti pot is just as common as use of the toothbrush. Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Mehmet Oz, well-known doctors and frequent guests on “The Oprah Winfrey Show", have recently helped to popularize the neti pot in the West.
Nasal Irrigation for Allergies
The neti pot is especially beneficial for seasonal allergy sufferers. When you inhale pollen grains, they get stuck in your nasal mucus, where they cause allergic reactions. Nasal irrigation will rinse away the pollen grains to provide allergy relief.
Neti pots help with perennial allergies, too. For example, if you're allergic to dust mites, a saline rinse in the morning will help to remove the allergens that accumulated in your nose overnight.
Nasal Irrigation for Sinusitis
Nasal irrigation is helpful in the treatment and prevention of sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by bacteria or fungus, or a combination of both. When mucus builds up in your sinuses, it provides an inviting habitat for these impurities. A neti pot rinses away excess mucus as well as infectious agents.
The neti pot also restores moisture to irritated nasal membranes. For this reason, it's often recommended to people who have had sinus surgery.
Nasal Irrigation for Colds
When it comes to the common cold, a neti pot will clear up congestion and wash away the viruses that cause colds. Many people use a neti pot at the first sign of a cold to eliminate the cold virus before it has a chance to fully take hold.
Nasal Irrigation for Children
Many cold medications are not safe for young children, but nasal irrigation is all-natural and perfectly safe. It has no side effects. Our customers have used neti pots on children as young as 2-years-old with no problems.
Nasal Irrigation for Improved Quality of Life
Many musicians and athletes use neti pots to improve breathing skills and enhance performance. However, the neti pot is most beneficial to those of us who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems. Nasal irrigation quickly and safely clears out the sinuses, so that you can breathe better. As the American Lung Association says, “When you can't breathe, nothing else matters.
NeilMed Sinus Rinse is designed to irrigate the nasal passages and clear them of mucus, allowing nasal medication to work more effectively. It is also used to clean bacteria, viruses, allergens and irritants from the nose with the intent of reducing infections. *Consisting of a saline-based powder that is mixed freshly for each use, NeilMed Sinus Rinse is advertised as safe for all ages but does offer a concentration specifically for children. The starter kit contains everything you need for your first nasal irrigation.
