To Neti or Not to Neti

The Ayurvedic practice of neti (the Sanskrit word meaning “nasal cleansing”­) involves the use of a pot or bottle to pour a warm salt water solution into one nostril, allowing it to run out through the other, flushing out dirt, dust, pollen, pollutants, germs and bacteria-filled mucus.

I’ve long be a neti-vangelist (that’s a vocal advocate of the practice of neti for those not familiar with the words I make up). I have even done visual demonstrations in my yoga classes (for those who wanted to see, of course).

So when this story about the potential of dying from brain-eating amoeba after using a neti pot came out, my email inbox saw some action. I’ve tried to respond to everyone who contacted me individually, but the emails are still rolling in.

“Jen, do you still use the neti pot?”

The answer is a resounding yes – two times a day. I strongly believe in the benefits of nasal irrigation. The practice has greatly improved and prevented the sinus symptoms I experience with colds, infections and seasonal allergies. And, many Otolaryngologists (ENTs) agree – recommending the practice to their patients.

But, I have started using distilled water instead of tap water. I just briefly warm the distilled water in a tea kettle before mixing my solution.

So, I still highly recommend it, especially for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis and seasonal allergies. At one time, it was difficult to find neti pot retailers in the United States. But, now you can by a traditional neti pot or a newer neti squeeze bottle at most drugstores. While it is not advisable to use iodized table salt, specifically formulated neti salt is also widely available.

Video demonstrations are available online. The practice may look intimidating, but it is relatively easy to perform and adjust to. As always, if you have questions, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about whether or not this practice is safe for you.

Do you use practice nasal cleansing? Did the brain-eating amoeba news scare you? Where you hoping for a video of me using my neti pot? I’d love to hear your input!