by Kerry L. Thomas

Created on: October 28, 2010

Neti Pots are small vessels that hold a warm solution of saline that is used for nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation is a simple process that washes out debris and dried mucus from the nose and sinuses. The neti pot uses gravity to produce the flow from one nostril to the other. There is no excessive pressure built up with this process and it is generally regarded as a safe practice for those with sinus problems.

The mucus within the sinuses helps capture debris and small hairlike structures called Cilia beat to a rhythm that causes waves within the mucus if everything is working normally. The Cilia act like tiny oars to move the captured debris along in the mucus.

Healthy sinus mucus must be a certain consistency. If the mucus is dried or too thick this can prevent the cilia from sweeping the debris to the back of the throat or forward and out the nostrils. This is the body’s natural cleaning system for the sinuses.

When the body’s natural system can not rid the sinuses of the trapped or dried mucus then illness can occur. Bacteria and allergens can become trapped against the sensitive sinus membranes and cause inflammation and swelling. The swelling can contribute to blockages which act to further prevent the proper drainage of the mucus and contributes to sinus pressure and pain.

The Neti Pot works to help augment the natural cleaning process by stimulating mucus and keeping the sinus membranes moist. Using the neti pot for nasal irrigation helps to remove dried mucus and help keep the proper consistency of the nasal mucus.

The neti pot allows the user to pour a warm saline mixture through the nostrils and thus flush the sinuses. The saline formula is usually the same strength as the body’s own tears and thus does not cause any discomfort for the user. Stronger saline solutions are available that tend to help increase the mucus secretions during the nasal irrigation process.

Nasal rinse additives are also available for use with the neti pot. These are usually herbal based products that consist of essential oils and even minerals such as zinc. Capsaicin (The hot ingredient in pepper) is also used to help stimulate mucus flow. These rinse additives are usually reserved to people that have used the neti pot enough to become familiar with the process and can tolerate the discomfort produced.

By washing away debris, and keeping the sinus membranes irrigated,  the neti pot user can help maintain better sinus health.

Learn more about this author, Kerry L. Thomas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.