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The Himalayan Institute Neti Pot
TM
Safety Guide
Introduction
The Neti Pot is a time-honored, doctor-recommended, and clinically tested way to cleanse
the nasal passages. Using it regularly can markedly lessen symptoms of colds, allergies,
sinus problems and post-nasal drip. Multiple studies prove that nasal irrigation “improves
sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients
with frequent sinusitis,”
[1]
along with conventional medicines.
[2][3]
Additionally, “there is
evidence that saline is benecial in the treatment of the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis
when used as a sole modality of treatment.”
[4]
Even when symptom free, nasal cleansing loosens and washes away built up mucus in the
nose and allows for freer breathing. Regular use of the Neti Pot reduces inammation in the
nasal passages, increasing the ow of air through the nose. Yoga practitioners have known
this for thousands of years and appreciate the free ow of air through both nostrils during
asana and meditation.
To ensure that you get the maximum benet, and to protect yourself from infection or
re-infection during nasal irrigation, we have created this safety guideline. Please read
and follow these instructions.
Step 1) Making Saline Solution
Rinsing the nasal passages with a properly mixed warm saline (salt water) solution doesn’t
burn. The saline solution you will be making has the same concentration of salt as tears and
other body uids. This makes the solution soothing to the mucus membranes of the nose.
It is best to use a pure, non-iodized salt, such as Neti Salt
TM
, which is pure sodium chloride.
Other minerals found in sea or table salt can be irritating to the nasal passages.
Use a level ¼ teaspoon for nely ground salt (such as Neti Salt) or up to ½ teaspoon of
coarser ground non-iodized salt.
Mix with 8 ounces of warm sterilized water until the salt is completely dissolved.
Always use sterilized water, such as boiled or distilled water, during nasal cleansing.
If you boil your water, please make sure it is cooled to body temperature before
using in your Neti Pot.
Trouble shooting:
If the solution irritates your nose, it is either not salty enough, or too salty. Taste the solution:
If you can barely taste the salt, you’ve used too little and need to use more.
If it is very salty, you’ve used too much salt and need to use less.