Now that winter is upon us, sinus infections and sinus pain are some of the most mentioned complaints. We have found that maintaining a practice (year round) of using a neti pot/cup to clean and maintain the health of our sinuses really helps us stay healthy.
Nasal irrigation (using a neti pot/cup) has been used since antiquity as one of the most important of all preventative medical practices. The moisture provided through irrigation works to empty the sinuses of thick, infected mucus which collects there. Irrigation helps to restore normal sinus function. Neti pots/cups were used by ancient yogis who believed clear breathing led to clear thinking and by purifying the nose, a higher state of meditation could be achieved. They additionally thought that cleaning the nose helped overcome addictions, mood swings, and general body complaints.
Just as you use your toothbrush to maintain clean healthy teeth and gums, using your neti pot/cup assures effective and entirely natural protection from breathing problems associated with sinusitis, colds, flu, and allergies.
Neti pots/cups are made of many different materials, from stone to porcelain to metal to plastic, but we are lucky enough to personally know a potter who makes surgical grade porcelain neti pots/cups that are not only very sanitary but are also beautiful. Our friends at Coryell Clayworks hand cast and glaze each piece. They are made of true, vitrified porcelain, which ensures that they will remain hygienic, durable and dishwasher safe. They are designed specifically without a hollow handle to prevent bacteria to collect and grow. The shape of these pots/cups fits perfectly into your hand and the spout perfectly covers the nostril when you use them. If you need to buy one, please come in and see our selection. They are normally $25.50 each, but as a winter special SALE we are selling them for $20.00, while supplies last!
Neti pots/cups can be used any time of the day – morning and evening on a daily basis or as needed, especially after activities where more allergens are introduced into the body (like being outside when pollen count is high).
Fill the neti cup/pot with 4 oz. of lukewarm water and thoroughly dissolve about ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized salt (optional). Tilt your head sideways over a sink (or in the shower, it is less messy) and gently insert the spout into the upper nostril. Allow the fluid to flow in through and out the other nostril, let the water flow while breathing through your mouth. Some fluid may flow into the back of your throat In that event, simply spit it out.
