Do Neti Pots Really Work? (2024)

What Is a Neti Pot?

If you're one of the millions of people dealing with sinus problems, you know how uncomfortable facial pain and clogged nasal passages can be. In their search for relief, many have turned to nasal saline irrigation, a therapy that uses a saltwater solution to flush out the nasal passages.

Although several methods of nasal irrigation exist, one of the most popular is the neti pot. The neti pot is a ceramic or plastic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin's magic lamp. Although nasal irrigation using a neti pot has been around for centuries, originally from the Ayurvedic/yoga tradition, its use is on the rise in the U.S.

Where to find a neti pot

Neti pots are available over the counter at many drugstores, health food stores, and online retailers. They usually cost between $10 and $30.

Reasons to Use a Neti Pot

You can use a neti pot to manage symptoms of sinus infections (sinusitis), colds, the flu, COVID-19, and allergies involving the nose. You can also use it to push out mucus and allergens, prevent your nostrils from irritation, help you breathe more freely, moisturize your nostrils in dry indoor air, and relieve a stuffy or blocked nose.

Wudu nasal rinsing

The Islamic faith practices nasal rinsing in wudu or ablution, a ritual performed before prayers that happen five times a day.

Ritual nasal rinsing is also practiced in yogic, Ayurvedic, and other traditions.

Neti Pot Benefits

Ear, nose, and throat surgeons may recommend nasal irrigation for patients who've had sinus surgery to clear away crusting in the nasal passages.

Many people with sinus symptoms due to allergies and irritants in the environment also use neti pots or other nasal irrigation devices, saying they ease congestion and help with facial pain and pressure.

Nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation relieves sinus symptoms without medications.

Some benefits you may get from using a neti pot include:

  • A rinsed nasal passage
  • Cleared mucus / crusting
  • Reduced stuffy nose
  • Improved breathing
  • Relief from sinus pain and pressure

How Does a Neti Pot Work?

At its most basic level, a neti pot thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages.

A more biological explanation has to do with tiny, hairlike structures called cilia that line the inside of your nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat, where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solution can help increase the speed of the cilia and improve their coordination. This allows them to better remove allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

Neti Pot Solution

You can buy premade solutions meant for use in the neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices. But you can also make a saline solution at home.

Neti pot solution recipe

Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free and preservative-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Store in a small, clean container. When you're ready to use the neti pot, mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture into 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water.

For children, use a half-teaspoon of salt with 4 ounces of water.

How to Use a Neti Pot

Neti pots usually come with an insert that explains how to use them. Be sure to follow these directions carefully. You might want to ask your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to talk you through the process before trying a neti pot on your own.

Neti pot instructions

  1. Wash your hands before picking up the neti pot.
  2. Fill the neti pot with the saline solution.
  3. Lean over a sink and tilt your head over it at about a 45-degree angle so that the liquid doesn't flow into your mouth when you start.
  4. Breathe through your mouth as you place the spout into your top nostril
  5. Gently pour the solution into that top nostril.
  6. The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. It may also run into your throat. If this happens, just spit it out.
  7. Blow your nose to remove any remaining liquid, refill the neti pot, and repeat the process on the other side.
  8. After each use, clean and rinse your neti pot or other irrigation device following the manufacturer's instructions, and leave it open to air-dry.

If you notice burning or stinging when you use the saline solution, reduce the amounts of dry ingredients to make it weaker.

Best time of day to use a neti pot

You can use a neti pot any time of the day, once or twice a day.

How often can you use a neti pot?

In studies, people with daily sinus symptoms got relief from using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system daily. Three times a week was often enough once their symptoms eased.

But using it too often can irritate your nasal passages. And it might be counterproductive to use it daily for a long time.

The mucus in our nasal passages helps to protect us against infection. It captures germs and irritants before they enter our bodies and can even kill some bacteria.Some experts think that when you flush out mucus with nasal irrigation, you lose some of that protection.

That's why it might not be a good idea to use nasal irrigation as a preventive measure when you don't have any sinus symptoms. Some experts say you should use it for no more than 1-3 weeks at a time.

If your symptoms don't improve, see your doctor. They can figure out what's causing the problem and find the right treatment.

Neti Pot Side Effects

Research has found that a neti pot, used as directed, is generally safe. A few regular users experience mild side effects that go away, such as:

  • Nasal irritation
  • Stinging
  • Burning

You can also get nosebleeds, but they're rare.

If you experience these side effects, try to reduce the amount of salt in the solution, adjust the frequency of neti pot use, or change the temperature of the water to get relief.

Congestion worse after sinus rinse

Your congestion can feel worse after a sinus rinse if you use only water rather than the saline solution. It can cause swelling in the nasal passages, making symptoms worse.

Neti pot water stuck in sinuses

Water from the neti pot can get stuck in your sinuses if you don't tilt your head correctly. You can tilt your head properly, ensuring it's at a 45-degree angle, so the saline rinse doesn't get stuck or flow into your mouth.

If you feel like some of the solution is still in your nasal passages, tilt your head forward and to the opposite side of the nostril you just rinsed, and blow your nose gently.

If you experience side effects or develop an infection after using a neti pot or nasal irrigation device, talk to your doctor.

Sinus Rinse Dangers

A potentially serious infection from nasal irrigation, like a Naegleria fowleri infection, is possible with a sinus rinse. Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that lives in pipes linked to tap water, ponds, lakes, and rivers. If you use water with this amoeba in your sinus rinse, it can go to your brain and cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

PAM can destroy brain tissue and cause brain swelling and death. It's called a brain-eating amoeba for this reason. With a PAM infection, you may have symptoms like:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck
  • Changes in mental state
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma

However, Naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with only 157 reported cases from 1962 to 2022.

To prevent a serious infection from happening during a sinus rinse, take these precautions:

Never use unboiled tap water for nasal irrigation. Some tap water contains bacteria or other harmful organisms. It's safe to drink since your stomach acid kills them. But they can live in your nasal passages. You can use distilled, sterile, or filtered water if you don't have boiled water.

Take proper care of your device. Nasal irrigation devices can harbor bacteria, too. Before you use it, wash your hands and make sure the device is clean and dry. After using it, always wash it thoroughly. You can wash it by hand or put it in the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe. Let your device air-dry entirely between uses.Replace your neti pot every few months or as recommended by its directions.

See a doctor if you have symptoms of an infection, like fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, or tiredness.

How to Care for Your Neti Pot

Always clean and air dry your neti pot after using it to prevent it from harboring bacteria or other harmful organisms that can enter your nasal passages during your next use. Also, don't share your neti pot with anyone to prevent spreading germs.

Replace your neti pot every few months as directed by the manufacturer.

How to clean neti pots

Here's how to clean your neti pot:

  • Wash your hands first before picking up the neti pot
  • Add boiled, distilled, sterile, or filtered water mixed with dish soap to the neti pot
  • Replace the lid with your finger and shake it
  • Pour out the soapy water
  • Rinse the neti pot with boiled, distilled, sterile, or filtered water
  • Air-dry before closing it with the lid

You'll also find the manufacturer's cleaning instructions on the package with the neti pot. It's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning it.

Neti Pot Alternatives

Other nasal irrigation devices you can use to relieve your nasal passages include:

  • Bulb syringes
  • Squeeze bottles
  • Battery-operated pulsed water devices
  • Saline nasal sprays

Takeaways

Neti pots are a popular nasal irrigation device that can help relieve stuffy or irritated nasal passages. It's generally safe to use and may only cause minor side effects like stinging and burning. However, only use boiled water left to cool, sterile, distilled, or filtered water for your nasal saline irrigation. Be sure to wash the neti pot after every use. Change it every few months, and don't share it with others.

Neti Pot FAQs

Where can I find a neti pot?

You can find a neti pot over the counter at drugstores, health food stores, and online retailers.

Are there any downsides to neti pots?

Using neti pots when you don't need them can put you at risk of developing an infection. Other than that, using a neti pot and cleaning it appropriately may only come with mild side effects like stinging or burning.

What's the difference between the neti pot and sinus rinse?

Sinus rinse involves rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution and a device like a neti pot. It can help clear out congestion, mucus, crust, and irritants from the nose and help you breathe more freely.

Do Neti Pots Really Work? (2024)

FAQs

Do Neti Pots Really Work? ›

In studies, people with daily sinus symptoms got relief from using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system daily. Three times a week was often enough once their symptoms eased.

Do neti pots actually clear sinuses? ›

When done properly, sinus rinsing can be an effective, natural way to help relieve sinus pressure. In recent years, sinus rinsing, using a neti pot or sinus rinse kit, has grown in popularity. Sinus rinsing also is known as nasal rinsing, sinus flushing or nasal irrigation.

Can water get stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse? ›

Yes, it is possible to get water stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse. This can happen if your sinuses are swollen or if your head is not tilted properly. If you feel like water is stuck, keep your head upright for a while and try blowing your nose. The water should work its way out.

Does nasal irrigation reach all sinuses? ›

Participants used a neti pot, which delivers the irrigation fluid to the lower part of the nasal cavity. However, the openings of the sphenoid, ethmoid and frontal sinuses are located at the top of the nasal cavity. Irrigation can only reach these openings when the head is positioned upside down.

How to clear sinuses immediately? ›

How to Clear a Stuffy Nose: Tips & Home Remedies
  1. Avoid common irritants. Cold sufferers with nasal or sinus congestion should avoid irritants such as smoke and strong perfume.
  2. Drink water. ...
  3. Take a decongestant as directed. ...
  4. Take a hot shower. ...
  5. Use a humidifier. ...
  6. Relax with a warm compress.

Can you really drain your sinuses? ›

Saline rinses are an effective way to flush out irritants from your sinuses and relieve pressure. This is a simple solution of salt water that is used to rinse out the sinuses. Many over-the-counter products are available, or you can make your own at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.

What comes out when you flush your sinuses? ›

Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.

What happens if sinus rinse doesn't come out of other nostrils? ›

What if your saline irrigation doesn't work? If you find that the saline passes through one nostril easily but doesn't easily come out the other side, you may have a deviated septum. Another clue is when a routine cold routinely lingers or progresses to sinusitis.

What are the side effects of a sinus rinse? ›

What are the side effects of nasal irrigation? Usually, there are no side effects. Some people experience burning or stinging in their noses after doing nasal irrigation. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use in your saline solution.

Why do I feel more congested after a sinus rinse? ›

Your congestion can feel worse after a sinus rinse if you use only water rather than the saline solution. It can cause swelling in the nasal passages, making symptoms worse. Water from the neti pot can get stuck in your sinuses if you don't tilt your head correctly.

Can you overdo nasal irrigation? ›

Nasal rinsing is effective at thinning and removing excess mucus. This alleviates congestion, making you more comfortable. However, overuse or long-term use can be unsafe. That's because your sinuses always need a protective lining of good mucus.

What is the best time of day to do a nasal rinse? ›

The solution made with the SINUS RINSE™ packet will not burn or sting because it is pH neutral. Moreover, the ingredients in each packet are identical, taking the guesswork out of preparing the solution and giving you the same solution each time you make it. Nasal rinses can be done at any time of day.

What drink opens sinuses? ›

Like broth, tea creates a steamy vapor that helps mucus move. Look for teas with ingredients like lemon, turmeric, and ginger. While they aren't cure-alls, these ingredients might help ease pain and inflammation. Green tea, in particular, contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols that might help with swollen sinuses.

How do I unblock my sinuses asap? ›

These at-home remedies are easy to use for relieving sinus pressure and clogging.
  1. Drink Water to Unclog Your Stuffy Nose. ...
  2. Apply Warm Compresses to Clear Your Sinuses. ...
  3. Steam Out Nasal Congestion. ...
  4. Use a Humidifier as a Fast Stuffy Nose Remedy. ...
  5. Elevate Your Head to Get Rid of Your Stuffy Nose at Night.

What alcohol will clear sinuses? ›

Don't Drink Alcohol

You need plenty of fluids, but steer clear of cocktails, wine, and beer. Even though booze is a liquid, it makes you dehydrated. It also can cause your sinuses and the lining of your nose to swell, which makes your symptoms worse.

What happens if you use tap water for sinus rinse? ›

Conclusion: Despite standardized instructions for the preparation of saline irrigation solutions, many patients use untreated tap water. The extremely rare, but typically fatal, risk of meningoencephalitis from Naegleria fowlerii makes this a potential health hazard.

How to remove sinus mucus plug at home? ›

Mucus buildup can become thick, so it may take time to clear up. To help thin out thickened mucus, try using medicated or saline nasal sprays. An irrigation device called a neti pot can also flush out thick mucus. A hot steam shower can also help moisten your nasal passages and relieve congestion.

How to drain frontal sinuses? ›

How can I naturally drain my sinuses?
  1. Water, water everywhere. Drink fluids and run a humidifier or vaporizer. ...
  2. Nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation is very effective at relieving nasal congestion and irritation. ...
  3. Steam. Steam helps relieve congestion by loosening mucus. ...
  4. Chicken soup. ...
  5. Warm and cold compresses. ...
  6. Manuka honey.

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