How to Mix a Sinus Wash for a Neti Pot

Neti pots are ancient medicinal tools used to help alleviate sinus problems such as allergies, colds and chronic congestion or infections. Neti pots work by filling and rinsing your nasal and sinus cavities. During this process, pollen, mold, fungus, excess mucus and other toxins or irritants are gently flushed out of the body with a liquid similar to your body's own fluid. You can purchase commercial neti pot sinus washes, or you can make your own. According to the Mayo Clinic, both solutions are equally effective.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 16 oz. purified water
• 1/8 to 1/7 tsp. table salt
• Saline solution (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Start with purified water. Tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and fluorine which can serve to further irritate already inflamed nasal passages. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you do not have purified water, you can boil tap water, then allow it to come to room temperature before using.

• 2

  Pour 8 ounces of the purified water into a clean bowl or large measuring cup. Make sure the water is room temperature or just slightly warmer. Avoid the uncomfortable experience that comes with putting overly cold or hot water into your sinuses.

• 3

  Add 1/8 tsp. of salt to your water mixture. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can use regular table salt. Stir it gently until all of the salt is dissolved. Do not skip this step, as undissolved salt crystals entering your nasal and sinus cavities can burn and sting. Some people use more or less salt depending on their personal preference. If you don't get enough relief from your solution, try adding 1/4 tsp. of salt.

• 4

  Pour the salt water mixture into your neti pot. Make a second batch if you will be using one whole pot per nostril and have it ready.

• 5

  Try a commercial saline solution of you don't want to mix a salt solution each day. Check your drugstore for sterile, medical grade saline. Fill your sink with hot tap water and place the tightly capped bottle in the water for 5 minutes to warm the solution.