The History of the Neti Pot

The neti pot is used for a form of nasal irrigation that also has its roots in yoga. It employs a pot with a spout that resembles a short teapot, and uses isotonic (saline) or hypertonic (saltier) lukewarm water. The person using the pot leans over a sink and pours the water into one nostril while breathing through the mouth. The water flows out the other nostril, and the process is repeated on the other side. According to WebMD, this practice is safe and can be used after nasal surgery or any time sinuses are inflamed. It helps to thin and drain mucus from the nasal passages and sinus cavity.

Yoga

• The practice of neti began in hatha yoga practices. It is an important part of shatkarma, or yogic body cleansing techniques. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika advises a type of neti called sutra (thread) neti, in which a waxed piece of cotton thread is inserted into one nostril until it hangs down the back of the throat, then the end is pulled out of the mouth. With the ends of the string hanging from the mouth and nose, the yogi is supposed to "floss" the cavity, pulling the ends of the strings back and forth gently 30 to 50 times.

Jala Neti

• Sutra neti evolved to also include jala neti, using a neti pot. This uses fluid instead of string to irrigate the nasal passages. According to Yoga Magazine, other warm fluids that may be used in the neti pot instead of saline are milk (dugdha neti), ghee (ghrita neti) or urine. Urine neti is considered the most powerful and effective form of neti, the magazine says. (Urine is sterile.)

Oprah

• The use of the neti pot gained considerable popularity in the United States after it was featured by Dr. Mehmet Oz on the Oprah Winfrey television show. On the show, a woman who suffered from sinusitis demonstrated how to use the neti pot, and Oz explained its benefits in addition to--or instead of--certain medications for sinus problems.

Availability

• Formerly unknown, now neti pots are available in most drugstores or health food stores, though most are marketed as nasal irrigators. They come in many shapes and sizes, as well as the traditional neti pot. In 2009 they cost between $10 and $25.

Sanitation

• Ancient neti pots were made of brass to reduce contamination. Doctors recommend keeping the neti pot very clean, especially if it is used daily. Wash it by hand in hot soapy water, or put it in the dishwasher to sterilize it, if the pot is dishwasher safe.