How to Safely Clean Your Nose

If cold and flu season has left you with nasal congestion, or you are having sinus problems for other reasons, there is a simple and safe way clean and refresh your nasal passages, without the use of drugs. The neti pot is a nasal and sinus cleanser that uses a saline solution to clean the nose and help clear the sinuses. Neti pots are widely available at drug stores and relatively inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Neti pot
• Saline solution packet
• Lukewarm water
• Tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the neti pot with lukewarm water to the indicated fill line on your pot.

• 2

  Add the saline solution packet to the pot and stir until completely dissolved.

• 3

  Lean forward over the sink. Place the spout at the entrance to one of your nostrils ensuring a good seal. Begin breathing through your mouth.

• 4

  Tilt your head to the side so that the nostril where the neti pot is inserted is up. Allow the liquid in the neti pot to flow into the nostril. Remain still, continue breathing through your mouth and allow the water to pass through the sinuses and trickle out through the opposite nostril. Remain in this position until the neti pot is empty or you feel that you have thoroughly cleansed the nasal passage.

• 5

  Remove the spout and dump out any excess water.

• 6

  Gently blow your nose into a tissue. Clean and dry the neti pot for future use.