Neti Pot Sinus Infection Recipe

Sinusitis, either chronic or acute, affects an estimated 37 million Americans annually, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases.
Treatment is usually given by antibiotics, but in many cases, using a nasal wash can help, too. Nasal washes draw out mucus and aid in relieving congestion. A Neti pot, available at most drugstores, is a convenient way of delivering nasal irrigation. Drugstores also sell pre-made saline wash, but you can make your own.

Choose a Neti Pot

• Neti pots come in different sizes and are made of either plastic or ceramic. Find one with a spout that will fit your nose comfortably, because some spouts are made larger than others. Clean the Neti pot according to directions after each use.

Mix the Wash

• To make the wash, dissolve a half teaspoon of non-iodized salt into eight ounces of lukewarm water. Add a pinch of baking soda. Baking soda helps lessen the burning sensation caused by salt. Tap water is fine, but some people find that distilled or purified water is gentler on their noses.

The Importance of Salt

• Salt is important because it turns regular water into an isotonic solution, which means it won't damage the delicate tissues inside the nose and sinuses. It also leeches out moisture and shrinks the swollen sinuses better than water alone.
  Never use iodized table salt. It contains caking agents that will irritate the nose over time. Kosher salt, canning salt, or pickling salt contain the fewest additives. Sea salt may be too impure.

A Clean Container

• Use a clean glass to mix the nose wash every time to prevent contamination. If desired, mix up a bigger batch and keep it in a clean jar, then pour out eight ounces into the Neti pot each time you use the solution. The bigger batch keeps for up to one week. If you have unused solution after one week, throw it out and make a new batch. For a pint of water, use one teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda. Reusing a clean glass jar is fine for this purpose.