Neti is a great way to fight off a cold or flu. If you feel one coming on, just increase doing neti to three times a day. Even if you lose the battle, keep doing neti and it tends to shorten the amount of time you are ill.

Neti cleans the nose, nasal passages, and sinus cavities. This counteracts the effects of pollution, dust and pollen. It is very helpful for people with asthma and allergies, and is believed to reduce the affects of the common cold. The cilia in the nose are sensitive to many effects. They become less effective in removing germs when they become too cold, too hot, too dry, too moist with mucous, etc. By maintaining the balance of moisture in the nose, the cilia can effectively do their whipping action to remove bacteria and germs away from the cells.

Solutions:

Dr Schmidt Neti Pot: For day to day use, fill spoon to top line with salt and pour into neti pot. Then fill spoon with baking soda to the bottom line and pour into neti pot. Fill neti pot with lukewarm water to top line of neti pot.   Be sure the water is not cold, and no warmer than body temperature.  Remember to agitate or stir solution.

Indian Om Neti Pot: For day to day use, Place ½ tsp of salt in pot and ¼ tsp of baking soda.  Fill with lukewarm water to where top of neti pot narrows. Be sure the water is not cold, and no warmer than body temperature.  Remember to agitate or stir solution.

Doing neti should not cause discomfort. Water temperature makes a difference, so be sure it is lukewarm.  If you feel stinging when doing neti, you may need to vary the quantity of salt vs baking soda.  Consult the Schmidt User Guide (link) for further detail or consult with your allergist for the perfect solution.

How to do Neti:

Each neti pot comes with a full set of instructions.  Once the solution is mixed in the neti pot, place the spout firmly into the right nostril, sealing it well.  Slightly tip the head forward and to the left, and gently pour the water into the right nostril, allowing the water to slowly make its way over to and out the left nostril.  Pour ½ the neti solution through this side, then repeat on the other side with the remaining solution in the pot.

After doing neti, very gently blow your nose. DO NOT blow your nose hard.  Then move into a forward bend to allow excess water to flow out. 

Caution: It is advised that this practice be learned with a teacher. One may need assistance with the position of the head in order to avoid water entering the wind pipe or the ear canal.