Return of the Neti

Word came up from the newsroom that they were doing a story on neti pots. “Neti pots,” said a coworker. “Who the hell is neti pots?”

In some places the neti pot is as common as the toothbrush. It’s the tool used in the ancient ritual of jala neti, the practice of cleansing your sinus cavities with saline solution. You stick the stem of the neti pot in your nose, tilt your head and allow the fluid to drain out your other nostril. It sounds crazy, but let me tell you, this allergy season has been trouble free. I first heard about it on NPR. That figures, doesn’t it?

Pouring warm salt water in your nose takes a little getting used to. My first time was a disastrous mess, and since I used too much salt it burned like mad —but with a little practice I was soon a neti master. I shot a video of myself doing this, but it was so bizarre and revolting that I recorded over it. Fortunately, there are something like 175 neti pot videos on YouTube. I don’t recommend doing it at the kitchen sink like this guy, or after smoking pot like these women, but watch a few and you’ll get the idea. Below is the least offensive one I could find. If you suffer from allergies and sinus issues you may want to try this. It’s odd, but come on: you do grosser things in the bathroom.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anxUt6ZJJOE]

7 thoughts on “Return of the Neti

  1. I started using one a couple of months ago and can’t believe the positive results – no allergies and – reduced soring.

  2. Yeah, pretty embarrassing that when you first mentioned “Neti Pots” to me I actually thought she was someone like “Sallie Mae” (also not a person, I eventually learned, after years of making student loan payments.) Despite not really understanding who or what neti was back then, I’m glad to know her now. She’s revolutionized my life, and made it a whole lot easier to breathe too.

  3. I don’t use neti pots, but I often snort salt water up my nose. I have had sinus surgery and the salt water does help. My doctor advised using sea salt or canning salt not iodized salt.

    By the way, Price Chopper sells a product called Sinus Buster. It’s an all natural pepper spray. It burns with you spray it up your nose, but it works.

  4. I Neti Potted throughout the 9 months of my pregnancy. Love it! Also, I believe that Sinus Buster stuff was invented by a guy from Schenectady.

    (Hi Sheila! We miss you!)

  5. Rob-

    Ann may kill me, but I think you need at least one more hobby to occupy your free time…

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