The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Neti Pot
Posted by Kimber (North Illinois) on 05/17/2013
★★★★★
After 2 week of dealing with severe spring allergies which consisted of major head/ sinus congestion, watery eyes, and coughing from post nasal drip I felt maybe maybe a trip to the doctor might be a next step. I was taking a decongestant, a antihistamine , netti pot, and Apple Cider Vinegar 2x's per day, with all this I was feeling like a sinus infection was brewing- adding pressure and headache. So to get to the point- I hate going to the doctor and trying to handle this the best way I knew how. Desperate to get rid of this brewing sinus infection I took 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and added to the netti pot with warm water. After completing only 1/2 the treatment because it was very uncomfortable burning through my sinus cavity I had to stop. Well be prepared- w/ a box of Kleenex because war had been declared!!! With in minutes stuff/ infection was on its way out. Within an hour relief was being felt. As uncomfortable as the neti pot was with Apple Cider Vinegar the result were quick and immediate. Bye bye infection!
Neti Pot
Posted by Nancy B. (Michigan) on 06/29/2018
Neti pot usage for sinus infections: I find when I use the neti pot with Himalayan salt it really burns. Even without the salt it still stings. Is this normal?
Neti Pot
Posted by Tiffany (TexS) on 05/29/2021
★★★★★
When using a neti pot for sinus infections, please use only DISTILLED water. NEVER use tap water for a nasal rinse.
Neti Pot
Posted by Madeira (Alexandria, VA) on 03/07/2007
★★★★★
I was suffering from a sinus infection and did not want to take antibiotics so after reading the H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) remedies and the feedback, I decided to add about 7-8 drops of 3% H2O2 to my Neti-pot and rinse my sinuses out. I did this twice and also applied H2O2 to my cheek where my sinus was killing me. I then slept with a heating pad on my face and WA-LA -- no sinus infection -no pain the next morning! I could chew again!! Lots of disgusting stuff still coming out 2 days later but no antibiotics and no pain and in less than 24 hours -AMA-ZA-ZING!! This remedy is a keeper! Thanks for all who shared -- you gave me the courage to try it!!
Neti Pot
Posted by Maria (Boise, US) on 10/28/2014
I used to have the same problem of leakage after using the Neti pot. You're not doing it wrong. I don't remember how I figured this out, but after you are done using your Neti pot, bend from the waist so that your head is toward the floor and blow your nose. I usually have to do this with a large napkin or paper towel. The fluid that's trapped in your nasal passages will come out easily and you won't have to worry about leakage later. Once you're head is upside down you will get a sense of how many more times you have to blow to get rid of the trapped liquid.
Neti Pot
Posted by Anon (Usa) on 07/01/2018
It is normal for it to sting if you use plain water. How much salt are you using? You might need to use less salt.
Neti Pot
Posted by Irene (Henry, IL) on 08/13/2021
A pinch of baking soda will buffer the salt solution.
Neti Pot
Posted by Mm (Australia) on 06/22/2016
When you blow your nose, close one nostril and then blow and repeat on the other side. This changes the pressure within the sinus.
Neti Pot
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 07/23/2012
Hi Ivan, Have you ever heard of a neti pot? You might want to get one. They offer them at health food stores. They're simple to use and you can see demos on youtube if you need to. My daughter who was plagued with sinus issues/ infections for quite a few years, beginning at about your age, was finally convinced by me to try one and was sold. That was after going to a doctor who kept giving her various antibiotics unsuccessfully, much to my disdain (She was an adult by then and was choosing this form of help on her own). None of them worked and in the process she was also destroying her immune system with them to boot!
She has used her neti pot effectively now for a long time. You might find relief from its use. I tell my students to get one when they have sinus issues and they have been pleased. Hope this info helps, Lisa
Neti Pot
Posted by Lindsay (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 07/29/2010
★★★★☆
I have had severe nasal congestion due to allergies and repeated sinus infections since the age of 4. I spent years on allergy pills, medicated nasal sprays with HCl (the rebounding is terrible), and later saline sprays, which were far better than nothing but not that great. I started rinsing with a neti pot (1 cup of warm filtered water; 1/2 tsp of un-iodized salt; 1/4 tsp baking soda; and a few drops of castor oil for each nostril) about 3 years ago. It took a couple of weeks of using it daily or every other day before I noticed anything profound, but now I can breathe better -- particularly when I'm laying down for sleep -- than ever before in my life. If I'm sick I'll rinse 1-2 times per day; otherwise I only do it every other day. My nasal passages tend to keep draining little amounts for about half an hour after I rinse, so allow some time to sit upright with tissues on hand before going to bed. Important: When I only rinsed sporadically, it was not half as effective. If I do it less frequently than every other day, "stuff" has a chance to build up in my sinuses I have a noticeably harder time breathing.
Neti Pot
Posted by Rita (Pierson, FL) on 11/29/2007
★★★★★
NETI POT: Saw this remedy on Oprah and I tried it and no more antibiotics for me. This is an inexpensive ceramic pot (available in Health food stores)in which warm water and sea salt are mixed; you bend over sink and turn your head to once side. Keeping the pot level, place the small spout into the top nostril until it has a snug fit. breathe through your mouth and slowly tip you head downward allowing the warm water solution to travel through your sinuses and out the other nostril. You would not believe what will come out of there. This works for sinus infections, nasal congestion, post nasal drip and headaches. No more drugs or drops necessary. Can be used daily without any side effect.
Neti Pot
Posted by Kimberly From Wv (Fairmont, West Virginia) on 09/08/2012
★★★★★
Ok for some background. 3 days ago I felt a sinus infection/ head cold coming on. I was VERY congested and had such pressure my eye balls, upper cheek bones and temple area as well as my ears felt like they were going to pop out.
I then had a sore throat that was right at the back of the top of my throat where the air comes in from the nose. It hurt to talk, swallow very severe pain. I came to earth clinic in desperation to find an instant fix.
I read teds personal remedy which included a pinch of borax and 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide in a half glass of water. I used only tap water as I had no bottle water and I used 3% hydrogen peroxide from walmart as I had no food grade. I drank it last night before bed.
At about 530 am I awoke in such pain in my head and nose was so closed up and felt dry almost like I could feel my sinuses moving it was really painful. My throat killed me. So I remembered I had a neti pot. I again did not have what I should have but I was soooo desparate that I used above luke warm tap water.
1/2 tsp of iodized table salt and 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide again from walmart 3$.
I began to pour it up my right nose hole and began the panting that is needed to get the water to come out the other hole. But nothing came out. My sinuses were completely swollen closed. I kept at it and ended up with some going down my throat.
I turned my head to the other side and poured the rest up my blocked side and finally I began to have drainage out the other side. I filled the neti pot up and did this 3 more times alternating sides.
I took a 600 mg ibuprofen and went to bed able to breathe but still in pain. I awoke this morning with both noses open and all pain and pressure is gone. My throat is NO longer sore. Praise God. I again took the pinch of borax and 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide in a half glass of water and used the netti pot and I can say that as of right now I feel great.
I still have a little sniffle but no pain and no sore throat. This stuff works. Yay...
Neti Pot
Posted by Ivan (Wasilla, Alaska) on 07/23/2012
Hey I live in alaska. Im 17 and this is the first time I've had an infection. I had nasal problems all my life but nothing too serious, but last 3 weeks have been hell, not as bad until this last week, I feel like my head will explode, I have drank apple cider and waiting for results now. I use a spray called sinux, its clears everything quickly but I still feel pressure, my nasal is dry but soo much pressure. I only wish it was runny so I can get it all out. I've been having chest pains too, not too big but noticable. And things that will help guys? I have an appointment in a week with a specialist- anxious to hear what he says, anything in the meantime to help?
Neti Pot
Posted by Jv (Kansas City, Mo.) on 01/25/2012
I don't know if it will help you or not, but I haven't had a cold in over 2 years. I am around people ALL the time (work in sales) so it's not because I am a hermit. LOL!! Here is what I and my wife also do. At the very moment that you begin to feel that niggle in your throat..... Get the peroxide and gargle. Do this every thirty minutes or so. There is not much taste so don't sweat that. Just gargle. So far EVERY time we have done this the cold was stopped in its tracks. Didn't go past that day. Works great for us. Good luck, JV
Neti Pot
Posted by Zuuch (London, United Kingdom) on 06/02/2008
★★★★★
I have used this technique to cure a really bad sinus infection. I just wanted to add that if you use green tea instead of just water its more effective. I also added a small amount of garlic juice and ginger juice to the tea. I made a half gallon of this solution and poured it all through. ( I just used a regular teapot because the neti pots are a bit small ) It took about half an hour. There was instant relief from pain and by the next day the sinus infection was cured just by this one treatment alone. I think the important thing is to get that garlic juice right up inside your sinuses onto the surface of the infected area. It stings a little, but not even as bad as chlorinated water.
Neti Pot
Posted by MAHINDRA (DUBAI, UAE) on 03/20/2007
★★★★★
Hi all. It may not be easy for everyone to buy a jalneti pot, coz it is not very easily available. A yoga institute in India taught me a better method, without using any pots. Take a cup (coffee mug size) of warm water (should not be too warm), add a pinch of salt and stir it. Now, try to hold some of this water in your palm (sufficient quantity) and quickly bring your left nostril close to it and try to suck that water with your left nostril, closing the right one with the right hand. As soon as you suck it take the right hand of your right nostril. All the water sucked in will come out either from your nostril or your mouth. Wait a bit, try it on the right side using the same technique and once done blow your nose gently from each side. Do it daily and say a big Good bye to your sinus issues.
Neti Pot
Posted by Toni (Sanford, Florida) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★
I tried the Neti Pot rinse with crushed garlic and seven days later my sinus infection is gone!!! No mucus, no sore throat and earache gone. From the day I started this regiment my symptoms did not worsen but it did take a week for all symptoms to be gone. This is so much better than ten days of antibiotics (sometimes two rounds of ten days) and two hundred dollars to a doctor!
Neti Pot
Posted by Penny (Glasgow, Scotland) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
I suffered with low grade sinus problems for years until I tried an ancient Indian yogic practice called Jala Neti, which involves using warm salt water to clear out the nasal sinuses. Yoga websites contain information on this procedure and links to suppliers of neti pots (little jugs specially designed for pouring the salt water through your nostrils). This is very different from spraying stuff up your nose, but is quickly learned and extremely simple, as long as you don't have a deviated septum or similar. Once you're in the habit, it takes about as long as cleaning your teeth. I now do this every day, more often if I can feel a problem developing with my sinuses, and for the first time in years have been able to breathe properly. I also haven't had a cold since I started jala neti about two years ago. The salt water clears bacteria, viruses, dust and assorted allergens out of your sinuses and nasal passages, and allows your nose to do its job properly. I would recommend this most highly, but would stress that you need a reputable source of information and products, and should never put anything except pure salt and warm water in the neti pot.
Neti Pot
Posted by Gayle (Winter Park)
★★★★★
I've had sinus infections off and on for years. I heard about a device called a neti pot while studying yoga. At the first sign of a sinus problem coming on (usually early spring), I bring out my pot and flush my sinuses with 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt (non-iodized) once or twice a day. It's been remarkable in helping me to avoid trips to the doctor for antibiotics.
Neti Pot
Posted by Irene (Henry, IL) on 08/13/2021
Use a pinch of baking soda in with the salt and water. It will buffer the solution and be much more comfortable.
Neti Pot
Posted by Bamagirl (Alabama, US) on 10/21/2014
Am I using my neti pot wrong? I never get anything out of my nose/sinus' and then, hours later, I start dripping from my nose--so embarrassing at work! Here's how I use it: fill it with the saltwater, put spout up to one nostril, lean over sink and pour from pot. It runs in one nostril and out the other. I then gently blow, leaving both sides open, then treat the other side the same way. When I am really stuffed up, it will come into my mouth instead of out the other nostril, so I just let it flow on out. Is it normal for it to drip so bad so much later? Maybe I should just do it at bedtime, not in the morning?
Neti Pot
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 10/21/2014
Hi BAMAGIRL (Alabama) US---
You are using the neti pot alright. I never had anything happening with that practice. So I asked an Ayurvedic doctor. He told me that a nasal syringe with sesame oil would be more effective. So far I don't know where to obtain such a syringe. Things work different with different people, too.
The practice can be done anytime away from meal time. Good luck.
Namaste, Om
Neti Pot
Posted by Gtcharlie (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/22/2014
There is nothing wrong with your application. I would suggest dump the salt water since it doesn't work for you. I use coffee and add a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda, shake it well before applying it. Coffee is the leftover from my pot and is just sitting there. I was inspired by the coffee enema method. Bring it to work and use it one more time in pm. Hope it will help.
Neti Pot
Posted by Kush (Bhopal, India) on 11/20/2014
I have the same problem, so I started doing anulom vilom after that and it worked. For first few days this problem will be there but then it will go, and believe me you will be happy doing jal neti. Learn anulom vilom from a expert.
Neti Pot
Posted by Carolina (Nyc, Ny, Usa) on 11/12/2012
I have had a bad sinus infection for the past 2 years, non stop. I had two courses of antibiotics, unsuccessfully. I cannot read, think, breath due to the pressure in my head. My left cheek bone and jaw hurts. My eyes are glassy and itchy all the time. I tried the apple cider vinegar solution but it destroyed my stomach, badly. I got gas, terrible cramps, and overall a feeling of discomfort.
Yesterday I bought a neti pot that comes with salt and aromatic essential oils. I tried it last night for the first time and it didnt hurt or bother me. I produced very clear mucous and felt my nasal passages were clearer. However, my head did not stop hurting and I had a dry cough right after. I tried it again this morning and I felt I was drowning. I also got a dry cough afterwards. The whole afternoon I felt awful. The pressure in my head was terrible. I felt I was the whole afternoon under water. At some point I bent down and a splash of water came out and then again. I exhale vigorously as suggested in the neti pot instructions and do the exercises to remove the excess water. I tried it again tonight as I am planning on using the neti pot twice a day. Again I felt like drowning while using the neti pot and got a dry cough.
Right after I finished, I got a really bad pain on the left side of my upper stomach and now I am bloated and my belly feels sensitive. Are these symptoms going to go away? Is this normal? I feel I am using the neti pot correctly. I even got my husband to be right by my side to correct my posture. But I dont always get a steady flow when using the neti pot and I was wondering how to do so. I also feel my throat is salty and I am producing some kind of salty phlegm. Thanks for any advice!
Neti Pot
Posted by Cecile (Lakewood, Ca) on 11/13/2012
When using the neti pot put one fourth of a teaspoon of sea salt in it. Stir. You will not get that feeling of drowning. Works much better. Hope this helps...
Neti Pot
Posted by Jaxine (Nowhere, Fl) on 01/21/2012
★★★★★
I have been suffering from recurrent sinusitus for years now. I think it has been 5. I have about 5-6 infections a year, usually accompanied by a cold. I am in the middle of my first infection of the year, most likely caused by stress. I have been on a longer work schedule and doing quadruple the work. But this infection wasn't accompanied by a cold. It just came last night. I do the Neti Pot 2x a day everyday so I can prevent infection.
I also take a multi vitamin with extra C 2x a day and a 5000 mg Vitamin C 1x a day. This only clears out my mucus and let's me breathe easier for a little bit.
This morning I mixed ACV into my normal sinus rinse. I instantly felt some relief even though it stung. I also did some oil pulling for about a minute and it showed no results.
