Neti Pot, Take Two

When I wrote this post back in December 2010, I was relatively new to the Neti Pot. Now, after 1 year of experience, I am revisiting the subject.

Measuring the Salt: I now keep a salt grinder (similar to a pepper grinder) filled with rock salt. Twelve twists on the cap into a large coffee cup is the measuring I use.

Hot Purified Water: After putting in the salt, I fill the cup with hot purified water and stir until the water is clear. (The salt will cloud the water until it dissolves.) This eliminates the boiling and storage and re-heating process, thus simplifying it a great deal. (Note: originally I had written "hot tap water," however recent studies are finding that the impurities in tap water can have severe consequences including death.)

Cold Water When Stuffed Up: When your sinuses are swollen ("stuffed up") no amount of hot water is going to unplug it. In fact, hot water will just make the situation worse. What I just discovered is that when your sinuses are swollen, use cold water. This will reduce the swelling and the water will run through.

Cold Season: Reducing Nasal Congestion Discomfort

First of all, if you've never heard or seen this, it may sound/appear gross. However, what is worse--going through a box of facial tissue in less than a day and having your nose sore or using this & saving yourself from relentless nose blowing. THIS REALLY HELPS!

Here is an excellent video on how to use it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9i6x6uGm2k&feature=related

I keep two sheets of paper towels, one each to use for blowing my nose after rinsing each side.

Bought the Neti-Pot at Bed Bath & Beyound
This is what the one that I use looks like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8KOsNtpV8w

Depending on how much water the one you buy holds, you will use anywhere from one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt per fill of the pot. What i do is pre-mix about a couple pints worth, heating in the microwave to ensure the salt is dissolved. Then, as the need arises, I fill the neti pot with the pre-mixed solution and heat in microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds. That is plenty "warm" enough to be comfortable and not burn your nasal passages.

You don't have to buy their special salt. Any non-iodized salt (ice cream freezing salt) will do.

Update here