Ever wondered how ancient peoples survived diseases before the age of modern day medicine? Well, the Egyptians used natural remedies combined with prayer, and the Greeks believed that diseases were a form of punishment and that only the gods could take away. What about the Indians? Well, if you haven’t heard of Ayurvedic medicine, you’ll be interested to know that the modern medical world has borrowed a lot from these ancient Indian medical practices. One particular method that stems from Ayurvedic thought is the neti pot.
Nasal congestion is a common symptom of minor ailments and sinus infections, especially for those living in
humid areas. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists often recommend neti pots when nasal strips just won’t cut it. When placed on the nostrils, neti pots help clear any hardened mucus that may be blocking your nasal passage. Nasal irrigation can often help rid sinus infections without the need of medication. For these reasons, neti pots have gained popularity as more and more people switch to natural healing methods like
aromatherapy and
yoga.
When buying a neti pot, some key things to consider are the material, capacity, and the nature of the tip. The most common neti pots are made of ceramics, due to reduced toxicity. The capacity of the neti pot influences the strength of the flow, and the best neti pots should easily allow the saline solution down your nose without hurting you in any way. So, the next time you feel a bit clogged, pour some saline solution into a neti pot to be mesmerized by the powers of ancient medicine!
Price
Trips to the doctor to treat flues and nasal blockages can cause a huge dent in your wallet. Embracing the use of neti pots to help treat sinus infections can save you money that is best directed to meeting other needs. There’s not much variance in the price of neti pots because they all use a similar application method, so with between $7 and $20, you can acquire a quality neti pot made from ceramics, plastic, or steel. Since the saline used to irrigate your nose is easily made at home, you just need a neti pot that’s suits your preference.
However, you will encounter cheap neti pots that are made using lousy materials like toxic plastics that will do more harm than good. Those neti pots may have uncomfortable, or even painful, tips, and are simply not worth the risk. Especially since neti pots are used to treat such a sensitive area!
Features
Here are the essential features to look out for before adding a neti pot to your shopping cart:
- Material – Neti pots are most commonly ceramic, plastic, or steel. Ceramic pots are more comfortable to use and are the most delicate. The plastic ones are easily portable, and steel neti pots are the most durable but are not very comfortable to use.
- Capacity – The greater the capacity, the stronger the flow pressure.
- Sachets – Some brands provide you with saline sachets that you mix with lukewarm water to make the solution that you pass down your nasal passage.
- Size – Ensure that the pot is light enough for you to keep lifted and comfortably grip long enough to use.
- Care – Neti pots should be regularly replaced and maintained to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria.
Construction and Design
A neti pot looks a lot like a regular tea pot with a few minor differences. For instance, many neti pot spouts are conical to be easier to situate in the nostril. Neti pots are usually made from one of three materials: plastic, ceramics, or metal. Each material comes with its own set of specific features and drawbacks.
Plastic neti pots are the cheapest of all three types. They are the most portable and are ideal for travelling. People who are new to nasal irrigation are advised to use plastic neti pots because they are the most comfortable to use. Ceramic neti pots are quite delicate but aesthetically appealing; they come in a variety of colors and glazes. Most people who choose ceramic neti pots are also surprised by how warm the pot feels when placed on the nasal passage. Metal neti pots are usually made of stainless steel or copper, which makes them the most durable options.
Performance and Ease of Use
So, how do you actually use a neti pot? That’s a common question from those who are new to the concept and still feel a bit skeptical. All you have to do is pour the saline solution into your neti pot, tilt your head and place the spout in one of your nostrils, and let the saline flow in. Make sure you remember to use purified water, rather than tap, when making the saline solution.
Keeping your neti pot clean is very important to prevent germs or bacteria from spreading. Some pots are dishwasher friendly, while others are easy to hand wash using hot water and antibacterial soap. Replace your neti pot yearly, especially if using ones made of plastic. If you are prone to sinus infections, you may want to consider replacing your neti pot more frequently. If you prefer a ceramic neti pot, remember to handle it with care because the material is quite fragile.
The right neti pot should be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. As a consumer, you need to weigh in all of these factors when buying a neti pot that works for you.
Neti pots naturally refresh and cleanse the nasal passage, our immune system’s first line of defense against germs. We hope that you now have an idea of the best neti pot for your needs. While the featured products provide you with great options, you can also check out the other neti pots these brands have to offer.
