Types of Salt Used in Neti Pots
Jala Neti, a Sanskrit term for "water cleansing," uses neti pots to clean and irrigate nasal passageways. A Hatha yoga cleansing technique, neti pot mixtures composed of saline water cleanse the nasal passageways to relieve sinusitis, allergies and other nasal conditions. Neti pots have become increasingly popular as a form of alternative medicine for individuals who seek a natural routine to manage their nasal allergies without prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.
Use
Neti pot usage requires pouring a saline water mixture through the nasal passages. As water pours through one nostril it will irrigate the nasal passageways and cleanse them of allergens, dirt and irritants. As a result, people who've used a neti pot state increased comfort in the nasal passageways and reduction of sinus-related issues such as cold, bronchitis and allergy symptoms.
Making Saline Solution
Saline solution mixtures used for neti pots should be warm and body temperature, with a concentration of 0.9% salt. According to Advaita Yoga Ashrama, this concentration is equal to that of human body fluids. Neti pot kits usually include a small measuring spoon that measures about 1/4 tsp. for the convenience of accurate salt measurements. While 0.9% is the recommended concentration level for saline wash, some people add more or less salt to adjust the concentration to their personal preferences.
Salt Water Used in Neti Pot Mixtures
While salt is important for neti pot usage, certain types of salt are more suitable for nasal irrigation. Jalanetipot.com states the ideal salt for neti pot usage is fine sea salt purchased in health shops, but indicates that kosher and macrobiotic salts are also acceptable for neti pot use. Health stores also sell these types of salts, and some stores sell salts in pre-measured packets for added convenience.
Salts to Avoid
Do not use salts with additives that detract from their purity. Unnatural additives can irritate the passageways and weaken positive effects of the cleansing method. Specific salts to avoid include rock and vegetable salts. When possible, avoid using table salt, which contains additives such as iodine, aluminum and silicone.
Tags: nasal passageways, irrigate nasal, irrigate nasal passageways, neti pots, neti usage, saline water