Apparently, yesterday on Oprah she talked about neti pots. No, sorry, despite what you think, I don't watch Oprah. But a friend of mine passed on the info to me. Now while they may look like small teapots for little Becky's tea parties (You know how Mr. Flopsie just loooves his tea and biscuits don't you?), they're not. They're actually for pouring warm water into your nose. Yeah sounds like fun doesn't it?
If I had one right this second, I would totally give it a shot. I may just order me one anyways, as I have year-round allergies. I get regular allergy shots. I take a bunch of allergy meds (I've bounced from clariton to zyrtec to allegra for years). I even tried going to a chiropractor for a year or two to see if that would help. I'm open to just about anything, even acupuncture. So this neti pot thing sounds odd, but I'd be up for giving it a shot if anyone's had any success. Anyone? Please leave a comment if you have, as I'd love to hear from anyone who's tried it!
And hey, if you're looking for one yourself, they're actually on sale right now at Puritan's Pride:
30% off the Neti Pot from Himalayan Institute at Puritan Pride
Valid through: January 31, 2008
15 Responses to “Do neti pots work?”
I saw this too. I've seen them at CVS. My daughter and DH suffer from allergies. We don't use the Neti pot, but they do use a nasal rinse and love it.
Give it a try.
Ugh, my wife watches Oprah. EVERY day when I get home from work, the first thing I hear is "today on Oprah". She told me all about those things, too. I have really narrow nasal cavities. I was supposed to have nasal surgery even. I might be willing to give those things a try, but I'm very dubious. Maybe when I finally get my video camera I'll film it and post it on Complete Geek!
Ick. I'd be afraid I'd drown myself. My dad sometimes uses a waterpik up his nose. Just thought you'd wanna know
Wow, I've never heard of these before in my life. I think I'd be too afraid of choking. That stuff can easily go in your throat. My mom used to make me suck up baking soda mixed with water through my nose and I constantly swallowed heaps of it. It was disgusting and I ended up learning how to fake it >.
I too saw that on Oprah and ran out right away for my husband who has sinus problems... although his problems have improved since we cut out dairy and gluten... we still wanted to try it. We don't use the powder that came with it, we just use a pinch of salt. It really DID clean out his sinuses... it was actually kinda gross what came out of there. He said it felt great afterwords and even my 4 yr old wanted to try it because of well the experience went. We are very open minded people and only use alternative methods to treat any problems that we occasionally come apon, so maybe those that are closed minded and want a drug to take care of everything, this method probally won't suite your needs!
I went to a conference once where they were discussing some holistic answers to various medical problems. And the neti pot was one of the things mentioned relating to sinus problems, and cleaning yourself out so that you can get "proper oxygen". It's supposed to be really great, and like the above commenter, feel great too.
There's no shame in admitting you watch Oprah, you know? At the very most, you'll only have to endure me laughing at you for the next six months.
@Mikki - Hmmm, if the nasal rinses work for your family, this probably isn't much different. I seriously may have to try this thing.
@CG - Sorry, man. Wish I could feel your pain, but my wife thankfully doesn't watch any TV during the day. And yes, please DO film it!!!
@Kacie - HAH! Now THAT sounds a bit invasive. I may just stick to the little tea pot.
@Liza - Was your mom baking a cake in your nose?!?
@Caryn - Thanks so much! So your hubby DID see an immediate effect, huh? What about longterm? Are you supposed to use it every day/night?
@Amy - Thanks for the info!
@Lis - Sigh. I'll admit to bad music I love. Bad movies I can't live without. I'll even admit that I can name all 4 Teletubbies and a few of Barney's dino friends. But I honestly have never seen even half an episode of Oprah. So there. :p And regardless, you'll laugh at me for the next 6 months, or years anyways...
I can name all 4 Teletubbies and a few of Barney’s dino friends.
I've been told that's one of the side effects for having kids...
@Lis - Kids? Who said anything about having kids?
I ran out and bought the neti pot after watching Oprah. I was feeling a little miffed (okay a lot pissed) that NO doctor has ever mentioned these to me in about 30 years of me complaining about sinus/allergies. So being the impatient person I am--I had it overnighted. Let me tell you it feels GREAT. I use traditional doctors--but lately I've been wondering if I'm better off also seeing an alternative doctor as well.
My son suffers from hayfever type symptoms in the summer. I think I will give this a try out. Seems like it could flush out a lot of the pollen type irritants and would be kinder to him than the usual anti histamines with potential side effects.
I don't watch Opera so thanks for highlighting this as I would have missed it otherwise.
Acupuncture can also relieve the physical discomforts that accompany eating disorders!
As a pharmaceutical user, I was skeptical. I just used my Neti Pot for the first time - my coworker swears by it. I cannot believe the crap that came out of my sinuses! Gray mucus. Make sure that you use Neti Pot or Kosher salt, I am told. My right nostril didn't drain as well as the left. I am sure that is indicative of my sinus issues. I'll keep using my Neti Pot - what a difference after just one use!
I never had sinus issues until moving to Maryland. Something about the humidity and type of grass pollen that creates havoc on sinuses. After four infections last year that lead to bronchitis, I got my first of the season a week ago. I asked my husband to pick up a neti pot because I've had it. I was worried that the sore membranes in my nostrils and sinuses would not like the saline. However, as odd as the feeling it, there was no burning. A bit of irritation afterwards, but an hour later - WOW! Used it again last night before bed. I slept great. I am also on antibiotics because my glands were starting to swell from the infection. There's no way around needing antibiotics by that point, imo, but I'm hoping to avoid using them in the future if I keep up with my neti pot. As far as gagging or feeling like you're drowning, if you do it right with your head tilted to the side and down, there's very little that gets in the back of your throat. Just breathe through your mouth. After a few times, I'm quickly becoming a believer and may use it on my kids in the future as well.