BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?

Subject: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 12:27 PM

After years of sinus problems too numerous to enumerate, I recently saw a "Neti Pot" demonstrated. (pron. "NET-ee")

I tried the technique in the shower-- it IS cool! So I ordered the pot with an herbal rinse, but I want to use it to combat a second issue.

That is, due to damage to the outer nasal cavity, I lack the little nasal hairs that are supposed to filter out a lot of the stuff we don't want in there. A persistent problem has been odors getting stuck, up my nose, long after the exposure to the order had stopped. Hours, days afterwards.

What herbs are safe to use in my Neti Pot that can contribute in the aroma-therapy department as well?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 01:07 PM

We've had a number of discussions about neti pots over the years. Personally, I haven't tried herbs and am not inclined to try them unless there is some really good research out there. I use salt, and you have to be sure to use enough salt or the neti pot process hurts like a sonofagun.

I think you can do a forum search and find some commentary.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 02:15 PM

I don't think we talked about anything other than salt. We were at the basic level of teaching readers what they are, how they work, and why they're a good idea. One discussion (in a different thread) had to do with sinus infections. It's a great way to head them off.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Alice
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 07:07 PM

I'd stick to warm salted water with no additives. It is what I have used in the past and works well.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Rumncoke
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 07:27 PM

I try to tell people that plants contain powerful substances, some of them very dangerous, and they do not exist to be beneficial to Humans, despite what the myths imply.

I really strongly advise that you just use a salt solution which is at a temperature and concentration which feel the least stressing. You might consider trying sea salt to see if it feels better than common salt.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 09:52 PM

Actually, the distributor above also has:

Neti Wash Plus® (2 oz) with Zinc for Sinus & Immune Support*

The original! Contains zinc and herbal extracts that add anti-microbial and anti-viral support to your nasal wash. Zinc helps to tone and astringe the nasal passages reducing excess mucus and promoting clear, healthy sinuses. Studies show that Zinc reduces the duration and symptoms of the common cold, slowing the replication of rhinoviruses which typically cause colds. Neti Wash Plus® contains Zinc Acetate —a form of Zinc shown to be more effective than other types in shortening the duration of the common cold. Neti Wash Plus® also contains extracts of Grapefruit Seed and Goldenseal Root, found by scientists to inhibit the growth of hundreds of strains of pathogens. Grapefruit Seed Extract has been used by the natural foods industry for over 20 years as an antibiotic, disinfectant, and antiseptic. Perfect for use with the Himalayan Institutes Neti Pot™.*

Ingredients: Zinc acetate, Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis), Phellodendron bark (Phellodendron amurense), Coptis root (Coptis chinensis), Barberry root bark (Berberis vulgaris), Grapefruit seed extract, vegetable glycerin and distilled, microfiltered, ozonated water


And:

Aromatic Neti Wash Plus® (Zinc Free) Essential Oils for Sinus Support*

This formula contains soothing herbal extracts, essential oils, and Xylitol to cool, decongest, and invigorate. It helps to nourish and moisturize nasal passages and provides anti-microbial properties to support the health of your sinuses. Aromatic Zinc-Free Neti Wash Plus® contains 5 herbal extracts, essential oils of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Menthol and other ingredients that mildly cleanse and soothe the sinuses. It also contains Xylitol which research has shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria.*

----

And an herbalist I consulted said: "I would encourage you to infuse your sea salts and then use them in your neti pot. I have an infused nasal wash salt...." So I'm inquiring what herbs she uses, because I want to focus on what herbs are safe to use in my Neti Pot that can contribute in the aroma-therapy department as well.

Of course I will ALSO use it just with salt, but I'm also looking for that special-occasional additive to not only wash out the particles causing the lingering odors, but to replace the harm they've done aromatically with another aroma if I can, all in one swell foop.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 05:27 AM

Susan - my doctor turned me on to an old fashioned patent medicine called ALKALOL and no, it's not just alcohol. It calls itself "a soothing tropical muccus solvent and cleaner". It is a solution of Thymol, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Camphor, Benzoin, Potassium, Alum, Potassium Chlorate, Sodium Bicarbonite, Sodium Chloride, Oils of Wintergreen, Spearmint, Pine & Cinnamon.

He tells me to dilute it with saline and use a nasal levage attachement on a Water Pik machine, however, he says it can also be used in a Neti pot. It's pleasant smelling and when you dilute it, it's not iriirtating at all. After you irrigate your sinuses with it a couple times, your nose will start to run and all manner of unpleasant gunk will come flowing out.

I started using this after winding up in the hospital with a sinus infection that wound up going into my face. I looked like a bruised and rotten turnip and the pain, well - words cannot describe. They had me on a morphine drip for 3 days until the powerful cocktail of antibiotics brought it down. This happened to me twice until my dentist suggested extracting a tooth right beneath my sinus. The X-rays never show a dental abscess but damn if he wasn't right. They pulled that tooth and a few days later my sinus drained and some awful stuff leaked through the cavity in my jaw. Somehow that tooth and my sinuses were in cahoots and 2 oral surgeons, my GP and four internists have no clue how or why.

Since then, I have been advised to keep all my sinuses well irrigated and I do. Normal over the counter saline sprays are usually part of the problem since there is backwash when you squeeze them and bacteria flow back into the now no longer sterile saline solution. The only way to solve this is to use a Neti Pot or use a Pressuerizes Saline. I like a product called Simply Saline because that's exactly what it is - Saline and nothing else. Most commercial Saline sprays have other crap in them to preserve the solution. Simply Saline does not. You simply Tilt your head to one side, depress the nozzle, fill your sinus with the saline, let it sit there a few minutes to dissolve whatever's up there and then lean over and blow into a towel. Repeat with the other side and wipe the nozzle with a an Alcohol wipe after each use. You'll love that stuff and never want to be without it. Eaiser than a Neti Pot and less fussy.

If you have a Water Pik oral irrigation machine, you can usually by a Nasal Levage attachment at any Hospital Pharmacy or order one thru your own pharmacy. Many pharmacies have the Alkalol solution behind their counter and all you have to do is ask. Simply Saline is usually out on the shelves.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 07:31 AM

I can't see smelling the aroma of a netty pot catching on in Newcastle.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:48 AM

It isn't going to "catch on" anywhere because it sounds too exotic. But for those who try it and do it correctly, it is a useful tool.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: gnomad
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 01:24 PM

This page may help explain why PMB thinks it won't catch on in Newcastle. A netty has a particular meaning on Tyneside, and it is not to be sniffed at.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 03:33 PM

Ah! Separated once again by our common language. I can't imagine that being an appealing additive, either.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: GUEST,Wordless Woman
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 04:50 PM

Why not a dab of lavender essential oil just under – but not in – your nose? Lavender is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin. Other essential oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil so as not to irritate the skin. I carry an essential oil inhaler filled with peppermint oil (way too strong to apply to skin) that I inhale when I'm around unpleasant odors.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 06:16 PM

[patiently] I've been doing that already for several years; I'm trying to take this to the next level of combining the aromatherapy with the Neti Pot. Another herb I have seen mentioned in connection with it is tea tree.

As far as netties-- I have heard the Neti called the Nose Bidet. Not to hard to see how the two words may actually SPOSED to be uh, mixed up a little bit. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 09:00 PM

Susan, Dave brought your question to my attention. I use a Neti pot frequently, and am enthusiastic.   

Along with the good advice you've already had above, add two or three thousand IU of vitamin D3 orally, for sinus, or just generally. The latest info on D is the RDA has been way, way too low. It's the sunshine vitamin, and most people don't get nearly enough.

Also, two to three thousand mg. of Vitamin C daily, orally. It has done dramatically well for me, with my typical Hoosier nose and sinus problems.

Dorris Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: GUEST,Wordless Woman
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 12:33 PM

Tea tree, at least the oil, is rather strong. I'd be concerned about using it on the mucosa.

I'm sorry I misinterpreted your question in my previous response.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 01:00 PM

'A persistent problem has been odors getting stuck, up my nose, long after the exposure to the order had stopped. Hours, days afterwards'

The problem won't be the missing nose hairs. Their job is to trap dust, not odors.

You are probably smelling molecules that are clinging to your skin, clothes, drapes, carpet or wallpaper.

Wash your face and hands.
Change your clothes, starting with your shirt
Wash your hair.
Air the house.
Vacuum things.

Whatever you do, don't go jetting unknown substances into the interior of your head. 'Herbals' having nothing to recommend them. They are untested for effectiveness and purity. There could be insect parts in there, or insect eggs. There could be dirt. They could have been handled by workers with unsanitary hands. By that I mean people who use no toilet paper and do not wash their hands all day.

The following things have been discovered when analyzing 'herbals.'

1. pesticides
2. lead
3. pharmaceuticals
4. active herbs not listed on the label
5. lack of what actually is on the label.

The best herbal supplements can do for you is waste your money.

1. The labeled ingredient isn't present.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 09:45 AM

Susan - I'll say it again - the thing that really turned thingsa round for me was the ALKALOL solution plus the Simply Saline. Both are sterile liquids and when used properly, can really help you get rid of excess muccous if you have it.

The Simply Saline is also very good for people who suffer from winter nosebleeds due to the dry heat in their homes. Most other saline solutions have added ingredients whereas Simply Saline does not. Also, since it's under pressure, there is no chance of backflow of non-sterile liquid. Regular squeeze bottles cease to be sterile after the very first use. Simply Saline comes with a nozzle that you depress and it it releases a stream of sterlile saline only. If you wipe the nozzle after each use, you are getting the most sanitary form of saline treatment possible.

Mixing solution up each time for the Neti pot may seem sterile but it's usually not unless you you are running the neti pot thru an autoclave after each use. That and anytap or bottle water you use to add to the salt isn't necessarily sterile. I swear by Simply Saline and buy 4 to 6 bottles at a time when I catch it in the bonus size with 2 extra ounces free.


If you want to try the ALKALOL but can't find it, let me know and I'll send you a bottle. It really helped me at a time when I was getting infections that were truly life-threatening. My mom uses it now and she loves it. it has a light but pleasing scent, very minty with a hint of cinnamon. It might even accomplish what you were hoping for in the first place when you said you wanted some kind of aromatherapy stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 10:20 AM

Thanks.

I've been noticing that when I use the pot, my nose is much more able to pick up and retain the pleasant odors. They say that one Neti benefit is a renewing of cilia growth and activity, so it makes sense that with more activity and less mucus buliding up to coat them, they could produce this result.

Yesterday for example, after having had a good nosewash the night before, I retained Hardi's aftershave all day after a brief morning exposure AND I could smell other normal, light odors all day that came and went. So I will probably just split the Neti and aromatherapy into two different processes, using Neti at the bedtime shower (plus earlier in the day if I get a nasty smell stuck up in there), and aromatherapy using essential oils to greet the day.

Speaking of armonatherapy, I was a pooh-poohing nonbeliever until I HAD to try it for IBS. I had noticed that nuking beans and rice with cumin was attracting me to the microwave, and Mexican restaurants were drawing me as well. I researched cumin, and viola!

A bottle of essential oil of cumin produced dramatic, visceral results-- I could FEEL the clenched gut muscles relax after several passes with the oil, so much so now that I carry a fresh small bottle of the ground cumin in each car just in case. Opened and inhaled over, or sprinkled on hot buttered toast and then inhaled and eaten, the aroma can ward off an IBS attack.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:09 AM

Back on topic:

I recently acquired a neti pot from my local pharmacy, and the "commercial packets" that came with it list only salt (NaCl) and "bicarbonate of soda" as ingredients.

Pure salt water solution is pretty much neutral, but the interaction with "free ions" that run around in a body can result in slightly acid effect on tissues. Addition of a very small amount of bicarb is apparently intended to "buffer" the solution to slightly basic (alkaline) which is reported as more "tissue friendly" than salt water alone.

The instructions, of course, caution that you should never use anything but their preparation with their pot; but nobody reads the instructions anyway.

An additional "therapy" that my doc suggested recently might be helpful for the "persistent odors" problem. Ordinarily I'd avoid "brand name" suggestions, but I've found the "saline nasal gel" sold as "Ayr" (B. F. Ascher & Co. Inc., Lenaxa KS) to be significantly more helpful than any other similar(?) products. I don't think it's a "local product," and should be available generally in US Rx shops.

The "ingredients list" says only "contains Aloe Vera" but it appears to be almost entirely refined/concentrated AV. Apparently meant for avoiding "chapped nosies" for people using breathing devices, it has a superior ability to "wick up" to sensitive areas well beyond where it's applied, and is remarkably soothing. It seems to me (although some have said I'm a "special case") to promote rapid "healing" of irritated tissues in the whole outer nasal cavity area, and might be of use for soothing the areas where cilia populations have been damaged.

Ayr comes in a remarkably tiny tube, for a couple of dollars, but a tube lasts a very long time. Since it's not a "market leader" I had to ask the pharmacist where they kept it hidden, but it does appear to be a regular stock item (at least at Walgreen Rx where I got mine).

Limited research and use of the neti pot leads me to the conclusion that it should be used only as a cleansing agent with minimal "additives." For delivery of therapeutic chemicals, other methods (vapor-aroma therapy, perhaps) would seem more appropriate, and best kept separate from the neti pot experience.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:26 AM

Along with the good advice you've already had above, add two or three thousand IU of vitamin D3 orally, for sinus, or just generally. The latest info on D is the RDA has been way, way too low. It's the sunshine vitamin, and most people don't get nearly enough.

Also, two to three thousand mg. of Vitamin C daily, orally. It has done dramatically well for me, with my typical Hoosier nose and sinus problems.

Dorris, I skimmed over this with my dyslexic brain and wondered how on earth you were cramming all of these pills up your nose via your neti pot. Daily, yet!

It was a rather appalling but amusing treatment to contemplate.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 11:23 AM

Big (for me) discovery-- maybe it will help someone else.

I perfumed the chair-side hankies that start my nose out nice and empty in the AM. But I discovered that although I liked the all-day aromna that resulted, it didn't come from the nasal passages I rinse with the Neti-- but from the part that connects the sinuses to the mouth; breathing in from the mouth to avoid bad odors and allergens just moves the deposits to the area I hadn't been rinsing, duh! No wonder 3 rinses weren't getting rid of all of it!

Neti CAN rinse that passage; you just have to let a good bit of it drain out through the mouth by adjusting the angle of the head.

Duh!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 01:43 PM

I do that by accident. :)

I've been using the neti pot the last couple of weeks during allergy season. I used to get sinus infections this time of year, but have avoided it so far.

In my desire to have an affordable yet entirely practical holiday season this year I'm planning to pick up a couple of these for gifts.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 02:21 PM

neti pots are a wonder and I have used mine for years. I use non-iodized salt!which is what was recommended to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 12:14 AM

I had a great experience today I wanted to share. I've had a bad cold the last week or so, and I did find that the Neti helped move out the crud. Today though I learned that it is ALSO great to take a washcloth into the hot tub, soak it in the hot water, and use repeated applications over the sinuses to loosen the contents while the steam rising from the tub also does its work via nose and mouth.

It was even better than using the shower, because I could sit down while the heat took its time. When things were good and loose, the same cloth made a great wet hankie and, used, was deposited in the towel bin to get sanitized with the rest of the health club's towels. WOW was that a great clean-out! Next time I'll take the Neti along and do that, as well (in the bathroom) before I adjourn to the hot tub!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:39 AM

WYSIWYG - An interesting thread. I've never considered using herbal infusions with my Neti pot. But I'm tempted to experiment now!

Think I'd personally be less likely to want to use essential oils than herbal infusions. Because of their alcohol like compostion, essential oils do not dissolve into water, they float in a fine film upon the surface.

If you can get hold of good organic herbs, or tisanes, then a light infusion of most stuff that it's safe to injest, I imagine would be perfectly OK to stick up your nose ;-)

A light infusion of good organic Chamomile herbs, would do no harm. And perhaps might be soothing to the mucus membraines, if they were irritated by a cold or similar. A dilution of Aloe Vera juice, I imagine could be similarly beneficial.

For viruses, there's always an infusion of Echinacea?

And on a slight tangent, I've seen Propolis spray in the health food shop, designed to be sprayed into the nose in order to combat air born viruses. Don't know if propolis could be used in a neti pot somehow though, because in it's natural state it's very chewy and I've no idea if it would even dissolve in boiling water.

There is of course the option of adding a teaspoon of something like Manuka Honey... Which will fully dissolve. And ordinary honey is itself is a classic remedy for the healing of wounds. As well as having anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

I'll think further on this thread. And if I come up with any other ideas, I'll come back to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: LatimerT
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 10:50 AM

I have used a number of different neti solutions containing herbs. There are the Ayurvedic Varcho Veda Neti Wash solutions by Himalayan institute, and the cayenne pepper Sinus Buster products. Have also found that small amounts of colloidal silver. is beneficial. Just this morning at the grocery store was picking up some horseradish (very good like wasabi for keeping the head clear) and thought perhaps someone will create a product with that for nasal rinsing. I'll try it!

Wanted to share some experience with use of neti pot for clearing sinuses. Having read posts where folks are using neti pot to get rid of sinus blockage and this should be done carefully, as can sometimes make things worse during a cold when there is congestion and infection that can get into the ears.

Using the Nasaline Sinus Irrigator reduces the tendency for liquid to get into the ears, as you don't have to tilt your head. This only gets the frontal sinuses and doesn't go as deep as the neti pot technique, but I prefer the irrigator most of the time, as really drives me crazy when even a little fluid gets into the Eustachian tube and ear.   If you have similar challenges, suggest the large syringe type design with soft tip to gently "plunge" out blocked nasal passages as you control the amount of pressure needed.

The problem is that people sometimes have difficulty with the flow of saline solutions through the nostrils and thus blow too hard to clear out blockage, and this can push liquid and infection back into the ears via the Eustachian tube. once it gets in there it can be hard to get out, and some will surely resort to the dreaded anti-biotics if seeing a doctor. An alternative to the anti-biotics in this case would be high potency oreganol oil gel caps.   

I have used many different Neti Pots. The larger neti pots like the Rhino Horn or Ancient Secrets nasal cleansing pot hold more water than the sinucleanse and himalayan pots, and this provides more pressure to flush things out. having used many different types of salt, have found the best to be the mixture of salt and baking soda. I prefer to use the premixed saline packets rather than make it myself. Hope this info is helpful.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 11:17 AM

Looks like Mudcat has been visited by the traveling neti pot salesman!

Wasabi? Cayenne? Whoa!

I was in Walmart this week on one of my quarterly expeditions to get a few products I buy there and perused the medication aisle. For $14.50 they have a box of 50 pre-measured sachets of neti pot minerals.

I had my 17-year-old son doing the math as I asked him "what's wrong with this picture?" The neti pot uses about 1 teaspoon of salt or less, per 1 cup dose (about one use). This box listed two ingredients (sodium chloride = table salt, bicarbonate of soda = baking soda). To come up with enough salt and soda to fill 50 1 teaspoon packs you might spend a dollar to buy the entire container of salt and soda (I can get each for about 50 each at the local dollar store). The packets hold about 1 cup total (50 x 1 teaspoon = 16.7 Tablespoons, or slightly over 1 level cup of salt and soda)

Said son speculated that perhaps this was special salt, microcrystalline. True, it might be. The answer? Let the table salt dissolve completely and they're exactly the same.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 12:41 PM

I'm very curious about the Nasaline Sinus Irrigator-- because I have been looking for a smaller, purse-size item for travel. What size is it? Is it easy to set up? Does the box hold all the necessary supplies?

Anyone else here used it?

Thanks, LatimerT.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 May 09 - 04:49 PM

Well, I am still working on this issue. Today I am making a gallon of saline solution for nosewash, eyewash, etc.:

Recipe for Making Saline (Salt Water)

   1. Use 1 gallon of distilled water or boil 1 gallon of tap water for 5 minutes. Do not use well water or sea water.
   2. Add 8 teaspoons of non-iodized table salt to the distilled or boiled water.
   3. Mix the solution well until the salt is completely dissolved. Be sure storage container and mixing utensil are clean (boiled).

Note: Cool to room temperature before using. This solution can be stored at room temperature in a tightly covered glass or plastic bottle for up to 1 week.


I decided to go ahead and make this because I need to be able to make my system portable (syringe, etc.), and I find that when my sinuses need extra attention I am far more likely to take care of it if things are very ready to use. Also when my sinuses are messed up-- so are my eyes, and it would be far easier to rinse the accumulated crust off the lashes with a saline cleansing than anything else I've been doing.

A few nights ago I simply used my Neti with saline to pour water across my blinking eyes and POOF, fresh eyes! (A showertime activity) I have several bitty bottles with tiny eye-droppers for portable eyewash a HECK of a lot cheaper than buying those little bottles of Murine, etc., that come with a medication I use on my ears on a regular basis and can be cleaned for re-use.

Another nice portability has been witch hazel in a purse-sized pump bottle I found in the checkout aisle (with Febreze in it). It's a nice bottle, and I pour the Febreze off into the big Febreze bottle that lives under the sink. Well washed, that pump is a GREAT all-purpose bottle!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 09 - 12:33 PM

I'd still be careful using a bottle that originally had something that (I find) as irritating as Febreze. Even a few molecules of that in your eye or up your nose can't be good! Some stuff is at the Container Store and I bet if you check your local CVS or Walgreen they'll also have bottles and cases and such for your specialized gear. Even the grocery store has a section (I've seen them in Albertson's and Kroger down here) with lots of little bottles and such.

Take care when making this stuff. I wonder if you could simply go to your pharmacy and buy an amber bottle of saline solution for an inexpensive price? I remember our pharmacist making it for something or other and I would stop and pick it up on my way home from school. (Back in the old days when pharmacists did this kind of thing and kids still walked a couple of miles each way to school).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 May 09 - 01:23 PM

The Febreze bottles are for EARS, not nose!

People make and use home-made saline all the time. As long as it is reboiled every two weeks, no worries. It's just like stock.

And yes, I have looked at ALL those bottles, thanks.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 12:04 PM

I just got one of these on the advice of my MD. I am leaving Karen and locking myself away with me Neti Pot.   Get away from me.....I will kill anyone who comes between me and Neti!

Seriously, I can't believe I had never encountered these threads or otherwise heard about these damn things before.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Gurney
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 12:05 AM

A commonly-used product for sinuses is Eucalyptus oil. I'd suggest that you DON'T use it experimentally. It is the vapour or smell that has supposed benefit.

I used to work in a plant that repacked it. It comes in galvanised drums, because it damages ordinary ones, and even then, it changes the galvanising.
Mind you, so does salt water....

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 01:01 AM

Spaw, I hope you can find a way to sterilize it in between. I threw mine away...no matter how much I washed it, I think it still had germs and contributed to contracting pneumonia. Instead, I use a sterile product: Simply Saline in a pressurized aerosol spray with no backwash (unlike the small bottle of saline solution you just squeeze.) With this product, you can still flush just like with a neti. Just hold a wad of tissue under one nostril, tip your head to that side and spray up the other one. It will run out onto the tissue. It make take a few times, but it works better than the neti, imo, and it's much less awkward. It's also good for hydrating the nostrils. I wish I could get Rog to use it.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 04:11 AM

There will be no germs in a home-made salt solution made with boiling water - germs don't like boiling water or lots of salt. That's why when we cook or preserve foods with salt those foods don't kill us. As for the ceramic neti pot, so long as it's rinsed with scalding water and allowed to dry (bone dry by air - no manky tea towels) there will be no more germs on it than there would be on cutlery treated the same way.
Hmm, I think I aught to get mine out again - I wonder if it will help with clearing the air passages a bit before singing.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 10:50 PM

If I mix salt with warm or hot tap (well) water for neti pot use and use it right away, is that OK? - or do I have to boil it first or use distilled water? I'd like to just fill it ffrom the shower head and use it in the shower, and avoid the mess and hassle.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 11:28 PM

I use warm tap water, Joe, and after use I give it a good rinse with a little dish soap and let it air dry. Be sure you have enough salt or it hurts to run the water through!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 11:39 PM

What's wrong with using iodized salt?

I suppose if I used sea salt, I would still want it to be the pure, white, small-grained variety - not the "Celtic sea salt" that has become popular. My neti pot came with special salt, so I have a supply that should last me a while. Now all I have to do is remember where I put the neti pot when I brought it home from the store....

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 04:16 AM

"I'd like to just fill it ffrom the shower head and use it in the shower,"

Joe, if you're concerned about bacteria DON'T take water to injest or otherwise apply internally from a shower head - showerheads are supposed to be wriggling in germs: germs thrive in damp and warm conditions!

I've never used warm water straight from the tap to stick up my nose - I ALWAYS sterilise it by boiling first. As well as being basic good sense, it was on the advice leaflet with the neti pot from the yogic centre I bought it from.

The best thing to do is to fill a clean jug (if in doubt: rinse with scalding water, and leave to air dry - don't dry it with a germ infested tea towel) with a pint of freshly boiled tap water and add 1 or 2 teaspoons (not too much or it really stings!) of table salt last thing at night, cover and leave in the bathroom with the neti pot for use first thing in the morning.

As for salt, I simply use whater I have in the kitchen cupboard - either crystaline sea salt or table salt/rock salt.
No need for special anything.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 04:27 AM

Id be careful of unsterilised well water Joe too, unless it's treated in some way? Our stomachs are filled with acid designed to deal with little bugs - our sinusus go right back into the head and the sinus membranes are quite delicate.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 04:33 AM

NPR had a scientist on, last year, who spoke about a recent study which demonstrated bacteria do live in showerheads. There's a bit about it HERE, but I cannot find the NPR bit. The interviewee said the only sure way a person would have of taking a shower without concern for the mist of showers, which he said was the worst for dissemination of the germs as we breath in the fine mist/air, would be to attach a regular hose to the shower and hose oneself down, rather like an old-fashioned set-up, it sounded.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 04:41 AM

Sorry to keep posting with dire warnings! I'm not a scare monger really ;-)
But the key thing to remember about any yogic cleansing exercise is it's precisely that, a cleansing exercise. The idea is to purge or purify bits that soap doesn't reach - this means invading the body in unnatural ways. If you're going to bypass the body's outer natural defenses by introducing something it's not expecting or designed to deal with, ensure you do that with the awareness that anything you stick in it, should be super pure and sterile and free from anything that might potentially compromise your health.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Gurney
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 03:20 PM

If you ever emptied a hot-water cylinder, you wouldn't think of ingesting water from it. Because it slows down the water entering it, it accumulates all foreign bodies that, however infrequently, come through the pipes. Sometimes over 30 years!
I'm supposing that everyone HAS a hot water cylinder. There are other systems.

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 10:00 AM

I haven't died or suffered ill effects from using tap water. I also drink, cook with, and bathe in tap water. There is a pattern here.

2 teaspoons sounds like the upper end of salt for a neti pot. I think I use about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon per cup of warm water.

There is an alternative to using a neti pot that my ex tells me his doctor told him to try. Instead of using the pot, some days he says to just snort a little water from your cupped hand while in the shower in order the moisten the sinus cavities, then blow your nose in the shower. He said that works very well, and there is no salt involved at all, but also, much less water.

Joe, it's a judgment call on boiling the water or not. I find that to be an unnecessary step. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. (I do agree about leaving germs on the pot from a hand towel that has been in use for a while. I always do any washing or drying of the pot with fresh scrubbing cloths or towels.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 10:03 AM

"2 teaspoons sounds like the upper end of salt for a neti pot. I think I use about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon per cup of warm water."

Sure, but as I said above - I make up a pint of saline solution (not a cup).

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 10:12 AM

If your well is like my cousin's, Joe, I gues it is UV treated before being pumped into the house? I am not well versed (pun intended) in water treatment but I understand that UV steralisation is pretty effective.

I do know about not using the water from HW cylinders and storage header tanks though - Used to work at the local council and saw enough of them to know not to even think about drinking from such a HW supply! UK generaly uses combi-boilers or instant water heaters for hot water now which are a lot safer, But I would concur that the shower head could be full of nasties.

I have used the sterile spray mentioned earlier - Called Sterimer in the UK. Very effective.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 10:25 AM

Sorry that should have been SterimAr - See here

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 03:05 PM

1 pint = 2 cups of water

2 teaspoons salt in 1 pint of water = 1 teaspoon salt per cup of water

My neti pot holds 8oz (1 cup) so I make that much.

Like I said, it sounds like the upper range, and for me, that much is way too salty.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Herbal/Aroma Fun with a Neti Pot?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 03:43 PM

1 pint = 2 cups of water.

Not my cups. I don't have 1/2 pint cups. But that's beside the point.

You use 1 to 1 & 1/2 tsps. salt per 1 pint of water.
And I use 1 to 2 tsps. per 1 pint water.

Not a lot in it - but yes, each person needs to determine how salty they want their saline solution to be. And that's easily achieved by tasting it and working out what suits you.

As for the volume of liquid, I make up more as I use one full neti pot per nostril. This is kinda making me laugh now..