Cleaning your sinuses out with a simple salt (saline) solution is an all-natural and inexpensive way to decrease allergy symptoms. Try experimenting with the amount of salt you add to your solution to get the most out of your Neti Pot sinus rinses.

A basic saline solution for your Neti Pot includes salt, baking soda and warm water. The amount of salt you add to your solution can vary depending on the condition of your sinuses. Some studies have shown that less acidic solutions will produce healthier nasal tissues and are kinder to dry, sensitive sinuses.

However, solutions with a higher amount of salt may aid those with nasal stuffiness, according to some studies. The rule seems to be: less salt for dry, crusted noses and more salt for nasal congestion. Adding more salt should be done with caution as too much salt may impair cilia function.

Basic Saline Solution for Dry Sinuses

Combine 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon baking soda with 2 cups of warm water. The baking soda is added to reduce acidity. Stir to dissolve. Pour one-half of the solution into your Neti Pot. Lean your head over the sink, insert the spout of the Neti Pot in one nostril and pour the entire contents into your nasal cavity. Blow your nose. Use the other cup of solution for the other nostril.

Basic Saline Solution for Nasal Congestion

This solution has a greater concentration of salt and can be used at bedtime if your nose is stuffy. The idea is that the additional salt will help dry the passages and improve your breathing. Upping the amount of salt in your solution should be done gradually to check your tolerance. To 2 cups of warm water, add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Over time, increase the amount of salt to 2 teaspoons per 2 cups of water.

The positive benefits of using saline rinses such as these include:

1.The warm water removes bacteria and other crud from your nose.
2.The salt helps to reduce inflammation and thin secretions in your sinuses.
3.Nasal irrigation reduces congestion.
4.Nasal hairs can resume their normal duty of filtering out crud.
5.Fewer bacteria can take up residence in your sinuses.

Tips for Using Your Neti Pot

1.Make using your Neti Pot part of your daily personal hygiene routine, morning and evening.
2.Cleanse your sinuses prior to using nasal sprays to avoid washing away the medication.

For additional information, see : Neti pots offer allergy relief, >Homemade Neti Pot and >Sinus rinse recipes.