By now, you have seen and maybe even used the neti pot, the nasal irrigation system made ubiquitous by the Oprah Winfrey show and her frequent guest, Dr. Mehmet Oz. Using a neti pot can help patients with allergies, sinus problems, postnasal drip and the common cold. And it's been known to prevent early infection and the worsening of nose symptoms.And now that summer is in full swing, allergens, smog and other forms of pollution are in the air so now is an ideal time to try the neti pot if you want to take a more holistic approach to treating your symptoms.Dr. Jessica Wesch, a general practitioner at Swedish Physicians Magnolia Clinic, is a believer in alternative and complementary medicine. She's also a believer in the neti pot and natural solutions for allergies and the like. As a child, she got a first-hand look at natural remedies by going to Native American sweat lodges, Baptist revivals and just about every other kind of healing modality in the company of her father, Dr. Jerry Wesch, a chronic pain specialist for the U.S. Army."That was my childhood, so my view of things is a little broader," Wesch said. She sees natural solutions and medicinal ones converging and advancing together. And when she's with a patient, she prefers to give them several options so that the patient can make the choice that feels right to them.The neti pot is one she highly recommends for people who want to manage their allergy and asthma-related symptoms. There are many brands available at neighborhood drug stores such as Bartell and Walgreens. Bartell sells one with pre-mixed salt packets for $15.99. You can get them online too, such as at www.theherbalist.com, which is based in Seattle.An alternative to the neti pot is to use a simple soft rubber bulb syringe. How to use the neti pot
effectively * Mix a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized
salt with 8 ounces warm water in a neti pot.* Tilt head to side, put tip of neti pot into upper
nostril, relax and let water flow out lower nostril * Keep your chin tucked to prevent the salt water from going down the back of your throat * Tilt head the other way and repeat * When your nose is clear, blow and pat it dry * Do not blow your nose forcefully while holding
it shut * Irrigate once in the morning and once at night[[In-content Ad]]
