How and Why to Use Nasal Irrigation

What is nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation, also known as nasal rinse or nasal wash, is simply the act of rinsing the nasal cavity with a saline (salt water) solution.

What are the benefits of nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation can help to clear the nasal passages from mucus, allergans, and infectious agents, and also moisten the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses. It has been shown to help in the treatment and prevention of sinusitis and other nasal and allergy related problems, improve breathing, and enhance the sense of taste and smell.

To learn about the history of nasal irrigation and the research-proven benefits, check out the links below.

What are the products offered for nasal irrigation?


The best-known product for nasal rinsing is the Neti Pot. The Neti is basically a small pot, resembling a teapot, which you fill with a saline solution. It takes a little practice, but you place the spout in one nostril, gently allow the solution to flow in, and it comes out the other nostril.

What other products are available?

Some newer, more convenient, and, often, more effective nasal irrigation products are on the market now.

Disposable systems
Disposable systems offer convenience, many featuring pre-mixed solutions. The bottle used in such products is often easier for most people to use, and can be washed and re-used, thrown away, or recycled.

Pulse Irrigation Systems
Pulse irrigation systems are becoming extremely popular. The pulsating action is said to better remove mucus and debris, as well as offering throat irrigation and tounge cleansing.

The links below explain in greater detail the newer irrigation systems available.

Do It Yourself

You can also perform nasal irrigation with a bulb syringe, making your own solution.

For simple nasal rinsing, this method works well.

What about the irrigation solutions?

The basic solution for nasal irrigation consists of salt, water, and often a small amount of baking soda.
Some of the products offered are pre-mixed packets and jars of powder, containing a ph-balanced mixture of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. All you need to do is add your own water. Most manufacturers recommend using bottled or pre-boiled water.

Do-it-yourself irrigation solution

You can also make your own nasal irrigation solution at home.

1 tsp (5 ml) pickling/canning salt

1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda  (optional) not baking powder!

1 pint (475ml) of water (use distilled or filtered water if any concerns about the water quality in your area)

Simply dissolve salt and baking soda in the water, and store in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Discard any solution after one week or if it begins to appear cloudy.

Some prefer to boil the solution; please allow to cool before use or storage.

Don't use nasal irrigation if you are fighting an ear infection, or if one or both nostrils are completely plugged or hard to breathe through.

Not only could you create pressure inside the nasal or sinus cavities, but the solution may not drain well, causing problems with your ears.,

If you are running a fever or having any nasal, sinus, or allergy problems that are persistent or new to you, talk to your health care provider first.

Disclaimer:

This hub is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and not meant to diagnose, treat, or otherwise cure anything or anybody.