Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to use a neti pot to help clear your sinuses and breathe easy.

  1. Fill your neti pot just below lip with distilled or boiled water.  Water should be cooled to room temperature.
  2. Add a heaping ½ teaspoon of mineral sea salt. Stir until thoroughly dissolved.
  3. Bend over sink and turn your head to one side.
  4. Keeping pot level, place spout into your top nostril until it fits snugly.
  5. Breathe through your mouth and slowly tip your head downward allowing warm water to travel up through your sinuses and out the other nostril.
  6. You may need to adjust the angle of your head slightly in order to allow the water to flow out the other nostril.
  7. Use half the water and repeat on the other side.
  8. Blow your nose gently to remove excess water and mucus.
  9. Once you’re done, it is helpful to bend over at the waist (with top of your head pointed towards floor) and exhale to release any trapped water.

Q. How often should I use my neti pot?

A. This is our most frequently asked question. The answer is simple – listen to your own body – but it requires you to experiment a bit. Below are a few suggestions how to do this:

  • For maintenance: Some people benefit from rinsing daily as it opens up their sinus passages. Others may find it too drying. See what works best for you and contact us if you need help.
  • For colds: Rinsing 2 to 4 times a day can be helpful to flush out infection and liquefy mucus. Do this for the duration of your cold.
  • Three things that can help you kick colds and infections faster:
    1. Rinsing with 10 oz. (a full neti pot) on both sides.
    2. Double the amount of salt (add 1 tsp) in your neti pot. This is called a hypertonic rinse. How it works is explained here.
    3. Rinsing with our Infused Salt Rinse – a mineral sea salt infused with infection-fighting, organic essential oils.
  • For allergies: Rinsing at least once a day will help flush out pollen and allergens. In addition, people get relief from using a hypertonic rinse.
  • For chronic sinus problems: Listen closely to your body. Everyone is different. Some people benefit from rinsing daily, while others do it once a week.

Q. What time of day is best?

When you first wake up and at least an hour before bed (this allows your sinuses to drain before you sleep). If you have a cold, you may want to rinse during the day. If you have allergies, rinsing at the end of the day to clear your sinuses from pollen may be your best bet.

Q. Should I use filtered water?

A. No. Water filters such as the Brita are not able to remove bacteria and other undesirables. If you have an expensive home filtering system, call your manufacturer to see what it filters out. It should have the same standards as bottled water.

Q. What if I feel stinging?

A. If you experience a bit of stinging, adjust the level of salt. People tend to use too little salt. Also adjust the water temperature – it may be too hot or cool for you.

Q. What if my sinuses are completely blocked?

A. If the saline solution won’t flow into one nostril and out the other, take in as much water as you can and blow your nose. Try again in 30 minutes. Blow gently! Your membranes are sensitive, and you don’t want water to enter your Eustachian tubes! You may also want to try a hypertonic rinse.

Q. Can I use my neti pot in the dishwasher and microwave?

A. The Baraka neti pot is dishwasher safe.  We  don’t recommend warming your water in the microwave as the piece can get very hot! Warm the water in a different vessel and then add to your neti pot.

Q. Will I be able to get off pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter remedies?

A. Many of our customers have had success with our products and have stopped using OTC. Others have been able to greatly reduce their use of prescription drugs and therapies. Again, taking a long-term approach to healing, going slowly and listening closely to how your body responds will get you the best results.

Don’t give up too soon! In our culture of quick fixes we often lack the patience to listen to our bodies. If given time, your body will tell you what it needs to heal.