On arrival home from Ireland to the long awaited Swedish summer, I started suffering extreme allergy symptoms. After more than a month with itchy eyes and congested nose, tickled and teased by Swedish pollens, I teetered on insanity. Having tried the modern scientific approach in the form of antihistamines or nasal sprays in the past without satisfaction, I searched for a natural remedy.
My research led me to nasal cleansing with a Neti pot. Somewhat resembling a tea pot, the Neti pot has it’s origens in India. Jalaneti is an ancient Ayurvedic Medicine technique used by yogis as part of Shatkarma or Shatkriya body purificaion. Hailing physical, psychological and spiritual benefits, Neti is also used for the treatment of sinus infections, allergies, headaches and even stress.
I had to wait until the next day to purchase a Neti pot so I inhaled the steam from boiling water mixed with himalayan crystal salt the old fashioned way. I sat with a towel over my head for 20 mins. That night was the first, full night sleep I had in over a month. My symptoms disapeared.. completely. Serenity now!
I followed up using the Neti pot everyday for the past 9 days. I am amazed that such a simple, natural process can make such a difference.
Caution: Follow your Neti pot directions thoroughly AND please do extra research. The instructions with my Neti pot state tap water is OK. This is NOT OK. In Sweden, the water is good but if someone was reading these instructions (on a Swedish website) from a country with questionable water quality, then you may fall prey to the fatal Naegleria fowleri. If the tap water in your country is drinkable, it doesn’t mean it is safe! In Sweden, I still boil the tap water for a few minutes before letting it cool, prior to use but your best bet would be sterilized water.
I don’t mean to scare you from using the Neti pot, just get educated. Happy nose cleasing!