Feb. 8, 2026, 7:00 a.m. ET
If you’ve ever dealt with a stuffy nose that just won’t quit – whether from allergies, a lingering cold or dry winter air – you’ve probably been tempted to try anything for relief. Enter the neti pot: a small device that looks a little odd but has earned a loyal following among sinus sufferers.
While the idea of pouring water through your nose can sound intimidating, millions of people swear by it for easing congestion and improving breathing. And science suggests they’re not imagining the benefits. Used correctly, neti pots can gently flush out “mucus, allergens and irritants, which can reduce nasal inflammation, relieve congestion and ease sinus pressure,” says Dr. Alison Mitzner, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City.
Proper technique and use are paramount. Here’s what a neti pot is, when to use one and how to do so safely.
What is a neti pot?
A neti pot is a small teapot-like device – often made of ceramic, plastic or stainless steel – designed “as one way to introduce saline (salt water) into the nasal cavities to rinse the nasal passages,” says Dr. David Hill, a North Carolina–based pediatrician and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It gets its name from neti, a Sanskrit term meaning “nasal cleansing,” and has a spout that fits into one nostril, allowing the solution to flow through the nasal cavity and out the other nostril, carrying mucus, allergens and other blockage out with it.
This practice, known as nasal irrigation, is not new, as neti pots trace their origins back thousands of years to Ayurvedic medicine in India. Nasal cleansing was commonly used to support breathing and overall well-being.
When to use a neti pot
In modern medicine, nasal irrigation through neti pots and other methods such as squeeze bottles and bulb syringes are widely recognized as a supportive therapy for sinus and nasal symptoms. Hill says it’s especially helpful for chronic nasal congestion, and that neti pots have also “been proven moderately helpful for people with acute or chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.”
Neti pots are also commonly used when nasal passages feel congested, irritated or inflamed due to seasonal allergies, after a cold or due to exposure to smoke or pollution. “It can also help moisturize dry nasal passages,” says Mitzner, “which is especially helpful in dry climates and the winter months.”
Neti pots aren’t appropriate for every situation or person. They should be avoided if you have a completely blocked nasal passage, an active nosebleed or significant ear pain or pressure, as forcing fluid through swollen passages can worsen discomfort.
“And if you’ve had sinus surgery or other alterations to the anatomy of your upper airway, check with a doctor before using saline irrigation from a neti pot or other device,” says Hill. Young children may also have difficulty using a neti pot safely due to coordination issues. Ditto for “people with anxiety or sensory issues (who) may have a hard time tolerating the feeling of salt water rushing in one nostril and out the other,” adds Hill.
How to use a neti pot
Using a neti pot safely starts with preparing the right solution. “Use only distilled, boiled (for one to five minutes, then cooled) or filtered water to prevent rare but fatal brain infections from an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that can show up in any fresh water, including treated tap water,” cautions Hill. The purified water is then mixed with the appropriate amount of salt – often provided in pre-measured packets.
When ready, “you lean over a sink, tilt your head slightly to one side and gently insert the spout into the upper nostril,” explains Mitzner. Then, while breathing through your mouth, allow the solution to flow in and drain out the opposite nostril before repeating on the other side.
Gentleness is key, Hill says, as the water should flow comfortably, without pressure or burning. After rinsing, Mitzner says to gently blow your nose to remove remaining fluid, but avoid forceful blowing. Also, “avoid overuse, which can irritate the nasal lining,” she adds.
Along with using it correctly, “be sure and clean your neti pot per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep potentially harmful bacteria from growing in it,” advises Hill.
Signs that a neti pot may be dirty or causing issues for another reason include persistent nasal irritation, worsening congestion, frequent nosebleeds or the development of sinus infections. “If you have nasal symptoms with fever lasting more than three days, facial pain or swelling, a stiff neck, confusion, severe headache or persistently worsening symptoms,” says Hill, “be sure and consult a doctor.”
date: 2026-02-08 12:08:00
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