Neti Pot Salt

In order for a neti pot solution to be effective, the mixture needs to have salt in it. The percentage of neti pot salt in the mixture determines how much the nasal irrigation will dry out the sinus lining.

There is salt and fluid in your nasal tissue, just like there is in the saline mixture you are using for the nasal rinse. The rule is this: fluid moves in the direction of the salt. So, if the neti pot solution is saltier than your nasal lining, the fluid will move out of the tissue, toward the solution. If the rinse has less salt than your body, the fluid will actually absorb into your tissue.

With that in mind, some people try to use a mixture that has a higher level of salt than is in the body. They do this to not only flush out the sinuses, but to help dry them.

This works to a point, but if there is too much neti pot salt in the mixture, it will not only dry out the tissue, but irritate it. That irritation causes the body to react by actually sending fluids to the nasal tissue, and producing mucus. In other words, if you dry out the sinuses TOO much, you can end up with a reaction that will be even worse.

In addition to avoiding a nasal lavage that is too high in salt content, you need to be cautious about other chemicals in the rinse. Chlorine, or other chemicals found in tap water, can hurt your sinuses if you are using a homemade neti pot solution. Also, table salt contains iodine, and even non-iodized salt contains anti-caking agents. Only 'pickling salt' should be used.

Even when using the correct neti pot salt, there is the pH balance to consider. Some people add some baking soda (not baking powder!) to help adjust the pH.

If it sounds complicated, you are right. The body is complex, and it does not take much to upset the balance of the body. That is why commercially-prepared neti pot solutions are ideal. They have the exact ratio of salt and pH balancers. Just remember to use distilled water when mixing any solution.

Remember, you are introducing chemicals into a sensitive area of your body. The purpose is to flush out irritants, and germs. But using too much neti pot salt, or the wrong kind, can end up causing more damage than not using a nasal irrigation at all.