Seasonal Allergies? Use a Neti Pot and Nasya Oil to help!

If you are having seasonal allergies from plants or pollen, are bothered by air pollutants or just want to feel healthier, consider adding the daily practices of a neti pot wash and nasya (nose) oil to your morning routine.  The benefits are many.

 

Neti Pot.  When you rinse your nasal passages with warm salt water you are cleansing your sinuses, and preparing yourself for the day.  You are flushing out germs, dust, pollen and congestion that may have accumulated overnight.  Nasal rinsing also balances the flow of breath between the nostrils.

 

Use special pure non-iodized salt and either distilled water or filtered water.  You can boil some of the water and then mix it with room temperature (distilled or filtered) water to get it just right.  Use 1/4 t of salt in the neti pot and add about a cup of water.  Stand over the sink, turn your head to the left side so it is tilted slightly toward your left shoulder.  Gently put the spout into the right nostril and let the water flow through your right nostril and out your left into the sink.  You may have to play with the  position of your head to allow the water to flow smoothly, but it will be fine and easy once you get the hang of it.   Gently blow your nose and repeat the process on the other side. 

 

Nasya Oil.  About 30 to 60 minutes later, use the nasya oil. It lubricates and protects the nasal passages and helps relieve sinus congestion.   In addition to helping cleanse the sinuses, it can improve voice, vision and mental clarity and release tension in the head.  It provides relief from nasal dryness, and helps block environmental toxins and reduces inflammation.

Nasya oil is also extremely beneficial to use when you are in places with very dry air, especially airplanes.

 

There are 2 different ways to use the nasya oil.  One is to tilt your head back, put a few drops in a nostril and sniff, then repeat with the other nostril.  Another way is to put a few drops in your palm, dip your pinky finger into the oil, and with your head tilted back, put your finger just inside your nostril and massage.  Block the other nostril and sniff. Then repeat with the other nostril, and use your ring finger.

 

Below is a picture of my neti pot, salt to use in the wash and a nasya oil.

You can buy neti pots and salt locally at most health food stores, like the TPSS and Bethesda Coops, and Whole Foods.  The nasya oil needs to be ordered on line.  Banyan Botanicals is a good source, and if you are local, you can buy it from me at a discount from the retail price.  If you go up to the Himalayan Institute in northeastern PA, they have 2 different types, and you can also order them on line.

 

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions!