Nasal irrigation is an ancient personal hygiene practice that used warm salty water to clean one's nasal cavity. It is origined from the Yoga practice of Jala (literally: "water") Neti. Jala Neti, which involves the rinsing nasal cavity regularly, is reputed to prevent colds and otherwise promote good nasal health. If done properly, it cleans out the nasal passages and helps alleviate stuffiness, dryness, nosebleeds and allergies.

The practice of nasal irrigation has also been relatively common in Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, though not as common in Western Europe and North America. This is changing, since the benefits of nasal irrigation are now becoming recognized by Western medicine.

Tools

Traditionally, Yoga practitioners use a neti pot designed specially for nasal irrigation. There are also other tools available in medical supply stores. An irrigators can be a plastic bottle with an hook-shaped closable opening or a tube connected with a hand-operated pump.

There are also electrical nasal irrigators.

Salty water preparation

Many irrigator manufacturers also sell salt packets. However, these "specially formulated" salt packets are not a requirement.

To prepare the warm salty water, one must be careful not to make the water too hot or cold, or too salty or fresh. This is due to the sensitivity of the mucous lining within the sinuses. The ideal heat of the solution is near body temperature, and the salinity close to that of one's own blood.

Usually one cup (US measure) of distilled or purified water is combined with 1/2 teaspoon (US measure) of sea salt, kosher salt, or other non-iodized salt. This is brought to a tepid temperature. 30 or 40 seconds in a standard microwave oven will usually bring room-temperature water to a suitable heat for use in a Neti pot. The prepared solution should be tasted before use to ensure that it is a suitable warmth and salinity