Your nose filters the 7–8 liters of air that you breathe each minute. That air, while supplying the breath of life, brings with it particles that irritate the nasal passages and sinuses, and often lead to allergies and sinus infections. Nasal rinsing offers many physical benefits. A daily or weekly nasal rinse supports overall respiratory health because it can: Support a healthy upper respiratory system Provide soothing relief for nasal dryness Gently remove excess mucous Rinse away dust, pollen, and other irritants Maintain a healthy nasal and sinus lining Keep your head clear and refreshed How to Use a Nasal Rinse Cup Prepare the Saline Solution Mix approximately ¼ teaspoon of fine, non-iodized table salt into about 1 cup (8 oz) of warm water, until it is fully dissolved. To prevent contamination, it is recommended that you use sterile water, such as distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled, to make your irrigation solution. Once you have the saline solution mixed, pour it into the nasal rinse cup. The Process of Nasal Cleansing Stand in front of the bathroom sink, or in your shower. Tilt your head to one side so that one ear is facing down into the sink, and you can see the drain out of the corner of your eye. You should find that having your forehead angling slightly downward and sideways will be just about right. Insert spout of nasal rinse cup gently into the raised nostril and create a seal between the pot and your nostril. Raise the nasal rinse cup slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril. During the process, breathe through your mouth. Upon completion of the process, exhale gently several times to clear the nasal passages. Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side. Completion of the Process It is beneficial to do some simple, gentle exhalation blowing through both of your nostrils after completion. Cleaning Your Nasal Cup After use, simply wash out the pot with warm water and dish soap.
