Do Neti Pots Really Work?

Nasal rinsing has been used for thousands of years to relieve sinus inflammation, congestion, allergy symptoms and more. Here’s what the evidence says.

 The 8 Best Sinus-Rinse Kits and Neti Pots

Whether you’re fighting off a cold, the flu, or seasonal allergies, a sinus-rinse kit or neti pot — nasal irrigation tools to help clear sinus congestion — can help. While not all doctors we spoke to think a nasal irrigation system is necessary for everyday use, they all said it can come in handy for symptoms like allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis.

Pot, Short and Squat, To Clear Your Nose Out

Scientific evidence supports nasal irrigation for relief of chronic nasal symptoms. The Cochrane Collaboration, in a 2007 analysis, reviewed eight papers on neti pots and other types of nasal irrigation and concluded there is evidence that it is beneficial for chronic nasal symptoms, either as a sole treatment or in conjunction with standard treatments.

Was Oprah right about the Neti pot for sinus rinsing?

While the practice is ancient, the Neti pot was introduced to a mainstream audience on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2007. When describing the Neti pot during an episode with Dr Oz, Oprah humorously referred to the pot as a “nose bidet.”

A woman died of a brain-eating amoeba infection. The suspect: her neti pot.

A 69-year-old woman died of a brain-eating amoeba infection that scientists suspect she got from using the device incorrectly.

Health Benefits Of Nasal Washes Are Limited

Manufacturers of some nasal washes, which are intended to keep nasal passages moist and remove irritants and germs, claim -- or at least imply -- that their products can help air travelers and others ward off colds. In fact, there is little evidence for this, though nasal washing does appear to help relieve certain sinus problems.

Is My Neti Pot Going to Kill Me?

Cases of brain-infecting amoebae underscore the importance of purifying water before you pour it into your sinuses.

Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nasal irrigation with saline solution in AR results in the improvement of symptoms, quality of life, and MCT. The consumption of antiallergic medication can also be decreased. Nasal irrigation represents a safe and inexpensive, nonpharmacologic form of treatment. However, additional studies need to be performed in the future to clarify the questions as to the optimal salt concentration and mode of application.

Nasal Irrigation Makes Comeback as Cold Remedy

An age-old technique that may have developed from yoga traditions is turning out to be a simple and effective way to combat the cold. Flushing the nasal passageway with warm salt-water can help prevent colds and bring relief to allergy-sufferers.

Neti Pots Are Great for Flushing Out Snot. Plus, They Won’t Kill You

The devices have gotten a bad reputation thanks to fear of amoebas, but they’re easy to use safely, and worthwhile.

Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions

In liquid form, SNI has been found to be effective adjunctive care by the Cochrane Collaboration for symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Less conclusive clinical trial evidence supports its use in spray and liquid forms as adjunctive treatment for mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory infections.

Saline Nose Spray Might Help Tame Severe Nosebleeds

Saline nose spray is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for allergies and sinus problems. And a study suggests the cheap, simple solution helps with severe nosebleeds, too.