Neti Pot & Nasya Oil: What Are They & Why Use Them?
“What is that?” or “I’m scared to use it.” These are the most common reactions Paige hears when introducing people to the Neti Pot and Nasya Oil. But over the years, they’ve become much more mainstream and are now found in many wellness stores and homes.
These practices are examples of self-care rooted in Ayurvedic science, which emphasizes caring for the senses to promote overall health. Other Ayurvedic practices include:
Tongue scraping
Rosewater for the eyes
Neti Pot & Nasya oil
Abhyanga (Self-oil massage)
By keeping the sensory organs clean and nourished, we help support our immune system—something that’s especially important in today's world where viral illnesses like COVID-19 are a concern. We know that viruses often enter through the nose and eyes, so keeping those areas clean can be a smart preventive step.
Neti Pot Instructions
Ingredients Needed:
Warm, purified water
Sea salt (Paige uses regular sea salt—enough to cover the bottom of the Neti Pot)
Optional: Pre-mixed neti salts (available at health stores)
Steps:
Add a pinch of sea salt to your warm (not hot!) purified water in the Neti Pot.
Lean over a sink and tilt your head slightly forward and to one side.
Press the pot gently against one nostril to form a seal.
Open your mouth slightly and allow the saline to flow through the nasal passage and out the opposite nostril.
Important: Keep your head tilted and mouth open to avoid water running down the back of the throat.
Blow your nose gently into a tissue.
Repeat on the other side.
Follow-Up with Nasya Oil
After neti cleansing, finish by applying Nasya Oil to nourish and protect the nasal passages.
How to Use:
Use the dropper included with the oil (Paige recommends Banyan Botanicals' Nasya Oil).
Squeeze oil into the dropper.
Gently insert the dropper deep into each nostril and release the oil.
Sniff lightly to allow the oil to coat the inside of the nasal cavity.
Choosing a Neti Pot
There are many types of Neti Pots available:
Classic ceramic “Lotus” shape (Paige's favorite—great for home, dishwasher-safe)
Teapot shape
Plastic squeeze bottle style (ideal for travel)
The main difference is the speed of water flow. Choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Frequency & Tips
Daily use is safe and non-addictive.
Paige uses her Neti Pot once daily and twice a day when feeling under the weather.
Always clean your Neti Pot after use—ceramic pots can go right into the dishwasher.
May also consider using a saline spray and instead of using it the traditional way, follow the same instructions above. Lean over the sink and place up one nostril. Lean to the other side with the head and spray till you notice and feel it come out the other side. It may take a couple of seconds. See how it is clearing passages? Imagine if you had only sprayed it up the nose but kept all that in your body? Repeat to the other side. Follow with the Nasaya Oil, which can be purchased now on Amazon (see Favorite Things tab).
Contraindications for Neti and Nasya:
Active sinus infection or viral/bacterial head cold
Ear infections
Recent ear surgery
Nose bleeds
Deviated spetum
Consult with your doctor before you start any practices
