Nasal Irrigation Done Right

Daily nasal irrigation is the single most evidence-supported naturopathic sinus practice. It physically washes out trapped allergens, dust, microbes, biofilm fragments and inflammatory mucus, while rehydrating the cilia and restoring mucociliary flow.

Done correctly — with the right water, salt, technique and additives — it can transform sinus health within weeks. Done wrong, it can cause infection or even fatal harm.

1. 01
   Step 1

   Mix the saline

   240 mL of distilled, sterile or boiled-and-cooled water at body temperature. Add 1/4 tsp fine non-iodised sea salt + a pinch of baking soda. Stir until fully dissolved.

2. 02
   Step 2

   Position correctly

   Lean forward over the sink at a 45° angle, head tilted to one side. Open your mouth and breathe gently through it — never through your nose during the rinse.

3. 03
   Step 3

   Pour or squeeze

   Insert the spout to the upper nostril. Pour gently (neti pot) or squeeze slowly (squeeze bottle). Solution flows into one nostril and out the other. Don't force.

4. 04
   Step 4

   Repeat both sides

   Use half the solution per side. Pause between sides to let the sinuses drain naturally. Gently blow your nose afterwards — don't pinch closed.

5. 05
   Step 5

   Clean equipment

   Rinse the pot with the same distilled water; air-dry on a clean cloth. Replace pot every 3 months. Never share. Never rinse with tap water.

• 🛑 Distilled or boiled water only — no exceptions, ever.
• 🛑 No undiluted essential oils in rinses — caustic burns. Steam inhalation only.
• 🛑 No bleach, hydrogen peroxide or industrial disinfectants.
• ✅ Air-dry equipment after every use; replace pots every 3 months.
• ✅ Never share rinse equipment — staph transmission risk.
• ✅ If new pain, fever or vision changes appear after rinsing, stop and seek medical care.
• ✅ Children: only with guidance from a paediatric-experienced practitioner.