Neti pots now validated as sound science?
There are many “home” remedies for clearing nasal congestion and sinusitis through cleaning the nasal passages, usually involving passing a saline solution through them, e.g.

A recent Cochrane review, Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, supports use of this technique originating from an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Read the full story at the Science-based Medicine blog. Do take note of the caution that this is likely only to be beneficial in moderation.
Yes, yes, I only put this up to show the photo. It’s fetching, arresting, isn’t it?!
I want to make clear that the reason this ancient practice can be considered valid is that it has been tested, not because it’s “ancient wisdom” or some equally fuzzy notion!
UPDATE: If you really must try this (it’s a bit of a dubious remedy), best to use sterile water or sterile saline solution, and not tap water, lest you end up like this Seattle woman who died after getting a brain amoeba infection from the water she squirted up her nose.
0 Responses to “Neti pots now validated as sound science?”
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sciblogs NZ, Grant Jacobs. Grant Jacobs said: Cleaning that grotty nose with a neti pot: now validated science? http://tinyurl.com/ykr6b3o […]
Should have added: “cuppa tea, anyone?” I’m sure some comedian has played on this.
I’ve always found saline irrigation to have only mediocre effect – but that’s just my own anecdote.
You could throw all the science you like at me, I wouldn’t be caught dead using a neti pot – not after seeing that photo.
I wouldn’t be caught dead using a neti pot – not after seeing that photo.
Well, yes, there’s that 🙂
Just think it’s an interesting thing to have “approved” and that the photo is rather striking 🙂
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