Obama: How about a Neti Pot for every American medicine cabinet?
I’m weary of the negative comments.
“How gross!”
“How can anyone stand to do it?”
“It’s a bunch of Oprah Winfrey-concocted hoo-hah!”
This is essentially what I hear whenever I mention the “N” word:
Neti Pot.
Listen, if we wash every other crevice of our bodies, why is the very thought of cleaning nasal cavities so revolting?
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, allergies and nasal congestion, you owe it to yourself to at least try it. Familiar with the downsides of over-the-counter medications? Dry mouth, drowsiness, the sensation of having your head in a tin can? Nasal decongestants, in the form of antihistamines and sprays might relieve symptoms temporarily; however, once they stop working, the problem can become worse (particularly with addictive nasal sprays). These methods also dry out nasal passages, causing more irritation and dryness. The body combats this by producing more mucus, hence constant stuffiness.
Conversely, nasal irrigation with a neti pot and saline solution naturally clears mucus, allergens and environmental irritants from the entire nasal cavity, including the deepest parts, allowing you to breathe easily and feel clear-headed.
Regular nasal irrigation helps keep sinuses healthy.
Eastern cultures have reaped their benefits for thousands of years. But neti pots have been very slow to catch on in the West, maybe because of prevailing American notions (I guess it’s healthier to consume Quarter Pounders with Cheese and live in denial about the sanitary conditions of hotel rooms.)
Alternative and traditional medical practitioners agree: regular use of a neti pot can have a positive effect on your overall health. The elimination of allergenic particles trapped high in the nasal passages reduces immune reactions, while salt water reduces swelling. Common colds and allergic reactions are less frequent and when they do come on, severity is lessened. Neti pots have also helped thousands of people reduce the effects of chronic sinusitis including breathing difficulty, headaches, bad breath, and sleepless nights.
And so I extend a package of salt to anti-netis everywhere in the hope that America can one day be the land of clear, germ-free sinuses. How about it Mr. President?
