I have found that by using a neti pot daily, colds simply don’t get started. If I feel one coming on; I just do extra irrigations for a few hours, then it’s pretty much over. I LOVE my neti pot.
People who want to try it out can use can use one of the sports drink bottles they sell at 7-11. The little white cap is smooth and fits perfectly in the nostril.
Also the 1 pint bottles are the right size for doing both nostrils (1 cup water each side).
Just add a can of Moron’s sea salt from any grocery store (at about $1.09) and you’re all set.
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt to 1/2 bottle of hot tapwater. Shake until salt is dissolved. Add enough cool tapwater to make a full bottle of lukewarm salt water.
Put head over the sink (to the point you’re looking straight down), turn head to the right about 90 degrees, put the bottlecap end in the right nostril and adjust to make a loose seal, and VERY GENTLY squeeze while keeping mouth fully open. Water will course through the upper and then lower nasal passages, where it will then exit through the lower nostril into the sink (along with the excess mucus, which is the whole point). Singing or making noises will keep the water from entering the throat and mouth.
No need for any of the specialized gear or insanely overpriced “irrigation kits” I’ve seen at the local CVS.
It took me two or three runs to adjust this routine for myself.