Published on December 1st, 2013 | by Natural Awakenings Northern New Jersey

Empower Your Neti Pot

Used for centuries in Asian cultures to support nasal health and eliminate toxins from the nasal mucosa, neti pots have recently become popular in the Western world and are recognized for their value in preventing and relieving sinus infections. Typically, a mild solution of unrefined sea salt and purified or distilled water is poured from one nostril through the other to flush out unwanted mucus, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite, points to a powerful new paradigm that helps neti pot users deal even more effectively with infection: a regimen of aqueous, colloidal silver and soothing herbal and plant extracts.

Frank recommends using the neti pot with a colloidal silver wash that is retained in the nostrils for several minutes. “Bacteria and fungus stick rather well to the nasal mucosa and few are flushed out with simple saline flushes,” he explains. “Most of these nasty pathogens adhere to the mucosa with what is called a biofilm. Within this slime layer, they are well protected and thrive in the warm moist sinuses, so a small saline bath once a day doesn’t bother them much. However, colloidal silver disables certain enzymes needed by anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungus, resulting in their destruction. And, unlike antibiotics, silver does not allow resistant ‘super bugs’ to develop.”

He also suggests soothing the sinuses with restorative herbal decoctions. Calendula, plantain and aloe contain vital nutrients that soothe and heal, while Echinacea root and grapefruit seed extract offer antimicrobial benefits.

Frank emphasizes the importance of using a neti pot safely and responsibly and warns against table salt, which can irritate nasal membranes, and tap water, which may contain contaminants.

Steven Frank is an innovative herbalist and owner of MyNaturesRite.com. For more information, call 888-465-4404.