Salt in Your Neti Pot

we’ve written about this before, but it seems this is the most common question, so it bears writing about again. Let’s clear up some misconceptions.


First, people ask if they need to use a ’special” nasal cleansing salt. The ANSWER IS NO! While these salts packaged specifically for Nasal Cleansing are generally USP grade (extremely pure) and in some cases convenient (such as the premeasured packets), they are also more expensive than ordinary non-iodized table salt. Ancient Secrets only brought out these “special” salts due to overwhelming DEMAND from customers and stores, but we have for years advised people to save their money and buy simple NON IODIZED table salt available in most supermarkets at very low cost. Those who are travelling may still want to look at the 40 ct box of premeasured salt which adds ease and convenience to accomodate a mobile lifestyle.

Second, people ask why they need salt. The salt creates a saline (salty) solution that helps your nasal passages adapt to the passage of the water without any stinging or burning. If you do not use a saline solution, it can sting! Apparently the saline solution approximates to the mucous membranes in the nasal passages the consistency of the blood, to which a saline solution is very similar. If someone is doing nasal cleansing and they report any stinging, we generally recommend increasing the salt content somewhat.

Third, people ask about sea salt. Many people use and recommend sea salt. We do not solely on the basis that sea salt is a very complex mix of different component “salts” and other admixtures found in sea water, and we find that “simpler is better”. If it works for you, that of course is fine.

Fourth, people ask about “iodized” salt, namely salt to which iodine has been added. Iodized salt was developed originally to help people supplement iodine, needed by the thyroid gland, into their diet. Most people get plenty, if not too much, of this iodized salt as it is the most commonly used form of salt. We do NOT recommend using it in your daily neti routine as there is no need for more iodine in most people and once again “simpler is better” if there is no over-riding reason.

Fifth, people ask “how much” salt. Most people find that 1/4 teaspoon in relation to about 8 oz of warm (not hot, not cold) water is about right. This is a subjective thing. If you get any stinging, use a little more! The premeasured packets that Ancient Secrets makes available contain 1/4 teaspoon amount. The 10 oz. jar we provide has a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon inside the jar. We try to make it simple.

Sixth, people ask about “other things” other than pure salt. There are many people who recommend all kinds of things, but these are not part of the historical simple process of nasal cleansing, but have other reasons for their existence. We generally recommend that people keep it simple. IF you are under the care of a health care practitioner who recommends a different additive to your neti routine, obviously they are specifically addressing a situation that goes beyond the simple nasal cleansing we are talking about here, and that would be up to them. You should achieve fine results using simple non-iodized salt, whether in the form of table salt or as a “USP-grade” nasal cleansing salt.