I’ve been using a neti pot daily since I moved to San francisco from Philadelphia in 2000. The change in environment wreaked havoc on my sinuses and my allergies became unbearable.  In Los Angeles, I’m still prone to the same seasonal sniffles that can develop into really painful sinus pressure.

Before nasal cleansing, I tried all kinds of natural solutions and even some quite chemical ones, nothing worked for long and all of the over the counter pharmaceuticals left me with ugly side effects.  Still, the best natural relief I’ve found is from my friend the neti.  I’m well aware of the recent controversy, but I personally am willing to continue using an ancient technique with a couple of isolated compications. I do however always use filtered water.

The way nasal irrigation works is quite simple.  It thins the mucus in your sinuses and flushes it out of your nasal passages.  Adding saline to the water used helps the cilia lining the nostrils and sinuses to coordinate their motion of pushing the mucus out of those areas.

I recently discovered Nasopure and had the pleasure of meeting its inventor, Dr. Hana Solomon. M.D. at this year’s Natural Products Expo in Anaheim.  Dr. Hana is a pediatrician who practiced medicine in a “mom and pop style clinic: for 18 years with her physician husband.  She is an advocate of preventative medicine and natural remedies, with a specific focus on nasal health.

Not only did the kind doctor offer up Nasopures for my daughters and me to try, but she also took her time and had a lengthy conversation with me on the topic of nasal cleansing.  Although due to being stuck on my old fashioned ceramic neti, I was hesitant to try Nasopure, Dr. Hana’s magnetic personality won me over (she’s quite the firecracker)!

My first inhibition was the material – plastic?!?  Upon reading Solomon’s book, Clearing the Air One Nose at a Time, I happily discovered that Nasopure bottles are made of a BPA free. safe, LDPE recyclable #4 plastic, free of leeching with no PVC.  Beyond care for the environment, Nasopure believes in community welfare also.  Their kits are assembled at our local sheltered workshop for disabled adults in Columbia, MO – Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises CMSE.

The main benefit I’ve noticed is that I can control the flow of the Nasopure better than the neti, and I don’t have to put my neck at an awkward angle.  The Nasopure is used completely upright, which makes it more comfortable and it’s shape allows for a total seal.  Nasopure is also undeniably easier to travel with.

I can’t count the times I’d wished that my allergy ridden, snot filled children would learn how to use a neti.  I hate giving them any kind of medication and they can be understandably miserable when congested.   After all, it’s a miserable feeling, one I don’t miss!  This technology makes it easy for a kid to try, especially when coupled with Dr. Hana’s book and/or instructional videos.  Although my 4 year old won’t yet go near it, my 6 year old is able to use the bottle herself and she definitely notices that it helps her – a big relief to both of us!

I highly recommend checking out the book as well.  It is full of useful information that goes above and beyond the health of your nose and sinuses.  For example, the natural tips to defeating an ear infection are so much more healthy than the antibiotics most doctors prescribe so liberally!  There is also a lot of great info for everyone from pregnant mothers to children to those with more “seasoned” noses.  The benefits for all walks of life are astounding!

Nasopure bottles are reasonably priced and widely available in North America and globally.  See their website to order or to find a brick and mortar location in your neighborhood.

Dr. Hana Solomon graced Takes a Village with a short interview, along with a discount for our readers.  Read on!

TAV: How does your product differ from a traditional neti pot?

Dr. Hana: