Can I use aloe vera gel flaxseed gel or okra gel in a very very diluted form for jalneti

Question

During jalneti mucus lining of nose gets destroyed and hence it cannot be repeated often. But if I use  slimy water, will it help? Can it be done twice or thrice in a day?

Answer 1

Lets first understand that mucus in the nostrils is very important for filtering out materials that you breathe in through your nose, such as dust and allergens and microorganisms.

Over a long period of filtration by mucous in the nostrils, the pathogens, allergens or other debris get trapped in your nose, which can irritate your sinuses and cause symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, Itchy feeling in your nose or sneezing or trouble breathing.

Now further understand that Neti is a technique to cleanse the nasal passages and is a cleansing process related to the upper part of the respiratory system. In hatha yoga texts, it is mentioned that neti cleanses cranium, gives clear sight and alleviates diseases which manifest above the root of the neck.  

And how it is done? During neti, sterilized and lukewarm isotonic salt water is poured into one nostril, so that it leaves through the other. The procedure is then repeated on the other side, and the nose is dried by bending forward and by rapid breathing.  

The purpose of using lukewarm and salty water is to dilute/clear the mucous /clog of mucous due to pathogens, allergens or other debris are flushed out . Please note down that pathogens include germs, like bacteria and viruses and allergens include pollen, mold, dirt, dust and pet dander.  The saline solution rinses out your nasal passages. The saltwater also restores moisture and eases inflammation of the mucous membranes that line your sinuses.

So, neti helps in removal of allergens, dust and enhances the drainage of sinuses by preventing stasis of mucus. So, do not worry about the erosion of the mucous membrane, during neti, which automatically recovers after sometime. And there is no need to make the neti water viscous so as to prevent mucous drainage, with any gel.

And the frequency of neti per week depends upon the condition of disorder, if any.

I hope that I have been able to answer your question satisfactorily. If any query persists, please feel free to write back.

RELATED: 

1. Checklist for Beginners to Jala Neti
2. Dos & Donts during Jala Neti