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Guidance

Who Should Not Practise Jal Neti

2 June 20264 min read

Most articles about Jal Neti are enthusiastic. This one is the opposite, and we think a brand that sells neti salt is exactly who should be writing it.

Speak to a doctor before you start if…

• You have had recent nasal, sinus or ear surgery. Healing tissue and irrigation do not mix. Your surgeon will tell you when it is appropriate.
• You have a perforated eardrum. This is a clear contraindication.
• You have a current or recurring ear infection. Rinsing can affect pressure in the middle ear.
• Your nose is persistently, completely blocked. If water cannot pass through, the practice does not work and forcing it is counterproductive.
• You get frequent nosebleeds. The nasal lining may be fragile.
• You have a significantly deviated septum or nasal polyps. These are structural; irrigation does not address them and may be uncomfortable.
• You are managing any ongoing ENT condition. Ask the person treating you.

Children

Jal Neti can be appropriate for older children, but only with adult supervision and after speaking to a doctor. Younger children generally cannot manage the mouth-breathing coordination the practice requires, which is what makes it safe.

Situations to simply skip a day

These are not contraindications, just sensible pauses:

• Your nose is fully blocked today
• Your ears feel blocked or full
• You have an active cold with significant ear involvement
• You are unwell with a fever
• You do not have properly prepared water available

That last one is worth emphasising. Skipping a day is always better than improvising with untreated tap water.

What we are not saying

None of this means Jal Neti is dangerous. Practised correctly, with the right water and a clean pot, it is a low-risk daily habit that millions of people maintain without incident.

But "low-risk for most people" is not the same as "suitable for everyone", and you deserve to know which group you are in before you start rather than after.

Ankurith Jal Neti Salt

Fine grind, 100% pure, non-iodised. 4.3 g sodium chloride and 0.7 g sodium bicarbonate per 5 g serving, with a measured scoop in every 385 g jar.

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If you are cleared to begin

Start gently — two or three sessions a week, correct water temperature, measured salt. Our step-by-step guide covers the technique, and the common beginner mistakes article covers what usually goes wrong first.