How does a neti pot work?

According to the Mayo Clinic, neti pots are used to treat allergies and colds by flushing out the nasal passages. While tilting the head to one side over the sink, pour saline solution through one nostril from the spout of the pot.

The saline solution runs through the nasal passages and out the other nostril. WebMD elaborates on the usage and effectiveness of the neti pot. Although its purpose may seem as simple as flushing nasal passages and thinning mucus, the saline passed through the nasal passages via the neti pot is even more beneficial then the process itself. The neti pot propels saline across the hair-like cilia within the nasal passages and can help increase the cilia's overall effectiveness.