I recently started neti rinsing but I don't have access to any pure salt(aka not table salt). So I don't have a saline solution, but I have read about the benefits of xylitol as a nasal rinse.
So I started rinsing with just a xylitol solution, and it stings and burns. I could tolerate the sensations actually, but I just want to know if this will be harmful to my nasal membranes or not?
Using slightly saline water is to balance the salt content of your internal fluids (both blood and lymph are slightly salty). Xylitol doesn't do it of course. Using plain water would be just as uncomfortable. If it hurts, then the nasal membranes are under some strain (I suspect some osmosis process is taking place through the membranes). I personally wouldn't do it.
I'm surprised you cant' find salt where you live. Surely if you can buy food there, somebody will sell salt suitable for human consumption as well?
I do have salt but it contains other ingredients so it's not pure salt. But I will purchase some pure salt if there is a possibility that I am harming my nasals. Thanks!
Natural seal salt should be available in many grocery stores, or you can buy it thru Amazon. Also you can buy commercial neti pot packets at many pharmacies.