Home remedies for sinus infection or sinusitis as it is called. There are not many remedies for sinus infection. It is one of the complicated conditions which usually takes place at the later stage of a long respiratory tract infection. So, one should really get medication early on and prevent sinusitis as early as possible. However, for many people, they become more prone to this infection.
The sinuses are large regions in the head which can get infected with pathogens and inflame.Its lining gets coated in phlegm. The mucus membrane in our nose, throat and sinuses is very protective in nature. But it is also prone to recurring infections by certain strains of bacteria, viruses and even some fungi.
It is not easy to treat a sinus infection. It is quite stubborn. If the natural remedies provide little relief, one should promptly seek medical attention.
Symptoms of Sinus Infection in general :
Although sinus infection manifests in many different ways. However, some of the early signs are dizziness, tingling sensation in the throat and nose, heaviness in the head specially in the sinus region when bending downward. Later in the infection, there is watery discharge from the nose, which is often yellowish to slight greenish in tinge. There is considerable post nasal drip, a feeling of consistent nasal and sinus congestion and in many cases, an upper respiratory tract infection.
A chronic sinusitis is in real sense a torment. It should definitely be evaluated by a doctor for other serious issues which might be causing it.
An acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 2 weeks. However, our aim in using natural home remedies is to relieve it much faster.
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Once you get a sinus infection, it becomes very problematic. There is constant pressure in the face, sometimes pain, always a feeling of something present behind nose, sinus pressure and an urge to relieve the phlegm. Here are some home remedies for sinus infection.
1. Eat Manuka honey ( finest remedy for sinus infection )
This is a special kind of honey which comes from Australia and New Zealand. It possesses properties that may help with a sinus infection. The one that comes from New Zealand is particularly effective from anecdotal evidence.
To treat a sinus infection, one has to take 1 tablespoon Manuka Honey 2 times a day. It starts to provide relief within a few doses. However, a word of advice here. Make sure to buy authentic Manuka honey, one which is actually Manuka honey and not a counterfeit product just labelled as Manuka honey.
This honey has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bacteria causing the infection are killed. Inflammation is reduced.
2. Garlic
Include cooked or raw garlic in diet. It boosts the immune system and relieves a sinus infection. Garlic is very potent in getting rid of almost any infection, even the viral causes of sinus infection.
- Ingredients
Raw garlic cloves
- Directions / How to use
Add raw minced garlic either to some food item, or eat it directly. It provides relief from both acute and chronic sinus infection.
- Why it works ?
Garlic works for sinus infection because of its ability to fend off and kill all kinds of pathogens.
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3. Drink warm water with apple cider vinegar (ACV )
This really helps to loosen the phlegm attached in the nasal passage and in sinuses. Once the phlegm drains out, one may experience considerable relief from the symptoms of sinus infection.
- Ingredients
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Water
- Directions / How to use
Warm a glass of water. Add 1 - 2 tablespoon of ACV. Drink 8 - 10 glasses of this water throughout the day.
- Why it works ?
Apple Cider Vinegar has some therapeutic effect on sinusitis.
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4. Nasal irrigation with a neti pot
One may take some time to learn the practice of nasal irrigation.
However, it benefits a lot in relieving sinus infection. In this, saline water or plain water is fed in through one nostril and comes out through the other. For many people, it provides immense relief from sinus troubles and also
nasal congestion.
IMPORTANT: Do not use unclean water for neti pot practice. Use absolutely clean and boiled water for this because in unclean water, there may be pathogens. They can easily enter the brain and cause dangerous diseases like meningitis.
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4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Inhalation
Eucalyptus essential oil is a brilliant remedy for relieving a sinus infection. It works pretty fast and you would get relief after the first use.
This can be done in this manner. Take a large bowl of water, large enough to produce steam for few minutes. Now, put few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into it. The steam will carry the fragrance of this aromatic oil. Inhale this steam and slowly exhale. Do this while the steam lasts or you feel satisfied with the treatment. This form of treatment is also done at some aromatherapy centers.
5. A more advanced Aromatherapy Solution
Including eucalyptus essential oil, there are many other essential oils which are known to relieve a sinus infection. These are - rosemary essential oil, peppermint oil and thyme oil. You can add just 2 - 4 drops of these oils in a big pan of water. Then inhale the steam emerging from the this solution.
This fine combination of essential oils is very soothing for a sinus infection.
6. Peppermint in a Nasal Inhaler
Peppermint soothes the nasal passage and reduces symptoms of
sneezing and watery eyes. Get a nasal inhaler. Pop it open and remove the filling.Then add peppermint leaves inside. Use this inhaler all the time. Peppermint provides a cooling effect on the nasal passage. The cooling sensation extends into the sinuses, relieving inflammation and edema of the mucosal membrane.
" Save some hassle by purchasing a peppermint inhaler directly. "
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7. Smell Some Smoked Onion
Take a fresh onion and heat it on the barbecue, or on the stove. In some time it starts to release its vapors. Inhaling these vapors heals a sinus infection brilliantly. It treats the root cause of sinusitis which is mostly an upper respiratory tract infection.
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8. Cayenne Pepper Gargle
Build up some heat in your throat. Cayenne pepper powder can be used to your advantage.
- Ingredients
Hot water
Cayenne pepper powder ( 1/8 tablespoon )
- Directions / How to use
Add the cayenne pepper powder to a glass of (bearable ) hot water. Gargle with this glass of water. It would feel really hot. Do this gargle a few times a day, but do not overdo it as it may cause ulcers.
- Why it works ?
Cayenne pepper stimulates the rush of blood to areas which are required. Your throat, nose, mouth and sinuses are fueled by blood. Increased activity of immune system helps to heal the infection.
9. Keep Applying Warm Compress To Your Face
One who has suffered from sinus infection knows the discomfort felt in the face. It is disgusting and makes it utterly difficult to concentrate on work. This can be relieved by applying warm compress on the face. Press gently on the cheeks, near the eye sockets, forehead and on the nose. It provides relief from the heaviness developing in the sinuses.
10. Use a humidifer
Install a humidifer in your room. Keep it at the most comfortable humidity level that provides you maximum relief from sinusitis discomfort. Very low humidity environment is preferred by the pathogens.
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11. Oregano Oil
Inhaling the steam of oregano oil can also provide relief from sinusitis. Oregano has got very strong anti-fungal and some antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Other specifically herbal remedies for sinus infection : It is not easy to get over sinusitis. It generally takes its own time and causes discomfort. But, herbal remedies can really speed up relief.
- Elderberry : It is a berry that is widely grown in Europe and America. It is the Native American remedy for many respiratory tract conditions including sinus infection.
- Oil pulling : Take a tablespoon of sunflower oil and keep it in the mouth. One can increase its efficacy by mixing it with some water. Now, spit it out after 2 minutes. This practice is done on an empty stomach. It is mentioned in Ayurveda and it may help with sinus infection.
Physical processes to relieve sinus problems. Yoga poses help the sinus infection to relieve on its own.
- Pranayama : This is a breathing and meditation technique which might help with sinus infection.
- The Plough pose in yoga asanas is a really tough pose but it may assist in relieving sinus condition.
Plus, keep drinking green tea. It is a nice companion when one is faced with a sinus infection. Green tea can provide some comfort and relief periodically while the infection relieves slowly.
What to do for Chronic Sinus Infections ?
If you are one of those people who suffer from recurring sinus troubles, then here is what you should definitely try out. Medications provide relief from acute infections, but for chronic infections , one has to dig a little deeper into what is going on with the body.
See, recurring sinus infections are generally a sign that there is some issue with the immune system. Either it is autoimmune. Or there might be something that you are allergic to which triggers sinusitis. Or it could be that the immune system is weak and succumbs to pathogens every now and then.
- If the sinus infection is caused by allergies, try some home remedies for allergies.
- Strengthen your immune system by working out, eating 5 servings of fruits and veggie a day and consuming minimum of refined sugar.
