10 Best Home Remedies to Get Instant Relief from Sinusitis

Do you get anxious every time the season changes as it may trigger sinusitis? Do you dread those uncomfortable days when your nose possibly brings your body’s entire functioning to a standstill? Many people suffer from acute or chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis refers to the infection of the sinuses which are lined by mucous membrane that produces mucus to protect the body against dirt and foreign particles. It typically occurs when excessive mucus develops, leading to a blockage. Medication can help treat sinus pressure. However, home remedies can also prove effective in easing the pain and discomfort of a sinus attack.

How to Treat Sinusitis Naturally at Home

Many people wish to know how they can get rid of sinusitis infection. Although medicines are effective, there are natural remedies too that can help you manage sinus-related troubles. Here is a list of some natural treatments for sinusitis:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar for sinusitis can be a wonderful natural solution because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Its strong smell can help neutralise congestion and promote breathing by clearing the nasal passage while aiding the body to combat the infection.

What You Will Need

• Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• Six ounces of hot water

What You Have to Do

• Mix apple cider vinegar in hot water and drink it twice a day to get relief.
• You can use this mix for gargling as well to derive added benefits.
• You can also add honey and lemon to the mix to enhance its taste.

2. Essential Oils

Several essential oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, lemon, clove can prove beneficial in remedying the symptoms of sinusitis. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities of the essential oils can be a potent remedy for a sinusitis headache. It can also help suppress a cough.

What You Will Need

• Two to three drops of lavender oil
• Two to three drops of lemon essential oil
• Two to three drops of eucalyptus oil

What You Have to Do

• Blend all the essential oils in hot water to form therapeutic steam.
• Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for about two minutes at a time a few times every day.
• Keep eyes closed to avoid eye irritation.
• You can also apply the mix of the essential oils diluted with a carrier oil like olive oil topically on the back of your neck, temples and rub gently to alleviate sinus congestion.
• Reapply after a couple of hours for quick relief.

3. Cayenne Pepper Tea

Natural tea prepared with cayenne pepper can help break up and drain congested mucus and provide relief. It can offer anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits which may contribute to the prevention and alleviation of irritating sinusitis symptoms.

What You Will Need

• Half a teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Two teaspoons honey
• One slice of lemon
• A mug of boiling water

What You Have to Do

• Add cayenne pepper, honey and lemon to a mug of hot water.
• Mix well and drink this tea two to three times a day.
• You can also sniff a small measure of cayenne powder in case of chronic sinus infection to clear nasal airways.

4. Ginger Turmeric Tea

Ginger has antibiotic and antioxidant abilities which can support detoxification, promote circulation and battle infections and inflammations. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and thus can provide you relief from sinus pressure.

What You Will Need

• A teaspoon of turmeric powder
• An inch of fresh ginger, grated
• A cup of hot water
• A tablespoon of honey (optional)

What You Have to Do

• Add the grated ginger to the cup of hot water.
• Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes.
• Add turmeric and honey and stir well to mix.
• Strain and sip the tea two to three times a day.

5. Green Tea

Green tea can be a helpful alternative remedy for sinusitis as it is rich in antioxidants. It can not only assist in reducing the infection but also aid the body in the healing process.

What You Will Need

• Two teaspoons of green tea
• A mug of hot water
• A tablespoon of honey and lemon

What You Have to Do

• Add the green tea leaves to a mug of hot water and let it steep for some time.
• Strain and add honey and lemon to enhance its flavour.
• Have this herbal tea twice a day for comfort.

6. Grapefruit Seed Extract

It is a natural antibiotic which can help eliminate the infection causing sinus.

What You Will Need

• Two to four drops of liquid grapefruit seed extract
• A Neti pot or squeeze bottle
• Boiled warm water

What You Have to Do

• Add grapefruit seed extract to lukewarm water.
• Pour this mix in a neti pot/squeeze bottle.
• Tilt your head to one side and put the device’s spout inside your upper nostril.
• Gently squeeze the solution so that it may drain out of the lower nostril.
• Repeat the process with another nostril.
• Do it twice a day.

7. Horseradish

Horseradish contains sulfur in large extent which can have an antibiotic effect in tackling the signs of a sinus attack. The root of horseradish may be most effective in successfully dealing with sinus infections.

What You Will Need

• A teaspoon of fresh, grated horseradish

What You Have to Do

• Keep the grated horseradish inside your mouth till its flavour dissipates.
• You can swallow the horseradish after the flavour has dissipated.
• Try this remedy two to three times a day.
• Be careful not to ingest horseradish in large quantities as the excess of it can trigger vomiting and stomach pain.

8. Onions

Onions possess antibacterial abilities owing to its sulfur content which can be useful in improving a sinus infection. Opt for more powerfully scented varieties like the red, brown, and white onions for best results.

What You Will Need

• An onion, thinly sliced
• Boiling water

What You Have to Do

• Add the onion slices to a pan of boiling water.
• Allow it to boil for about five minutes.
• Put a towel to cover your head and inhale the scent.
• You can drink the warm liquid too if the taste of onion isn’t jarring for you.

9. Detox Bath

Remedies for frontal sinusitis include purifying baths using Epsom salt, baking soda, etc. It can pull out impurities while delivering a considerable dose of natural minerals to open congested sinuses and treat cold and infections.

What You Will Need

• A cup of Epsom salt
• Half a cup of baking soda
• Eight to ten drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• Lukewarm water
• A bathtub

What You Have to Do

• Fill a bathtub with warm water.
• Add Epsom salt, baking soda, and eucalyptus oil to it.
• Mix well and relax in the bathtub for up to 20 minutes.
• Immerse yourself once daily for a soothing experience.

10. Steam

Medicated steam inhalation is one of the most effective home remedies for sinusitis. Steam can help add moisture to the dry sinus passages to thin out mucus which may have thickened with time, thus providing you relief from diminishing throbbing pain and headaches.

What You Will Need

• A large pot
• Hot water
• A couple of drops of any essential oil, optional
• A big towel

What You Have to Do

• Pour hot water in a large pot.
• Add your desired essential oil to it.
• Use a large towel to cover your head and bend over the pot to inhale intensely.
• Inhale for about six to eight minutes.
• Do this two to three times per day to clear sinus.

Other Tips to Fight Sinusitis at Home

The compromised breathing and pressure induced headaches which accompany sinus congestion can be very nasty and unpleasant. If you are not keen to use decongestants or medicines for a prolonged period, certain tips can help you fight sinusitis at home.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other healthy fluids like hot soups, fresh juices sans sugar. Staying hydrated can thin out mucus and minimise the distressing sinusitis symptoms. During a sinus attack, avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking which can aggravate dehydration.
• Incorporate foods that are good for the gut flora which is nearly 80 per cent of the body’s immune system. It will not only benefit the overall well-being of the body but also play a role in preventing sinus infection. When the good bacteria present in the gut gets undermined, it can lead to an imbalance. An unhealthy gut can result in chronic inflammations which may manifest as a sinus infection. Thus, increasing the consumption of fermented foods like live yoghurt, milk, kimchi, kombucha which contain probiotics can restore and enhance healthy gut bacteria.
• Nasal rinse can significantly lessen nasal irritation and congestion. Also called nasal irrigation or saline irrigation, it means flushing out the nasal passages using a saline solution. For a nasal rinse, you need to add a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Fill a squeeze bottle with this solution and tilt your head to insert a few drops into one nostril so that the solution may drain out of the other one. Repeat the procedure with each nostril to wipe out irritants and soothe the inflammation.
• Applying a warm compress over your eyes and nose for a few minutes can encourage circulation, relax mucus and soften the pain. You can alternate between applying a hot and cold compress as it can considerably aid in releasing the sinus pressure and pain. Another supportive option can be to soak the compress in warm ginger tea and placing it on your face, inhaling deeply to calm inflammation.
• Gently massaging your face especially your sinuses during sinus congestion can assist in drawing a stuffy nose and easing irritation. Rub softly using light pressure on either side of the nostrils, about the cheeks in circular motions and the corner of the eyes for a minute or two. In case you do not feel much relief, try increasing the pressure slightly.
• The importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough. Make sure you take proper rest so that your body gets enough assistance to fight the infection and heal itself. If you find it hard to sleep during a sinus attack because of the congestion and pain, take steam inhalation before retiring to bed. Elevate your head slightly and keep your room ventilated and free of irritants.

FAQ’s

Some of the frequently asked questions about sinusitis are:

1. What Are the Symptoms of a Sinus Infection?

The symptoms of sinus infection are:

• Sneezing fits
• Pain and pressure around the forehead, eyes, and cheekbones
• Nasal congestion and discharge (yellowish-green)
• A sore throat and cough
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to light
• Watering and redness of eyes
• Loss of sense of smell
• Loss of sense of taste
• Low-grade fever
• Dental pain (at times)
• Earache

2. Which Foods Should I Avoid to Prevent a Sinus Infection?

You may be allergic to some specific foods that can initiate a sinus infection. Be sure to find out your trigger food items and refrain from eating them. In general, it is advisable to avoid dairy products like cheese, refined vegetable oils, eggs, sugary foods (ice-creams, chocolates), yeast-containing foods that can heighten mucus production. Also, the consumption of strong spices, starchy and fried stuff, rice, meat, etc., may be avoided. Cold drinks and other cold beverages can worsen the nasal congestion. So avoid those too.

3. Does Acupuncture Work for Sinus Pressure?

Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese technique, can provide you relief from sinus pressure as it is known to augment circulation of bodily fluids, fortify the immune system, and support the body in its healing course. However, acupuncture should be done only by certified professionals and after consulting a doctor.

Sinus infections are not the most critical of medical conditions. But they can make your life miserable despite taking antibiotics. In such times, natural therapies can do the trick and work wonders to bring the much-needed relaxation and solace. However, it is still wise to seek your doctor’s advice before using any alternative health remedy. Also, if the symptoms persist beyond a week, go to a doctor right away.

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