Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include a blocked nose, headache, facial pain, and fever. home remedies for sinus infections usually clear up on their own in two to three weeks. Meanwhile, you can use these natural home remedies to relieve pain, clear congestion, and reduce your recovery time.
1. Steam inhalation
Breathing in steam can help to thin mucus and drain the sinuses. Boil water in a saucepan and transfer it to a large bowl. Cover your head in a towel and lower it over the basin. The cloth should create a tent to keep your face surrounded by steam. Breathe in deeply for 10 minutes. To make the treatment even more effective, add a few drops of a decongestant essential oil to the water. Try peppermint, eucalyptus, sage, or wintergreen.
2. Cayenne pepper
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, can help treat home remedies for sinus infections in two ways. It thins mucus to make breathing easier and it relieves the pain of a sinus headache. Mix half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more if you’re spice-tolerant) into a cup of boiling water and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Inhale the steam while it’s hot. When it cools a little, drink it down.
3. Horseradish
Horseradish is a mild antibiotic that increases facial circulation and promotes the discharge of mucus. Grate a large horseradish root and stir in a tablespoon of honey and the juice of one lemon. Store the mixture in a sealed jar and take one tablespoon four times a day. Alternatively, put one teaspoon of grated horseradish in your mouth. Hold it there to clear your nasal passages. When the flavor dissipates swallow it to clear mucus at the back of your throat.
4. Saline Rinse
A saline rinse can be used to thin mucus and clear out the sinuses. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Use a rubber bulb syringe or a neti pot to transfer the solution to your nostrils. Tilt your head over the sink with one ear facing the basin. Pour the saline rinse into the top nostril and allow it to flow into the sinus cavity and out the other nostril. Hold up your head and blow out the remaining liquid and mucus, then repeat the process on the other side.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory that honey help to reduce swelling in the sinus cavities. It also acts as a decongestant. Make a turmeric smoothie by blending a three-inch piece of fresh turmeric root with a banana, a cup of water, and honey to taste. If the fresh root is not available, you can substitute two or three teaspoons of powdered turmeric.
6. Raw garlic
Allicin and other sulfur compounds in garlic have antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help fight home remedies for sinus infections while relieving swelling in the nasal passages. Unfortunately, these compounds are degraded when garlic is cooked. To get the most benefit from garlic, peel three cloves and finely chop them to release the allicin. Add a little olive oil and salt and spread onto crusty bread.
7. Hot and cold compresses
An alternating hot and cold compresses can reduce sinus pain and pressure. It can also help to loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Soak a towel in hot water, ring it out and place it over your eyes and nose for three minutes. Then switch to a cold compress for 30 seconds. Continue to alternate the compresses until you feel relief.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties to help fight infection and also contains potassium which eases mucus formation. After you’ve used a commercial nasal spray, you can recycle the bottle to apply a fine mist of vinegar to your nasal passages. Sterilize the spray bottle in boiling water. Pour in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, fill with distilled water and shake to combine. Spritz the solution up your nostrils three times a day.
9. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called cineole which is a nasal decongestant and a respiratory anti-inflammatory. Stir a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the oil to the swollen, sensitive areas of your face, and put some along the edges of your nostrils so you can breathe in the cooling vapors.
10. Face massage
A face massage can help to unblock your nose and provide temporary relief from sinus pain. Use both your index fingers to apply rotating pressure to your forehead at the inner corners of your eyebrows. After about 20 seconds, move your fingers down and continue the rotating massage on either side of the bridge of your nose. Next, apply pressure to your cheekbones. Stroke your face from cheekbones to ears and use your index fingers to push down behind the earlobes.
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