Inflammation of sinuses cause sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, which are quite painful. It is of two types – acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and chronic sinustitis. Doctors recommend many medicines like painkillers, e.g. naproxen or antibiotics like amoxilin for ARS while sometimes surgery is suggested for those who are afflicted with the chronic sinusitis. This condition is extremely common, more in women than in men – but why should you start popping pills for sinus pain? There are many herbalhome remedies for sinus infection which will help you get rid of the sinus headache and sinus pressure under eyes. Check out this list to know how to get rid of sinus pressure.
Causes
- Infection – viral or bacterial
- Environmental allergies
- Air pollution
- Problems of nasal structure
- Active and passive smoking
- Dental infection
- Food allergies
- Fungal infection
Symptoms
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Nasal stuffiness
- Poor sense of smell
- Thick nasal mucus
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
Home Remedies for Sinus Infection Treatment
1. Garlic
Chop up a few garlic cloves and drop them into boiling water. Inhale the steam from this garlic water – repeat a few times daily for a few minutes each. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent, the pungent smell of which will help open up your congested nose, and kill the bacteria in your nasal cavity. You can also eat two or three crushed garlic cloves daily.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This common kitchen ingredient has several beneficial properties – it also helps in making easy home remedies for sinus pressure. Make a mixture of hot water, honey, lemon juice and water, and add two or three tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to it. You can also mix apple cider vinegar to tea and drink the liquid three times a day. It will help flush out mucus from your sinus cavities. If you feel you are coming down with a flu or cold, you can immediately consume apple cider vinegar to avoid sinus infection.
3. Nasal Irrigation
Take boiled water and add a pinch of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt to it. Or, mix a teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in boiled water. Use either of these liquids as solutions for nasal irrigation. Use a bulb syringe and use it once a day – it keeps the nasal cavity moist and clears out mucus.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Found in every kitchen, this ingredient has many health benefits. It works to decongest clogged noses and drain out the mucus and other debris from the nasal cavity. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties. Make a solution of hot water and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and drink it up to 2-3 times daily. You can also sweeten the mixture with a teaspoon of honey.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a miracle root, with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, works wonders in conditions related to sore throats. It also helps in controlling sinus infections, because the polyphenols present in it inhibit mucus production. Boil some slivers of ginger in water for 10 minutes, strain it and mix in some honey and lemon juice. Drink the ginger tea a few times daily.
6. Boost Your Immune System
Most sinus infections are caused by bacteria or viruses – you can treat the causes directly by strengthening your immune system. This way you will remove the very base from where sinus infections rise. Take Vitamin C tablet or chews to bolster your body’s defenses – it is also known to be effective during colds and flu. You can also take fermented cod liver oil for Vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Make a Super Smoothie
For a hydrating and nourishing smoothie during the sinus infection days, blitz two inches of turmeric root, a pinch of cayenne pepper, juice of one lemon, one ripe banana and half a cup of water. Drink this smoothie every day for a week.
8. Oregano Oil
Mix 2 drops of oregano essential oil into boiling water and inhale the steam – vapor inhalation helps clear up the sinus congestion and opens up the nasal passage. Alternatively, you can drink a solution of 2-3 drops of oregano oil in water twice daily. You can also put a drop or two of the oil under your tongue daily. Oregano oil also helps in boosting your immune system.
9. Onion
Onions contain high levels of sulfur which makes them antifungal and antibacterial agents. Its pungency also helps relieve sinus pressure. Chop an onion finely and throw it into a pot of boiling water. Inhale the pungent steam from this infusion for a few minutes. After it has boiled for a few minutes, strain the liquid and drink it – repeat a few times daily till the congestion clears up.
10. Stay Hydrated
To ease the sinus infection by thinning out and draining the mucus, drink plenty of water, tea and clear broth. Avoid liquids with added sugar, coffee, alcohol and smoking. These will dehydrate your body, thickening the mucus and making you even more uncomfortable.
11. Turmeric Root
This root with a bright yellow stain, is widely used in Indian cooking – it is known for its antimicrobial properties. It contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent called curcumin – it reduces and swelling of the sinuses and clears the airways. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder in water and drink it several times a day. You can also add turmeric to a glass of sweetened milk.
12. Compress
During sinus infections, areas around the eyes and nose become tender and painful. A hot compress on the sinuses will help relive sinus pressure and sinus pain. Ideally, you should alternate hot compress for 3 minutes with a 30-second cold compress.
13. Essential Oils
Apart from oregano oil, aromatherapy has many other oils that help in getting rid of sinus infection. For example, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil have decongestant properties. Put a few drops of any one of these essential oils into a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam to get positive results. You can even use a humidifier for the steam inhalation process.
14. Horseradish
This pungent kitchen ingredient is a mighty tool against sinus congestion. With a high sulfur content, horseradish helps clear out mucus and is a natural herbal antibiotic that deals with the bacteria in the nasal cavity. Grate horseradish and suck a pinch of it until the taste disappears. Then swallow it. Repeat a few times a day until the infection clears. You can also ingest a dab of Japanese horseradish in the form of the super spicy wasabi paste for drainage of mucus.
Preventive Measures:-
- Sometimes sinus infection can be prevented by maintaining hygiene and washing hands.
- As smoking often causes chronic sinusitis, it should be reduced and avoided.
- Use air filter inside your home to get rid of allergens like pollen.
- If you have pets, keep them clean and brush them regularly.
- Vacuum your drapes and carpets regularly.
- In order to sleep better during sinus infection, elevate your head.