8 Ways To Treat Your Sinusitis Naturally

If recurring sinus infections are interfering with your quality of life, you may be looking for an effective solution. Sinus infections cause stuffy nose and drainage as well as facial pressure and headache pain. While over-the-counter medications may relieve your symptoms, they may cause unpleasant side effects. Oral decongestants may cause sleeplessness or raise the blood pressure, while antihistamines often cause drowsiness. However, there are natural remedies that can relieve the symptoms issues. You might want to try the following methods to see if they work for you:

1. Try Steam Inhalation Therapy

This may be in the way of a warm, steamy shower, or inhaling the steam vapors from a pot of hot water. Alternatively, you may purchase a compact personal steam inhaler with plastic hood. Simply heat water in the vessel to produce steam and breath in the soothing vapors.

Inhaling steam generally helps to open clogged nasal passages and restore freer breathing through the nose. Steam penetrates the sinus cavities naturally, without producing unwanted side effects. Steam is also a natural expectorant, helping you to expel mucus, while lubricating your airways. It will also restore natural moisture to the sinuses, preventing them from being dry and irritated.

You might add some natural aromatherapy or essential oils to the water for added comfort. After your steam therapy, try dabbing a bit of mentholated rub below your nose or on your neck and upper check. The mentholated vapors may help unclog a stuffy nose.

2. Consider Natural Irrigation for the Sinuses

Try flushing out your sinuses using a nasal wash and neti pot or simply using a saline solution spray. This will help rid your sinuses of irritants and stubborn mucus, thus reducing pain and pressure. Studies show that saline sprays can provide an effective solution for sinusitis. 

3. Give Yourself a Sinus Massage

Gently massaging your sinuses can help relieve the pressure. Simply apply gentle pressure below the eyes, temples or or sinus area, using your index fingers. Massage your sinuses in a gentle, circular motion for several seconds.

4. Keep Yourself Well Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep the nasal passages and sinuses healthy, moist and lubricated. Moist nasal passages should help you breath easier. If you are unsure of whether you are staying hydrated, note the color of your urine. If it is clear, you're receiving adequate water. Dark yellow urine often indicates dehydration.

5. Add Spices to Your Diet

Curry, hot ginger, onion and hot jalapeno peppers do wonders for opening the sinus passages and is a natural method to relieve your troublesome symptoms. Also, add some spices to a bowl of chicken soup to clear out your nasal and sinus congestion.

6. Restore Moisture to Your Environment

Central heating can dry the air and make you more uncomfortable when you're suffering from a sinus infection. Restore the moisture in the air with the use of a humidifier. You can also add moisture to the air by placing plants throughout the home. In addition, place some pots of water on the radiator. Dry your damp clothing on a clothes drying rack to add moisture to your room. Cook on your stove top whenever possible, as the moisture will evaporate into the air.

7. Mix Up a Concoction of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Honey

Did you know that apple cider vinegar and honey both contain natural antimicrobial properties? These properties can help fight infection naturally. Use the raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar as it works best. Try mixing a teaspoon of ACV with equal parts honey into a glass of water and drink this a few times a day.

8. Try a Hot Compress

Simply soak a washcloth in hot water and apply it to your sinus area for several minutes. Do this several times a day as needed. You may find the compress alleviates the pain and pressure from a sinus infection.

As a side note, it's best to check with your doctor before trying alternative treatment methods. Don't discontinue your prescription medications without your doctor's approval. For instance, if your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it's important to finish them to clear up your infection and prevent complications.  Contact a company like Rochester Otolaryngology Group PC for more information.