Rhinitis, phlegm, cough, a feeling of pressure in the ears, headaches, and great fatigue. Discover the natural remedies to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis.
What Is Sinusitis
As one can guess from its name, sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and nasal cavities (sinuses).
Sinusitis usually occurs due to viral infection, but there are also cases of sinusitis that originate from bacteria.
It may be a bacterial infection when the disease is accompanied by fever, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
it might be also a bacterial infection if the disease does not pass within a period of several days.
In any of these cases, you should consult with your doctor.
Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses, therefore conventional medicines like antibiotics are not effective.
However, there are relatively simple and quick home remedies that are a natural treatment for sinusitis.
Daily Routine
Sleep with an Extra Pillow
When you sleep normally, phlegm can accumulate in your sinuses and worsen the symptoms. Use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly raised, this will help you sleep better.
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic activity helps a lot and improves blood circulation.
Good blood flow helps to release blockage in the blood vessels.
A headstand that pumps blood to the head is also good for this situation.
Avoid bending your head forward as this position increases the pain.
Hot Shower
A hot shower relieves and helps remove the phlegm.
Try to shower twice a day, use the palms of your hands to spray hot water on the face and around the nose area.
Important note: Before and after the shower, drink plenty of water.
Dehydration due to sweating can make the situation worse.
Foods to use and to Avoid for the Relieve of Sinusitis
Drink Water
Drink plenty of water, there’s a reason why you hear this advice a lot.
It is very important to drink water when you are sick, especially when it comes to sinusitis.
Water helps to dilute the phlegm and thus helps remove it.
Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which actually do the opposite, and dry you out.
Moreover, alcohol can cause your sinuses to swell and thus aggravate the symptoms.
Foods to Relieve Nasal Congestion
Eat plenty of coriander, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, apricot, and white Chinese mushrooms.
All of these foods relieve nasal congestion and make it easier to breathe.
Foods to Avoid
Dairy products can cause heavy phlegm due to the hormones found in milk.
This viscous mucus makes it difficult to breathe and delays the healing process.
Any diet that raises the moisture and inflammation in the body can maintain and even aggravate the condition.
Products that include white flour (including bread and a variety of pastries) and processed and fried foods should be avoided.
Reduce or even quit sugar and caffeine consumption altogether.
Sugar and caffeine can certainly trigger inflammation and also raise blood pressure,
which will worsen the headache symptom when removed from the system.
The way to flush the toxins out of the system is by drinking plenty of water during the day.
Home Remedies to Relieve Sinusitis
Using a Warm Compress
Soak a cotton cloth in warm water and place it on the forehead and sinus area.
Leave the warm compresses for a few minutes, then massage the cheeks, eyebrow area, eyeballs, and forehead.
Use gentle movements from the bridge of the nose and out.
Steam Inhalation
Fill a bowl with boiled water and then cover your head and the bowl with a towel to breathe in the steam emitted from the water.
Just do not get too close to the steam so that you do not get a burn.
You can also add salt and baking soda powder to the water.
This method helps maintain moisture in the nose and eliminate excess phlegm.
Use Ice to Relieve Headaches
Cover some ice with a towel and place it on the painful areas for at least 30 seconds.
Repeat this action several times during the day.
Make sure that the ice covers the sides of the head and nose.
This method combined, with a hot bath before bed, may result in great relief and better sleep.
Sesame oil
Drip 2 drops of sesame oil to the nostrils, twice a day.
Sesame oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger Infusion
You can combine ginger in your diet and also make a ginger infusion.
Take a small piece of ginger, add to a glass of boiling water, and cover.
Wait for the water to cool down a bit and drink during the day.
If you wish, you can sweeten the infusion a little with dates or maple syrup.
Horseradish Root to Treat Sinusitis
Horseradish root was used, in ancient medicine, to treat sinusitis.
Crush one teaspoon of horseradish root and eat on an empty stomach 3 times a day.
Using Aromatherapy To Relieve Sinusitis
Some essential oils can be used to relieve sinusitis and its symptoms.
Two of these are eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils.
The main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, cineole, opens the airways and relieves inflammation.
The scent of mint helps to open the airways and release the congestion.
Moreover, it brings immense relief to intense headaches.
You can use the steam inhalation method, as described above, and add a few drops of the essential oil to the boiling water.
You can also use both essential oils with a burner or diffuser.
Don’t apply the essential oils directly to the body.
If you wish to do so, mix it with a carrier oil such as sweet almonds cold-pressed oil before applying to the skin.
Apply the mixture to the head and especially to the temples, and massage in circular motions.
Important note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, children under the age of 5, taking certain meds, or under medical treatment, avoid these essential oils.
You can find here more essential oils that strengthen the respiratory system.
Ayurveda
Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
Home remedy for sinusitis that comes from Ayurveda.
Roast carom seeds on a pan a little and inhale the fumes that come out of them.
The seeds contain thymol oil which causes immediate sneezing and clears the congestion from the sinuses.
Spices Infusion to Relieve Congestion in the Respiratory Tract
Make an infusion of mixed basil, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Add a little maple or dates syrup to sweeten the infusion and drink to relief from sinusitis.
These herbs dehydrate the mucus and relieve congestion in the upper respiratory tract and sinuses.
Neti-Pot
Another option available on the market is a nasal washing device called Neti Pot, originating in Ayurveda.
When using the device, water (or saline) flows through one nostril to the other.
It washes out thick or dried mucus that is present in the nose.
