Most people have experienced sinus pain and pressure at some point in their lives and most recover without any prescribed medications. Sinus infection may go off naturally without any significant treatment, but in many cases this becomes a chronic problem. To relieve the symptoms of a sinus infection, you can use some easy natural home remedies. Here are the top ways to survive your next sinus infection:
REGULAR INTAKE OF FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN C
People with suppressed immune systems are prone to sinus infections, and regular intake of Vitamin C can be considered as one of the best natural remedies for this problem. Vitamin C helps in decongestion and reduces the level of histamines, responsible for sinus inflammation. You can also take sufficient amounts of Vitamin C enriched citrus fruits to reduce the sinus infection.
USING NETI POT
Neti Pots help thin out mucus and flush it from your nasal passages. It’s a salt flush for your nose. A salt water solution goes in one nostril, then out the other. Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of warm water. Standing over a sink fill the neti pot with one cup of water and place the tip of the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and allow the water to run out through the opposite nostril. Refill the neti pot and repeat with the other nostril.
STEAMING
Steam is the fastest way to break up mucus in a stuffed-up nose. Breathing in steam will help relieve nasal congestion and clear sinuses. Run a hot shower and breathe in the steam vapours for about five to 10 minutes. Do this daily for a few days until the infection clears. You may also add few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and steam your face/breathe in the steam for quick relief.
TAKE UP LIQUID DIET- TEMPORARILY
Staying hydrated helps your body in many ways, including keeping your sinuses moist. Drink water throughout the day, and make sure to steer clear of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration. Have juices, shakes, smoothies etc. throughout the day.
GINGER
Ginger has antiviral, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat sinus infections. Cut a two-inch piece of fresh ginger root into slices. Boil the slices in one cup of water over low heat for about 10 minutes. Strain the solution, and mix some lemon juice and honey in it. Drink this tea a few times a day for about a week or until you get the desired results.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Cayenne pepper enriched in Vitamin C is highly beneficial in reducing sinus infection. The hot and spicy taste of pepper stimulates the nerves and helps in decongestion of the nasal passages. Try adding this in your food or have cayenne pepper tea- You may add pinch of cayenne pepper powder to 1 cup green tea.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Do not consume antibiotics on your own. Using antibiotics indiscriminately can lead to antibiotic resistance and the development of superbugs, plus they may not be effective in treating most cases of sinusitis.
- Grab some Vicks VapoRub, apply a generous amount to the bottom of your feet before you go to bed, then cover with socks. If you have a persistent cough courtesy of your sinus infection, this trick is proven to help relieve coughing throughout the night!
- Put a couple of drops of the oil of oregano in one-half cup of boiling water and inhale the steam to clear the congestion and open up the sinuses. Do this daily until the infection is gone.
- Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Mix in one teaspoon of honey. Drink this solution three times a day for five days.