SINUS HEADACHE RELIEF

Commonly confused as migraine or tension headaches, sinus headaches, a side effect of sinusitis, occur when the sinus membrane lining becomes swollen and inflamed and pressure surrounds the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. This causes pain and can make the affected area sensitive to touch. Headache is a common symptom seen and occurs almost everytime you get a sinus infection!

Try these natural home remedies for relief from sinus headache:

GINGER

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties which cure sinus headaches.

How to use: Cut fresh ginger root into slices and boil in water for 10 minutes. Drink the water while still warm. Repeat regularly for best results.

Note: Alternately chew the root thoroughly or take it in any supplement form.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a valuable herb that cures sinus headache effectively.

How to use: Mix a tablespoon of powdered cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, and water to make a paste. Apply to the forehead and leave for 5 – 8 minutes and rinse with water. Repeat regularly for best results.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin c provides relief from sinus headache. So you can drink warm lemon or orange juice to get instant relief. Lemon tea is also a good option to cure sinus problem. It helps to loose sinus congestion and gives temporary relief.

NETI POT

Neti pots increase drainage and reduce inflammation and pressure in the nasal passages which cause sinus headaches.

How to use: Fill a neti pot with salt warm water (saline) solution. Tilt your head to one side while hovering over the sink. Place the neti pot in the opening of the higher nostril. Lift the pot until water flows through the higher nostril to the lower nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth. Blow your nose and repeat with the other nostril. Repeat twice weekly for best results.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint has calming and soothing properties that can help treat sinus headaches.

Remedy 1: You can make an herbal tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint to a cup of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add some honey to sweeten it. Sip the tea slowly.

Remedy 2: You can also use peppermint oil to gently massage your temples, jaw and the back of your neck for instant pain relief.

Remedy 3: In addition, inhaling the soothing aroma of peppermint steam can ease headache as well as accompanying symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure, the art of applying pressure to certain areas, relieves sinus pressure and headaches. Try this at home by applying pressure to where the thumb and index finger meet.

MASSAGE

This process opens space allowing sinus drainage and gives pain relief. Use your fingertips or ask someone to gently massage the painful areas while you lay down. Place the thumbs just above the eyebrows and draw it towards the hairline. Then draw the thumbs to the temples and lift at the hair line. Continue until the entire forehead region has been massaged.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Rest is important when suffering from sinus headache. Increase your rest to ease sinus pain and avoid overexerting yourself.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to dry rooms and prevent sinus infection. Overuse can lead to mould and dust mite growth. Always clean your humidifier.
• Long, hot showers twice daily will open blocked sinuses.
• Wash your hands as often as possible to avoid upper-respiratory and sinus infections.
• Avoid irritants such as cigarettes, allergens, and other air pollutants which make sinus membranes swell and worsen headaches.