Sinusitis is characterized by the infection, congestion and inflammation of the sinuses. While there are numerous antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs available for the various symptoms of the painful condition, their intake can actually do more harm than good due to the host of unwanted side effects they bring.
Fortunately, there are a bunch of effective home remedies you may go for each time your sinusitis is bugging you. It’s important, however, that you are checked by a doctor especially if it’s your first time to encounter the warning signs of the disease to make sure that it is actually sinusitis and not some other problem causing the same symptoms. Once your doctor gives you the go signal to opt for some natural remedies, you may try the following:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Keeping your body hydrated is the best way to flush thick mucus out of your sinuses. Aside from water, you may also guzzle down herbal teas and natural fruit juices, as well as take clear broth to make sure you’re getting enough fluids daily.
Inhale Steam
Break up mucus that’s giving you a headache by inhaling steam. To do this, carefully pour some hot water in a small basin. Drape a towel over your head as you place your face close to the basin, and inhale the steam. It’s an excellent idea to add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil into the water.
Use a Neti Pot
A neti pot is a small device intended for irrigating the nasal cavity. All you have to do is fill it with lukewarm distilled or sterile water and use it to flush out mucus, bacteria and other impurities that have collected in your nasal passages. Some people dissolve a teaspoon of salt in the lukewarm distilled or sterile water to help kill off bacteria.
Sprinkle Some Turmeric
Each time you’re having your clear broth, try sprinkling some turmeric in it. Not only will it make your broth taste better, but the spice can also help provide relief to sinusitis because of its amazing anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties.
Drink Ginger Tea
You may also have a cup of ginger tea to ward off inflammation brought about by sinusitis. In a cup of boiling water, place a tablespoon of grated ginger and let is steep for several minutes. Strain, add a teaspoon of honey and slowly consume.
Take Apple Cider Vinegar
So many people bugged by sinusitis swear by the effectiveness of taking a cup of warm water with 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar dissolved in it. This mix is known to help break down thick mucus, causing them to be flushed out of the sinuses easily. Make sure that you are using raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for maximum benefits.
Opt for Oregano Oil
A very easy way to combat the symptoms of sinusitis is by adding a few drops of oregano oil in a cup of warm water and drinking it. This aromatic oil’s superb antibacterial properties can help in killing off bacteria causing the painful condition.
Apply Alternating Hot and Cold Compress
For about 3 minutes, apply warm compress on the affected areas. Replace this immediately with cold compress and count for 30 minutes. Doing this routine several times a day can help in promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation. As a bonus, alternating hot and cold compress can provide immediate relief from the discomfort sinusitis brings