Sinus problems can be uncomfortable. However, there are effective remedies, from chicken soup to compresses, that you can use to alleviate the pain and discomfort of sinus issues.
1. Water, water everywhereDrink fluids and run a humidifier or vaporizer.
Why is this important? Fluids and humidification help to thin mucus and drain your sinuses. They also lubricate your sinuses and keep your skin hydrated.
Hot beverages, like herbal tea, can be especially hydrating. Hot beverages also provide an extra benefit from the steam.
2. Nasal irrigationNasal irrigation is very effective at relieving nasal congestion and irritation.
Saline irrigation simply means gently flushing out your nasal passages with a saline solution. You can do this with special squeeze bottles, bulb syringes, or a neti pot.
A neti pot is an inexpensive apparatus that looks like Aladdin’s lamp. The saline mixture is ailable prepackaged. You can also make your own by following these steps:
Mix 3 teaspoons of iodine-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to create a dry mixture.Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the dry mixture in 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) of distilled, sterilized, or filtered water.To capture the liquid, you will want to irrigate your sinuses while standing over a sink or basin. Pour, spray, or squirt a liberal amount of the solution into one nostril while tilting your head so it flows out the other nostril. Do this with each nostril. It also flushes away bacteria and irritants.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your neti pot after each use, as bacteria can build up inside. In addition, never use straight tap water as this may contain bacteria that can infect your sinuses. If you do use tap water, be sure to boil it beforehand.
3. SteamSteam helps relieve congestion by loosening mucus.
Give yourself a steam treatment using a bowl of hot water and a large towel. Add menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus oils to the water if you like.
Place the towel over your head so it falls along the sides of the bowl, trapping the steam inside. Most people do this until the steam dissipates. The steam from a hot shower can also work but is a less concentrated experience.
4. Chicken soupOne older 2000 study found that chicken soup reduces inflammation associated with sinus congestion and colds.
So what’s the secret? Scientists hen’t identified the active ingredient in chicken soup, but they speculate that the steam combined with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the soup’s ingredients are what help clear the sinuses.
5. Warm and cold compressesRotating warm and cold compresses on your sinuses should also help.
Lay back with a warm compress draped across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes.Remove the warm compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds.Do this two to three times.You can repeat this process two to six times each day.
6. Manuka honeyHoney may be a good alternative when a bacterial infection is causing your sinus congestion.
Some research suggests that honey has antibacterial properties. Manuka honey, in particular, has many therapeutic uses.
Try adding manuka honey to a cup of warm herbal tea.