A sinus infection is usually happening by viruses, but also there are some cases when it is caused by fungi or bacteria. Sinus infection is often triggered by a cold which causes inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, and it leads to a buildup of mucus, thereby blocking the sinuses.
We know that sinuses are hollow, air-filled sacs behind the cheekbones and forehead. When they are filled with fluid, harbor germs are giving rise to infection.
Also, there are other conditions that can cause a sinus infection, such as exposure to pollutants and tissue irritants like cocaine, cigarette smoke, over-the-counter nasal sprays, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and allergies.
The most common symptoms of sinus infection are fever, cough, sore throat, discolored nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, pain or pressure, facial tenderness, and headache.
Also, there are some people who experience increased sensitivity or a headache when they are leaning forward. You can use some easy home remedies to get relief from the symptoms of a sinus infection. Also, you can talk with your doctor for the proper treatment and diagnosis.
Talk with your doctor if you suffer from a sinus infection. He or she will tell you which the best natural treatment for you is. [1]
11 Home remedies for sinus infection
Contents
Horseradish
This is also a very popular home remedy that you can use for sinus infections because it can help to remove the mucus from the nasal passages. It has high levels of sulfur, and it works as a natural antibiotic. You should put a pinch of freshly grated horseradish in your mouth. You should hold it in your mouth until the flavor dissipates. Then, swallow it. You should repeat this procedure a few times per day for a period of one week or until the infection clears. [2]
Garlic
This home remedy works as a natural antibiotic that will fight against sinus infections that are caused by viruses and bacteria. It is very beneficial when the sinus infection is caused by bacteria. Also, this home remedy possesses antifungal properties.
You should chop 2 or 3 garlic cloves. Add them to a pot of boiling water. You should inhale the steam of this garlic–infused water for a few minutes. You should repeat it a few times per day until you get relief.
Also, you can eat 2 – 3 fresh garlic cloves (preferably crushed) on a daily basis. Also, you should include horseradish, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion in your meals and soups because it can help you to rid of the excess mucus. [3]
Onion
This home remedy is working as an excellent decongestant that can open up your sinuses. Also, it has sulfur compounds that will fight against fungi and bacteria.
You should chop an onion into small pieces. Put these pieces in a pot of water. You should let it boil for about 5 minutes, and then you should inhale the vapors for a few minutes. Next, you should strain the liquid and then drink it. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day for a period of a week or until the congestion clears.
Cayenne pepper
This is also a very effective home remedy that can help to open up and drain the sinuses. It can improve circulation, reduce swelling and inflammation and boost immunity.
You should mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water. You should drink this home remedy 2 or 3 times a day. Also, you can eat a mixture of one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper a few times per day. You should use either of these home remedies for a period of a few days or until you see improvements in your condition. [4]
Apple cider vinegar
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which can help to treat sinus infections. If you take apple cider vinegar at the start of allergies, cold or flu can help to prevent a sinus infection from developing.
You should add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water. You should mix in one teaspoon of honey. Drink this home remedy 3 times per day for a period of 5 days.
Nasal irrigation
It is a known fact that this type of natural cure is very beneficial for sinus infections because it can help to clear out mucus and other debris from the sinuses. Also, it will keep the sinuses moist.
You should mix ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of sea salt in one glass of distilled warm water. You should use this home remedy for nasal irrigation using a bulb syringe or other irrigation device. You should do this natural treatment once per day for a period of a few days until you get relief.
You should not use this home remedy more often than daily because it can irritate the mucus membranes.
Also, there is a second option, and that is to mix ½ to one teaspoon of pickling or canning salt and a pinch of baking soda in one cup of previously boiled or lukewarm distilled water. You should use this home remedy for nasal irrigation. You can use this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day for a period of one week. [5]
Oil of oregano
This home remedy has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Also, it is anti-inflammatory which can help to reduce inflammation. This home remedy works as a great immune booster and antioxidant.
You should put a couple of drops of the oregano oil in ½ cup of boiling water and inhale the steam to clear the congestion and open up the sinuses. You should do this natural treatment once per day until the infection is gone.
Also, you can mix 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil in one glass of water. You should drink this home remedy two times per day until the infection clears. Also, there is another option, and that is to put a drop or 2 under your tongue on a daily basis for a period of a week or until you get positive results.
Ginger
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral properties which can help to treat sinus infections [6]. Ginger has polyphenols that can help to inhibit the secretion of mucus while at the same time it will maintain normal nasal ciliary motility. There are many studies in which are said that healthy cilia are very important for sinus health because they filter allergens and they can prevent sinus infections.
You should cut a 2 – inch piece of fresh ginger root into slices. You should boil these slices in one cup of water over low heat for about ten minutes. You should strain this home remedy and mix some honey and lemon juice in it. You should drink this tea a few times per day for a period of a week or until you get the desired results.
Steam
When you are breathing in steam, then it can help you to get relief from nasal congestion, and it will clear the sinuses. Also, the warm compress can help to reduce sinus pressure and headaches.
You should run a hot shower and breathe in the steam vapors for about 5 – 10 minutes. You should do this natural treatment on a daily basis for a period of a few days until the infection clears.
Also, you can place a wet and warm towel on your face for a few minutes, several times per day over a period of a few days, because it can help you to get relief from the sinus pressure. You should drink plenty of water to thin the mucus. You should use a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist. Also, it is a known fact that when you have adequate rest, then it can facilitate a speedy recovery.
Turmeric
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibiotic properties, which can help to treat sinus infections and congestion. It has an active component known as curcumin which can help to heal the swelling in the sinus cavity and it will clear the airways.
You should mix a pinch of turmeric powder in one glass of warm water. You should gargle with it a few times per day for a period of a few days.
Also, you can drink a glass of hot milk mixed with one teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little honey. You should drink this home remedy on a daily basis for a period of one week or until the infection clears.
Also, there is another option, and that is to create a turmeric smoothie by blending one banana, a pinch of cayenne pepper, one tablespoon of honey, juice from one lemon, two pieces of turmeric root (two inches), and ½ cup of water. You should drink this smoothie on a daily basis for a period of a few days. [7]
Bromelain
Bromelain is a protein that is found in pineapple stems. It can reduce the swelling in nasal passages [8]. Talk with your doctor before you start taking bromelain because it can interact with other medications that you are taking.
References:
[1] Carol P. Rethinking sinusitis treatment. American Journal of Nursing. 2015;115(7):16.
[2] Agneta R, Mollers C, Rivelli AR. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), a neglected medical and condiment species with a relevant glucosinolate profile: A review. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2013;60(7).
[3] Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 2014;4(1):1-14.
[4] Bernstein JA, Davis BP, Picard JK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2011;107(2):171-8.
[5] Principi N, Esposito S. Nasal irrigation: An imprecisely defined medical procedure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017;14(5):516.
[6] Kawamoto Y, Ueno Y, Nakahashi E, et al. Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2016;27:112-22.
[7] Birdane L, Cingi C, Muluk NB, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of curcumin in experimentally induced acute sinusitis in rats. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2016;95(12):e21-e27.
[8] Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: A review. Biotechnology Research International. 2012;2012:976203.
