Home Remedies For Sinus
Home Remedies For Sinus
Sinuses are air
filled cavities located on either side of the nose. Due to allergies, cold, or
bacterial infections, these may sometimes get clogged or infected. This may
create various complications like headache, snoring or difficulty in breathing.
In some cases, a sinus infection may even lead to brain fever or meningitis.
There are four
types of sinus problems which are common.
Acute sinus
usually lasts for 4 weeks or less.
Sub acute lasts
for 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic sinus
lasts 8 weeks or longer while a recurrent inflammation symptom is followed with
several attacks within a year. The good news is that there are some home
remedies for sinus that can provide instant relief.
Certain foods
that can trigger sinus symptoms should be avoided, like fried and starchy
foods, rice, meat and strong spices. Regular intake of foods rich in Vitamin A
can help you build a strong defense against the sinus infection. Dr. Ashutosh
Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager, Baidyanath, suggests the
some dietary precautions that you must take. “Dairy products, especially
cheese, yogurt and ice cream should be avoided. Also, avoid chocolate, sugar
and yeast containing foods as they trigger excess mucus production in the
sinuses. Cold drinks should be avoided. The intake of cold liquids will stall
cilia movement within the nose, making it difficult for nasal mucus to flow
through the nasal passages,”
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water,
tea or juices without sugar are good ways to keep your system hydrated. These
fluids help in thinning out the mucus and bring relief to the irritated
sinuses. One should avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking, which lead to
dehydration.
Drinking water,
tea or juices without sugar are good ways to keep your system hydrated.
2. Spices
Spices such as cayenne pepper with
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, help in breaking up and
draining out congested mucus. Horseradish can be mixed with apple cider vinegar
and lemon juice to create a mucus dissolving elixir. As an alternative, 1/4
teaspoon of the freshly grated horseradish root can be held in the mouth for a
few minutes, once the taste has evaporated, it can be swallowed.
3. Steam
This is one of
the best and doctors prescribe it too. Add 3 drops of pine or rosemary oil with
3 drops of peppermint, and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a steaming hot bowl of
water or add 3 drops of rosemary with 1 drop of thyme and peppermint oil. With
your face down over the water, drape a towel over the back of your head and
inhale the steam, this will help in clearing a blocked nasal passage.
4. Turmeric and Ginger Root.
Turmeric root is
a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in India and across the continent.
Not only does turmeric contain natural anti-inflammatory properties, it is also
rich in antioxidants. When combined with
spicy ginger root and brewed in hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus
from clogged nasal passages, relax sinus pressure, and make you feel instantly
better. In his book, ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’, Vasant Lad
suggests that a mixture of fresh ginger juice with 1 tsp honey taken 2 to 3
times a day can be helpful.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is a wonderful natural ingredient with many health benefits. A cup of
hot water or tea, taken three times daily with two or three tablespoons of raw,
unfiltered apple cider vinegar will help thin out excessive mucus relieving
congestion and sinus pressure. Mix with
lemon and honey to taste. You can also simply take 1 teaspoon of apple cider
vinegar 3 times a day for better results.
6. Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is very effective for
relieving nasal congestion and irritation. Also known as saline irrigation, it
simply means gently flushing out your nasal passages with a saline solution.
According to author and Ayurvedic expert, Vasant Lad, you can dissolve ½
teaspoon salt into ½ cup lukewarm water. Pour the mixture in a squeeze bottle;
instill 5 drops of the solution into one nostril while tilting your head so it
flows out of the other nostril. Do this with each nostril. This will soothe
your sinuses and also flush away bacteria and irritants.
7. Soup
A number of
studies support the benefits of having soup in helping ease congestion. From
chicken soup to vegetable soup with fresh herbs, you can choose from a range of
recipes and pick your favourite. It is the steam combined with a bunch of
healthy ingredients which help clear the sinuses.
These tips give
natural relief . Always remember to consult your Doctor.