Sinus Infection Home Remedies
Sinus infection, also called acute sinusitis, causes inflammation and swelling around the cavities in your nasal passages. This hinders nasal drainage, causing mucus to build up. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 29.8 million adults were diagnosed with sinusitis in 2010. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for sinus infections. A study from Washington University in St. Louis showed that some antibiotics are ineffective at treating sinusitis.
So let’s try some natural home remedies instead:
Apple cider vinegar:
It has been used for years as an effective sinus infection treatment.
Remedy:
Mix 1 cup of warm water with 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) and 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey and drink once a day.
Remedy:
Take 1 tablespoon of ACV 3 times a day and follow with a big glass of water.
Remedy:
Inhale the ACV as a steam bath.
Mix 1/2 a cup of ACV with 1/2 a cup of water, heat it on the stove, and inhale the steam with your eyes and mouth closed. You can also cover your head with a towel.
Oil of oregano:
Oregano oil contains antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, so it is no wonder that it is a popular remedy for sinusitis.
Remedy:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 1 drop of oregano oil.
Inhale the steam with eyes and mouth closed.
If the steam doesn’t seem strong enough, try adding another drop. Oregano oil is fairly strong smelling, so it is advised to start at one drop.
Saline rinse:
A nasal saline rinse is a very popular remedy for sinus infection.
Remedy:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with a pinch of baking soda and a cap full of food grade hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of warm water.
Use a rubber ear bulb syringe to spray the mixture into your nose. You will feel the solution cleaning out your nasal passages.
You can also use a store bought neti-pot
Turmeric:
Turmeric has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, much like we saw with oregano oil. Adding turmeric to your diet can help treat sinus infection from within.
Try these tips:
Elevate your head while sleeping.
Apply a warm compress to your head for 5 minutes a few times daily
Add vitamin C to your diet with foods like dark leafy greans, kiwis, broccoli, papaya, oranges and strawberries.
Drink hot beverages like tea to help flush out your nasal passages
Clean your house, especially the bedroom.
Using an air purifying filter can also help.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a cold and sinus steam bath remedy.
For more on apple cider vinegar.
Sinus Infection Home Remedies – REFERENCES
1. Barrett, Mike. “Home Remedies for Sinus Infection – Natural Sinus Infection Treatment.” Natural Society. Natural Society, 09 May 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
2. Strait, Julia E. “Antibiotics Ineffective for Most Sinus Infections | Newsroom | Washington University in St. Louis.” Washington University in St. Louis. Washington University in St. Louis, 14 Feb. 2012. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
3. “Chronic Sinusitis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 04 Mar. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
