One of the most common ailments that people face during allergy season and in the cold winter months is a sinus infection. Inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages are typically the result of a sinus infection. There are a number of home remedies that can relieve the symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a sinus infection include sinus headaches in the temple area or around the eyes. Or you may have some nasal congestion, a sore throat, watery eyes, or a fever. If you have any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consider some of the remedies listed below.
Home remedies for sinus infections are becoming a popular option for treating this common ailment. This could result from a number of factors. Whether you are looking to take a more natural approach to healing your body, or you are interested in home remedies for economic reasons, there are several options that you can consider.
The following home remedies for sinus infections, contain products that you most probably already have in your home. Or that you can quickly find at your local grocery store. These five home remedies for sinus infections have proven to be good holistic, natural treatments.
#1 Home Remedies for Sinus Infections – Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has proven to be an excellent option for people looking for a simple way, to treat their sinus infection. Apple cider vinegar is a liquid which can be combined with water or juice, to make into a drink. The apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which works as an anti-bacterial agent. This is how it works to reduce the inflammation caused by the sinus infection.
It is important to begin taking the apple cider vinegar as soon as you realize that you have a sinus infection. This allows your body to fight the infection early, and can help make the healing process much quicker and much less painful. The mucous in your nasal passages will begin to thin, as soon as you start taking the apple cider vinegar.
A good way to take the apple cider vinegar, is to combine the following ingredients. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water, and then add some honey and fresh lemon juice. The honey is another anti-bacterial agent, and of course the lemon juice is full of vitamin C. Altogether a powerful combination to get you well again.
#2 Home Remedies for Sinus Infection – Steam
In addition to apple cider vinegar, you may also want to loosen the mucous in your nasal passages by breathing in steam vapors.
There are several ways that you can do this. One of the easiest ways, is to put your face over a bowl of hot water, so that you can inhale the steam. You could also put a hot washcloth over your face or sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running.
#3 Home Remedies for Sinus Infection – Saline Rinse
In this video you can follow the easy instructions to rinse your sinuses with a saline solution.
A saline rinse is made by mixing a half a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of clean, sterile water. Irrigating your nasal passages with this rinse helps clear out the accumulated mucous. By removing this mucous the infection is also flushed out. Salt is used because it has anti-bacterial properties.
Depending on the severity of your congestion, you can rinse your sinuses with saline solution regularly, until your symptoms have cleared up.
#4 Home Remedies for Sinus Infection – Oregano Oil
This beneficial oil is derived from Origanum vulgare, which is a wild oregano plant, that is native to the highlands of some Mediterranean countries. These countries include Portugal, Turkey and Greece. However, this plant is completely different from common oregano, Origanum marjoram, which we use as a food spice.
Oregano oil is great because it can stop the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The best way to use oregano oil is to put 1-5 drops in a glass of water or juice and drink it. This can then be repeated 2 or 3 times a day.
#5 Home Remedies for Sinus Infection – Cayenne Pepper
The final of the top 5 home remedies for treating a sinus infection is cayenne pepper. Drink a glass of water containing a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and you will be able to feel the benefit of this natural healing agent. The active ingredient in the pepper is capsaicin. A compound which has been shown to break up and help drain mucous. It is also useful as an anti-inflammatory.
These suggestions are some natural options to help relieve the symptoms of a sinus infection. Primarily they work by clearing congestion, and reducing inflammation in the sinus and nasal passages.
Always remember to use any new strategy carefully and slowly to start with.