A cold, allergies, or the flu can all lead to nasal congestion and a sinus infection, and there are several ways that you can help your body naturally fight off an infection. Steam is an excellent way to loosen the phlegm (or mucous) that has developed in your nasal passages. The build up of mucous is what causes the majority of the symptoms associated with the cold.
If you are looking at a more holistic approach to healing, then using steam is a really good way to go. Steam has been used for many years as a method to help lessen the severity of cold symptoms. And today it is still an effective and inexpensive remedy for sinus and nasal problems.
Steam treatment will help relieve the symptoms your sinus infection. And because steam does not have any adverse sides effects, it can be used frequently throughout the day when ever convenient. It is safe to inhale steam vapors regularly. And it is recommended that you use this as often as you think your body needs, and has ongoing symptoms.
When you have a sinus infection, this home remedy can help you clear your sinuses and loosen the mucous. To use this sinus infection home remedy, begin your day by taking a hot shower. Later in the day, you can hold your head over a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel so that you can easily inhale the steam into your nostrils, and then repeat at least 3 times during the day (or as often as is convenient).
You may also want to put a hot washcloth over your nose and mouth or sit in the bathroom with the shower running as hot as possible. By using this sinus infection home remedy, you will be able to cleanse your nose much easier and remove the build up of mucous.
There are some essential oils that can be very helpful to add to the steam bath. When a few drops of oil are added to the hot water, they vaporize and become part of the steam that you breathe in.
Some oils that may help are:
- Tea tree oil;
- Eucalyptus oil;
- Oregano oil.
However, always remember to read the label on the product carefully, and use a little to start with.