Sinus infections, an uncomfortable and painful experience that affect millions of people every year. This infection sounds and feels just like a cold with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, sinus pain, headache and sinus pressure. In fact, sinusitis is swelling and inflammation of the sinuses and the nasal cavities.
However, there are many natural and effective remedies that can release the symptoms of sinus infection. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, but when blocked with fluid, the germs can cause an infection. This infection causes difficulty breathing, pain and pressure in the sinuses. Such infection can be a result of bacterial, viral, fungal or allergic reason. Also, this is a contagious infection.
When experiencing such a problem, always look for a professional medical diagnosis and treatment. Consult your doctor about any questions concerning your medical condition.
Treating a Sinus Infection
If you prevent a sinus infection in the onset, you can prevent the use of antibiotics. To avoid this condition drink herbal teas and water as much as you can and make sure you avoid caffeine and sugar because they can dehydrate your body.
Also, you can release the pain by some steam treatments and nasal rinses. Make sure you sleep with the head elevated because in that way the sinuses can drain and release the sinus pain.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor any time you have some persistent problems or a fever over 100.5. Other symptoms of a serious sinus infection include:
- Severe headache;
- Pain and swelling around the eyes;
- A swollen forehead;
- Confusion;
- Double vision;
- Stiff neck;
- Vision abnormalities;
- Shortness of breath.
Treat Sinus Congestion with Apple Cider Vinegar and Pressure Points
The thin vertical bone in the nasal cavity is called vomer bone. By moving this bone back and forth you can help the sinuses drain and reduce the pressure and inflammation.
Also, place the thumbs between your eyebrows while push your tongue against the roof of the mouth. Apply the same amount of pressure with your tongue and thumbs for half a minute. You should feel an immediate relief.
The following video will provide more sinus pressure points.
Along these pressure points you can apply one more method of reducing sinus pain. This apple cider vinegar mixture will help you fight such sinus infections. If taken two or three times a day, this apple cider vinegar tonic will remove the congestion, kill pathogens and remove the other symptoms of infection. The APV will lower the production of mucus which is important for a runny nose and a common cold.
You need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar;
- 1 ½ cup warm water;
- 3-5 drops plain stevia or raw honey.
Method of preparation:
First, combine apple cider vinegar and warm water. Then, add stevia or honey and mix them well.
To provide the best results, drink this mixture 2-3 times a day while still warm.
Other Home Remedies
Horseradish Spread
This is a potent remedy against congested sinus passages.
Combine 1 tbsp. of freshly grated horseradish, 1 tsp of virgin olive oil and 1 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Spread the mixture on any type of crackers, you prefer to drain the sinuses quickly.
Ginger Compress
Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces sinus pain.
First, boil 2 cups of water with some sliced ginger root. Cover the pot and let it on low heat for 20 minutes. Then strain the mixture. Let the tea cool not to burn your skin. Soak some cloth in the tea. Elevate your head and lie down then place the cloth on your face for 15 minutes.
Steam with Peppermint and Thyme
The menthol in peppermint is a powerful decongestant while thyme has many antibacterial qualities.
In some bowl put 3 tsp of peppermint and dried thyme. Soak the herbs with a boiling water. Place some thick towel on your head and lean over the bowl. Make sure you are 8-10 inches apart from the bowl and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Repeat this method 2-3 times a day.
Lemon and Garlic tea
You need the following ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic;
- 1 lemon, cut in four pieces;
- ½ cup of water;
- 1 cup boiling water;
- Honey.
Method of preparation:
Blend the lemon, garlic and ½ cup of water until you get a smooth paste. Place the mixture in a jar, then add the boiling water. Let the combination steep for about 5 minutes. Strain it into a large mug. Add some honey for taste. Consume this tea 2-3 times a day and you will reduce your sinus infection.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, the system of alternative medicine which has the ability to treat chronic symptoms with non-toxic materials is coming back again. The homeopathy offers many possible remedies for any condition and this enables the users to find the most suitable one for their condition.
These homeopathic remedies could be found in the natural food stores or online.
Match the symptoms with the most appropriate remedy:
Arsenicum Album: If you have a burning, watery and thin discharge, take this remedy. If you expose yourself to open air it may worsen the condition or if have a tendency to feel chilly, drink warm drinks, feel restless and anxious.
Hepar Sulph: Take this remedy if the discharge is foul smelling, yellow-green and thick. Also, the facial bones and sinuses are sensitive to touch, the nose is blocked, inflamed, red and swollen. You are unable to smell and you feel better when wrapped and warm.
Hydrastis: When the watery acrid discharge is yellow, foul smelling, thick and the nose is burning and raw, use this remedy. You constantly blow your nose and experience a frontal sinus headache. The cool open air enables the nasal discharge while the warm air blocks up the nose.
Kalium Bichromium: If you feel some pressure at the root of the nose, loss of smell or foul smell your frontal sinuses are stuffy and there is a nasal obstruction. You can release the symptoms by warm compresses and the cold air would just make the situation worse.
Mercurius Lodatus: If you have difficulty at night, suffering from extremes of temperatures, ulcerated and raw nostrils, green or yellow discharge with blood you need this remedy.
Nux Vomica: If you experience frontal headaches and stuffy nasal passages when outdoors or at night, use this remedy. Also, if you are bothered by light and noises and you feel irritable and chilly.
Pulsatilla: A maxillary and frontal sinus pressure, stuffy nose, loss of smell and a yellow nasal discharge need this remedy. When lying down the nose drains, when standing it stops. You will feel better in fresh air rather than in cold one.
Silicea: If you have sinus pain sensitive to touch, hard crusts in the nose that bleed easily, loss of smell and an obstructed nose. With a violent sneezing, you will feel much better at warm air.
Via HNN
