Sinus infections can be painful and uncomfortable. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat sinus infections, but they are not the recommended long-term solutions. I suffer from sinusitis and have found that natural sinus remedies work best for me.
Here are some you can try.
First, drink plenty of water and other fluids. The mucus can thicken, but staying hydrated can help thin it out. Drink water, tea, or other clear beverages.
Stay away from dairy products. Some doctors believe that dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and even ice cream, can actually cause more mucus to form. Try to avoid these products when you have a sinus infection.
Try to treat a cold as soon as you have it. Persistent colds can make conditions right for a sinus infection. Use zinc supplements to help shorten the life of a cold and get enough rest.
Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants. These foods include berries, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, red grapes, and spinach which help boost the immune system and can prevent sinus infections.
Try a steam treatment for your sinuses. Sinus infections can occur when the mucus thickens and doesn’t drain properly. The steam can help keep mucus loose and moving through your sinuses.
Apply moist heat to your face to keep your sinuses open. There are some heat packs available that can be easily heated in the microwave and held to the face as needed.
Apply a cold compress to the forehead and sinus areas to relieve sinus headache pain. The coolness will help shrink the membranes and ease your sinus headache. For best results, apply as soon as the headache begins.
Take vitamin supplements to make sure your body gets the right nutrients every day. Potassium supplements will help dry up mucus.
Add apple cider vinegar to your facial steamer. You can also drink it diluted in water to help a sinus infection that is just starting. Some people report great results using this holistic cure for sinus infection.
Use herbal remedies for a sinus infection. Herbal cures have been used for centuries and are safer and more effective than traditional medicines. Use eucalyptus or peppermint extract as an inhalant to clear sinus cavities. Either one can be added to a steamer.
To sleep better during sinus attacks, drink a cup of tea before bed. Chamomile tea is especially useful for calming the body and mind before bed.
Try sinus irrigation. This is done using a nasal irrigator that puts warm water into the sinuses. It can be found in most health food stores. Follow the instructions on the box.
Know the signs of an impending sinus infection and take precautions to prevent it from getting worse. A stuffy nose that doesn’t seem to clear is a sign that the mucus is thickening and not moving. If left alone, it can develop into a sinus infection.
Talk to a holistic doctor or herbalist for advice on treating a specific sinus problem. There are many natural remedies to help fight a sinus infection without the use of prescription drugs.
Keep the use of drug medications to a minimum. They can have long-term negative effects on the body and tend to lose their effectiveness if taken too often. You may need to try several of the remedies mentioned above to find the natural cure for sinus infection.
