Natural home remedies for sinus infections to clear congestion, relieve sinus pressure + make you feel alive again.
Spring is finally in bloom! For some of us, though, this also means dealing with spring allergies & the sinus problems that come along with it. I was always very prone to at least one dreadful sinus infection a year, which would last a good 2 weeks. The most important thing is keeping congestion clear, which will lead to less infections.
Here are a few ways to clear your sinuses naturally & nip that congestion in the bud as soon as it starts:
Add a little honey.
Local honey is important as it is made from the pollen in your area. By consuming just a little per day (no more than a teaspoon), your body will slowly build up an immunity to these pollens. The idea is that over time, your body will get used to these allergens and grow immune to them. You can add local honey to smoothies, on top of frozen yogurt, or with fresh berries. If you feel allergies coming on, you can even eat it plain.
Use a natural sinus rinse.
Sinus rinses can bring huge relief without the use of medication. Takes some getting used to, but it works. You can go to the store and buy a Neti Pot or you can make your own at-home sinus rinse. It will flush out all the allergens and leave you feeling clean and clear.
Simply mix sea salt and a pinch of baking soda into purified, FILTERED water. Pour the mixture into a Neti Pot or a Saline rinse bottle. Tip your head to one side and pour the mixture through one nostril until it comes out the other. It doesn’t sound pretty, but your sinuses will thank you.
Sip Apple Cider Vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar has so many natural properties that help heal the sinus cavities. Having a daily glass of diluted ACV can help tremendously. I drink this elixir when I’m fighting a sinus infection. It really does clear any mucus or congestion!
I mix 2 teaspoons of ACV with a glass of water and I’m good to go. However, there are a lot of people sensitive to the taste. I’ve heard of adding agave or honey to the mixture for sweetness.
Eliminate or reduce dairy.
Dairy has been shown to make allergy symptoms worse. Start by replacing milk with almond milk or coconut milk. BONUS: You may just find that your digestion feels better as well.
Add essential oils.
Eucalyptus is great for opening airways & reducing phlegm and mucus. The properties within the eucalyptus also work as an antiseptic & antibiotic to soothe irritated sinus cavities and scratchy throats.
Sprinkle a few drops onto a damp cloth and hold it over your nose, or try a Steam Inhalation: Fill a bowl with boiling water and add 5-8 drops of eucalyptus oil. Drape a towel over your head & bowl, closing your eyes and keeping your face a safe distance from the hot water. Inhale the steam deeply for about 10 minutes, taking breaks to cool off as needed. This will clear your sinuses for sure!
Sinus Massage.
Facial sinus massage involves pressure applied with the hands on the forehead, nose and cheeks. The gentle pressure of a facial massage can prompt movement of mucus out through the nose or back of the throat and help to relieve headaches and congestion.
Try these simple moves:
1. Using moderate pressure, use thumbs starting in the middle of the forehead (frontal sinuses) and push sideways towards the ears, repeat 2-3 times (especially if you feel a lot of ‘gunk’ or mucus underneath).
2. Start with thumbs on either side of the middle of the nose and again push sideways towards the ears as in step #1.
3. Start with thumbs under jaw and in front of big neck muscle and push down towards collar bone.
Detox Bath.
A detox bath is a great way to help your body get rid of toxins and ease some of these symptoms.
To draw a bath…
Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a very hot bath (as hot as you can stand it). Add 5-10 drops lavender essential oil. Also add 1 cup baking soda to unfiltered bathwater. Soak for 20 minutes, fully immersing yourself in the water & relaxing. No perfumed lotions or soap after detoxing. Once dry, apply a natural body butter or your favorite body oil.
Do not eat immediately before or after taking a detox bath. Just hydrate yourself with filtered water before and after, allowing time after your bath to rest and rejuvenate.
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