Sinusitis (sinus infection) is a health condition wherein there is inflammation and congestion in the sinuses. It occurs due to several reasons like allergens inside and outside the home as well as food irritating such as to lactose, gluten, and artificial additives.
Sinusitis needs to be diagnosed by a doctor who can help find your cause. The problem is that Western medicine often treats sinusitis with antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatories, and in some cases, surgery.
Most medications used against sinusitis, besides not attacking the root disease, that is, they do not fight the cause but only alleviate the symptoms, they can present health risks.
Here are some natural, risk-free remedies that can help treat sinusitis, often with ingredients already present in your home. The idea, however, is to find its causes to prevent its attacks.
1. THE BEST FOODS AND BEVERAGES FOR SINUSITIS
Water: Proper hydration is the key to fighting sinusitis. Try to drink at least 200 ml every two hours.
Broths and Soups: This grandmother’s remedy helps calm the nasal cavities and respiratory system, as well as providing important minerals.
Ginger: Make a ginger tea and add pure honey to help with recovery.
Garlic and Onion: These two seasonings strengthen the immune system.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Consuming foods with high vitamin C boosts the immune system and speeds up recovery from sinusitis.
2. FOODS AND DRINKS TO AVOID IN CASE OF SINUSITIS
Sugar: Reduces white blood cells that fight infections.
Fruit Juice: Although orange juice and other fruits contain vitamin C, they are not as high in this vitamin as whole fruits and vegetables. Prefer instead of juice, eat the fruit itself. Artificial juice, no way!
Dairy: Milk and dairy products are mucus producers, so it’s best to avoid them.
Flours and Refined Grains: All refined grains can cause more mucus production.
Salt: Without adequate water intake the salt can be dehydrating and slow the recovery of sinusitis.
Cold Foods: Avoid foods that increase cold temperament of your body, you can see what are these here: Cold Vs Warm Foods.
3. OREGANO OIL
The oil of oregano contains two components, carvacrol, and thymol, which has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It is recommended 500 milligrams of oregano oil four times a day. For sinusitis, you can add a few drops of the oil in a bowl of boiling water. Carefully do not get burned, cover your head with a towel creating a tent to keep the steam in, close your eyes and place your face over the bowl, at a safe distance, and inhale the steam for a few minutes.
This will help clear the nasal passages and can be repeated several times a day.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for proper functioning of the immune system, which is the system that protects your body from infections and also helps your body to fight them.
As an antioxidant, vitamin C also helps defend our cells from the damage caused by free radicals which are found in things that commonly contribute to the development of sinusitis, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke.
1,000 milligrams of vitamin C is recommended three times a day.
5. Take Steam
Taking steam is the best instant remedy for any kind of nasal congestion. For sinus it is recommended to take steam before going to the bed. Steam will not only open the nasal passage but also soothes and relaxes the tens muscles.
6. GARLIC
Garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics out there. Since colds usually result in sinusitis, garlic is a great way not only to treat sinusitis naturally but also to prevent it in the first place.
7. ESSENTIAL OILS
To cleanse the nasal sinuses naturally, using eucalyptus or mint oil can be very effective. The essential oils can naturally open the sinuses, clear the mucus and eliminate infections. Rub a drop of each of them into the roof of your mouth (use food grade oils), and then drink water.
Another great idea is to spread the oils in the air so that you inhale them.
Make sure you are not allergic to these oils.
8. ECHINACEA
The echinacea is an herb that helps your body fight viruses and bacteria. Experts recommend this herb as a natural treatment for sinusitis. It contains active antiviral substances and strengthens the immune system while reducing pain and inflammation, which is a perfect combination to fight sinusitis.
A doctor may prescribe the Echinacea supplement at the first sign of illness. It is recommended 1,000 milligrams, two to three times a day.
9. WASHING WITH SALINE SOLUTION
You will need a nasal sanitizer or a spray device. These devices facilitate the irrigation of the nasal cavity by cleaning and dissolving the unwanted mucus. Use the sanitizer containing saline solution two or more times a day for optimum relief.
10. Saffron Root
The saffron root is a wonderful aromatic seasoning commonly found in Indian dishes. It not only contains a natural anti-inflammatory but is also an antioxidant. When combined with ginger and prepared in a hot tea, this combination helps soften the mucus from clogged nasal passages, relieves pressure on the sinuses and makes you feel better. Drink the tea by breathing its hot vapors and feel immediate relief.
11. APPLE VINEGAR
Two or three tablespoons of top quality apple cider vinegar added to a glass of hot water or tea, taken three times a day, daily will help thin out the excessive mucus, relieving congestion and pressure in the sinuses.
12. Warm Compress
You can use warm compresses to keep the nasal sinuses warm which facilitates the dissolution and outflow of the mucus. Breathing hot vapors will have the same effect.
13. BROMELAIN
Bromelain is sold as a supplement; it is a protein found in the pineapple stem. It helps to flush nasal passages. But remember to talk to your doctor first, as it may react with other medications you may be taking.
Be sure to take the prescribed dose.
14. Keep House Free from ALLERGENS
Allergies can make sinusitis worse, so you should keep your home free of dust mites, install an air filter, use anti-allergic barrier bedding, and keep pets out of the room if sinusitis is due to these causative agents.
15. SPICES
Temperate foods like mustard, pepper, curry, and wasabi can help cleanse the sinuses. If you like spices, add “hot” seasonings to your meals to open the nasal passages.
16. KNOW WHEN VISITING A PHYSICIAN
If the sinusitis does not improve with any help, your doctor may order a nasal and nasal sinus tomography scan to look for anatomical blockages that can be surgically treated.
If the sinus pain lasts more than a week and you have a fever, you should visit an ENT specialist because you may need a more aggressive treatment than what the natural remedies provide.
