Sinuses are nothing, but small air-filled cavities present in the skull, which produce mucus, thereby keeping the nasal passages free from any type of pollutants or allergens. When the opening of the sinus gets blocked due to mucus build-up, it results into a bacterial or viral infection, called sinusitis. Mainly, there are two types of sinusitis:

There are certain home remedies that can be used to treat a sinus infection.

Causes

Symptoms

Home Remedies for Reducing Sinus Problems

Home Remedies for Sinus Problems

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix 1-2 spoons of apple cider vinegar in about 6 ounces of water along with a teaspoon of honey in order to sweeten its taste. Drink this solution thrice a day, continuously for 5 days. Apple cider vinegar is the best to relieve sinus congestion as it loosens up the mucus in the cavities.

2. Horseradish

Horseradish is one of the best herbal remedies for sinus congestion. Simply grate some horseradish and put a pinch of the herb in your mouth. Let it remain in your mouth for a few minutes and then, spit it out. It quickly dissolves the mucus, blocked in the sinus.

3. Grapefruit Seed Extract

This is the best home remedy for clearing chronic sinus congestion. Grapefruit seed extract has excellent anti-fungal properties as well as it acts as a natural antibiotic. It is readily available as a nasal spray in the market.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Include cayenne pepper in your regular diet. This helps to open sinuses, and therefore, one of the best natural remedies for sinus drainage.

5. Neti Pot

Mix a teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of lukewarm water, and let it dissolve. Fill a neti pot with this solution. Now, stand over a sink and place the tip of the spout at one nostril. Slightly tilt your head towards sideways and let the water come out from the other nostril. Repeat this process with the other nostril too.

6. Humidify the Air

Use an air humidifier in your room. This will give you relief from the mucus congestion in the sinus.

7. Onion

Chop an onion and put it in the boiling water. Boil it for about 5 minutes. Now, inhale the steam of this water for some time. Onions are a good anti-bacterial, and therefore, is the best home remedy for sinus drainage. You can even drink the mixture when it is warm, for better results.

8. Garlic

Applying crushed garlic along with honey is also very effective in treating a sinus infection as it unclogs the sinus cavities while removing the bacteria. Garlic is an excellent anti-bacterial and helps in quickly healing the infection.

9. Use a Warm Compress

Place a warm compress on your face, covering the nose, cheeks and eyes. This will give relief from the facial pain and pressure caused due to sinus infection. You can also use a warm compress over your ear to relieve sinus pressure in ears or to unclog the clogged ear.

10. Carrot & Cucumber Juice

Drink a combination of carrot and cucumber juice regularly in order to get relief from sinus infection.

11. Sandalwood, Cucumber and Neem Paste

Apply the paste of sandalwood powder, cucumber and neem leaves for a soothing relief from the problem of sinus infection.

12. Sweet Basil Leaves & Tea Leaves

Make a paste of tea leaves and sweet basil leaves and apply it regularly in order to cure sinus infection.

13. Warm Water

Add half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle with this solution. This is one of the most effective remedies to cure a sore throat, caused due to sinus drainage.

14. Keep Your Head Elevated while Sleeping

If you are suffering from a sinus infection, always keep your head in an elevated position while sleeping. This will draw out all the mucus, thus giving you relief from congestion.

15. Fenugreek

Take a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and boil them in a cup of water. Now, strain and drink it warm. Fenugreek is an effective remedy to get rid of sinus infection.

16. Eucalyptus Oil

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your warm bath water. This will clear the congestion, caused due to sinus infection.

17. Tulsi Leaves

Make a paste of tulsi leaves and then, mix a little bit of honey in it. This is a good cure for sinus infection.

18. Cumin Seeds

Take a spoonful of cumin seeds and tie them in a thin cotton cloth. Dip this cloth in a pan, containing water. Also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the water. Now, heat the pan and inhale the vapours. It will give you relief from sinus congestion.

19. Aromatherapy

This is also a good method to relieve sinus congestion. You can take lavender essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, or peppermint essential oil. Add a few drops of any of these oils in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.

20. Vinegar

You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar in the boiling water and inhale its steam. This will help in clearing the blocked mucus in the sinus cavities.

Homeopathic Remedies for Sinus

1. Arsenicum

This remedy is best suited for a person, who suffers from sinus with symptoms such as a burning pain in the sinuses, a feeling of nausea and vomiting. The person may also feel thirsty, frequently, but, is not able to drink lots of water.

2. Hepar sulphur

This remedy should be taken when the person sneezes in the beginning of an infection along with a thick and yellowish mucus discharge from the nose as well as sore nostrils. The person may also have frequent headaches.

3. Belladonna

This remedy is needed by the people, who suffer from sinus symptoms, like dizziness, heaviness in the head along with a chronic pain. Other symptoms are the flushed face and sensitivity of eyes towards light.

4. Pulsatilla

When there is a chronic headache mostly at one side along with a greenish or yellow thick nasal discharge, this remedy is highly recommended. The person may also suffer from digestive problems.

5. Kali bichromicum

When the person passes a thick nasal discharge and suffers from bad pain at the root of the nose along with dizziness and nausea, this remedy can be taken. The pain may worsen in the morning or by cold, walking, or even noise.

Apart from these, other homeopathic remedies for curing a sinus infection are Mercurius and Spigella.

Preventive Measures for Sinus