The sinuses are small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air. They make mucus, which helps keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants. When the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinus infections are typically caused by inflammation in the nose and many cases tend to go away on their own without any medical treatment. Don’t wait for the infection to go away. Be proactive and use these home remedies to help get rid of the infection quicker.
Rinse Your Nasal Passages
Nasal irrigation (as weird as that sounds) with a saline solution can clear out mucus and keep your sinuses moist. Use distilled, sterile, or boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. A saline wash thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. Saline washes have been studied and proven to be effective, and should be the first line of defense against sinus infections.
Drink Water
One easy and natural remedy to help thin out the mucus and clear any stuffiness is to stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water will also help to thin mucus within the sinuses, which reduces any blockages. A general guideline is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water.
Steam
Hot water vapor can help loosen mucus in the sinuses. A hot, steamy shower or bath can also help to loosen up mucus and debris that is stuck inside your nostrils. You can also breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water. Create a tent by draping a towel over your head and the bowl. The steam vapors ease congested and swollen nasal passages. You can also add eucalyptus essential oil to the water to promote better breathing.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods such as mustard seed, hot peppers, curry, and fresh wasabi root may help clear sinuses. The reaction of a runny nose and watery eyes to spicy foods will help release the blocked mucus and open the blocked nasal airways. Another option is to make a tea with ginger. A useful tea is made with ginger, lemon, and honey to help decongest the sinuses.
Allergy-proof Your Home
Get ride of excess dust, install an air filter system, use bedding with allergen-barriers, and keep any pets out of the bedroom to help alleviate nasal allergies. Remove items that collect dust, such as tabletop books and magazines. Find an air filter that has a small particle or HEPA filter. Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers. Wash sheets and blankets a least once a week in hot water.
