Sinuses, in medical terminology, are air spaces placed just behind our nasal bones, forehead, cheeks and eyes. Their main function is to stop the mucus from reaching your lungs, wherein they can cause infection. Sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when the sinus lining gets inflamed. There are two kinds of sinusitis, acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is caused due to bacterial growth in the sinus and lasts for a maximum of 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand is caused by fungus and bacteria and the inflammation and swelling of sinus in this condition can last for nearly 3 months.
The main causes of sinusitis are food allergies, too much of dairy consumption, pollution and tobacco irritation, flu and cold symptoms, environmental allergies, fungal infection and dental infection. There are numerous allopathic medicines for curing sinus infection. However there can be side effects to taking such medicines. Therefore best and the safest way to treat sinus infection are home remedies. Take a look at these super home remedies for sinus infection that will greatly reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
Follow A Healthy Diet Plan
Following a healthy diet is crucial for speedy sinusitis recovery. Constitute a diet focussing on whole grains, lentils, beans, vegetables and fruits. Drinking warm soup gives relief in this condition. During sinus infection it is best to stay away from foods that induce formation of mucus like dairy products, flour products, chocolate, sugar, eggs, fried and processed foods. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial in this condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar finds application in countless home remedies for skin and body infections. It even works wonders in treating sinus infection. Take about 1-2 tsp of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar and add it to 6 oz of water. You can also add 1 tsp honey to sweeten the mixture. Drink this 3 times daily for a period of 5 days to cure sinus infection completely. Apple cider vinegar aids in thinning the congested mucus to allow easy elimination.
Neti Pot
The practice of neti pot gives instant relief during sinusitis. For this take 1 tsp of sea salt and dissolve it in 2 cups of water. Fill the neti pot with 1 cup of this water and bring the tip of the spout close to one nostril. This process should be done close to the sink. Now tilt the head on one side and let the water to come out of the other nostril. In doing so you must ensure that you do not tilt your head upwards or backwards, as it may cause the water to enter your throat. Refill the neti pot again with the other cup of water and repeat the practice with opposite nostril. This action clears the nasal passages of any mucus accumulation.
Herbs
Herbs like cayenne pepper, onion, horseradish and garlic also function well in treating sinus infection. They help to soften the accumulated mucus and this in turn allows easy elimination. So do not forget to season your cooked meals and soups with plenty of these herbs. Horseradish is particularly very effective in treating sinusitis. Chop horseradish into tiny pieces and put some of them in your mouth. Let it remain for few minutes. As the flavour of radish will reach the sinus, it will ease and dissolve the mucus accumulated in the sinus. When there is no flavor left, chew the radish completely to remove mucus from the throat.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract works as a natural antibiotic to treat sinus infection. Moreover this citrus extracts is also helpful in inhibiting the growth of parasites, viruses, bacteria, microbes and almost 30 kinds of fungi.
Take Adequate Sleep
Sleep is the only time that the body gets to strengthen the immunity system to fight the invasion of foreign particles. Lack of sleep can cause several lifestyles issues like stress and depression. It is therefore essential to give your body adequate sleep to recover from infections including sinusitis.
These simple yet effective measures will help you to cure sinus infection. The home remedies discussed here are absolutely safe and have no side effects. It is wisely said that ‘Prevention is better than cure’. So load up your diet with foods high on Vitamin A as it gives your body the resistance to fight sinus infection.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.