Everybody in some stage of their life may have suffered from sinus infection, often caused by cold. Sinus infection may go off naturally without any significant treatment, but in many cases this becomes a chronic problem. Acute sinus infection or sinusitis can disrupt the normalcy of your life. If you experience heaviness in cheek bones followed by clogged nasal passage and intense head ache, then it is quite likely that you have developed a sinus infection. Chronic sufferers of sinusitis experience frequent headaches around the temples even if there is no nasal blockage.
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses results in sinusitis or sinus infection caused by bacteria, virus and fungi. Pollutants like cigarette smoke, smoke from the automobiles and exposure to chemicals can cause sinus infection. Sinus infection is prevalent among the young, but the middle aged can also suffer from this common disorder.
Sinus infection is by and large treated with antibiotics and nasal sprays, but these may not be effective enough for the chronic sufferers. Sometimes the steroid drugs applied can pose serious side effects. Natural remedies for sinus infection on the other hand can treat the ailment effectively as well as prevent its recurrence.
10 Natural Remedies For Sinus Infection
Nasal Irrigation
This is perhaps the best natural remedy for sinus infection that has been in practice for more than thousands of years. In fact, this treatment must be carried on regularly by the chronic sufferers to prevent the recurrence of sinus infection. This involves the cleaning of the nasal passages with saline water. You need a ceramic Neti pot resembling a tea pot.
Half fill the pot with clean water and add half teaspoonful each of salt and baking soda in it. Drain the water from the spout in one of your nostrils keeping your head tilted backwards. Breathe in the water in such a manner that it drains out of the other nostril. Some mucous will also come out with the ejected water. Repeat this process few times till your nasal passage is cleared. You need to practice gently to get better results.
Inhalation Of Eucalyptus Oil
Steam inhalation of Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial in clearing nasal blockages caused due to sinus infection, common cold or flu. It also helps in alleviating intense headache. Take boiled hot water in a large bowl and add few drops of Eucalyptus oil in it.
Wrap up your head with a big towel. Inhale the steam by deep breathing maintaining one foot distance from the bowl. Continue this process for ten minutes. The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of Eucalyptus oil are very beneficial in clearing nasal congestions and treating sinus infections.
The strong aroma of the oil helps in relaxing the nerves providing a soothing effect. Simple massaging of the Eucalyptus oil on the temples also relieves headache caused due to sinus infection.
Drinking Hot Liquids
Sinus problems can be controlled greatly by drinking hot liquids throughout the day. Black tea, green tea or chicken soup moisturizes the mucous membrane and drains out the mucous fast from the nose.
Treating With Bromelain
Bromelain, the proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples, is very effective in treating sinus infections. This enzyme helps in decongestion of nose and reduces the sinus inflammation. Studies have showed that 85% patients suffering from sinus infection were cured faster while treated with bromelain compared to those on antibiotics.
Vitamin C
People with suppressed immune systems are prone to sinus infections, and regular intake of Vitamin C can be considered as one of the best natural remedies for this problem. Vitamin C helps in decongestion and reduces the level of histamines, responsible for sinus inflammation. You can take sufficient amounts of Vitamin C enriched citrus fruits to reduce the sinus infection.
Intake Of Quercetin
This natural antioxidant is available in abundance in green vegetables and fruits. This antioxidant has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C. It prevents the production of histamines thereby reducing the symptoms of sinus infection to a great extent. Take of fruits and vegetables regularly to improve your immunity levels and prevent recurrence of sinus infection.
Garlic
Garlic is very useful in reducing the sinus problem. Allicin, the potent ingredient of garlic helps in reducing the stickiness of the mucous and de congests the nasal passages. Add chopped garlic in your favorite recipes or chew raw garlic to get better results.
Drink Herbal Teas
Drinking few cups of teas made from chamomile, blackberry, sage and peppermint will help in decongestion of the nasal passage. If you use marshmallow or licorice herb, then it is better to seek advice from a health care provider.
Grapes
Dark colored grapes are very useful in treating sinus problems. Black and crimson colored grapes have a high content of antioxidants compared to the green ones. These antioxidants are very powerful in fighting the symptoms of sinus infection. Include sufficient amount of grapes in your diet. Moreover, grapes are enriched with Vitamin C that boosts your body immunity system.
Cayenne Pepper
This hot pepper enriched in Vitamin C is highly beneficial in reducing sinus infection. The hot and spicy taste of pepper stimulates the nerves and helps in decongestion of the nasal passages.
Ideal Diet To Treat Sinus Infection
Although there is no direct relation of sinus infection with diet, still it is advisable to cut down the intake of dairy products, chocolates, pastries, wheat, sugar and processed foods.
Keep yourself hydrated drinking plenty of fluids to prevent drying up of the mucous membranes. Avoid caffeinated drinks as these may dehydrate your body. Drink sufficient amounts of nutritious soup and you can add spicy horseradish or garlic that will enhance the taste as well as act as decongestants.
Few Useful Tips To Prevent Sinus Infection
Keep away from all sorts of allergies. About 70% of sinus infections result from allergic conditions. Free your room and carpets from dust and mites. Avoid stuffy and smoky environment.
If you are a chronic sufferer of sinus infection, check that your diet contains immunity boosters like citrus fruits and veggies. Forget about social embarrassment and drain out the mucous frequently throughout the day, but maintain proper hygienic conditions. Moderate physical workouts and deep breathing exercises will also help you to fight this problem.
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.