Sinus Problems
A sinus problem may be an infection called sinusitis.
As an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages a sinus infection can cause a headache, as well as degrees of pressure in the eyes and other tender areas on the face, nose, cheek area, or along one side of the head.
Other sinus infection problems can include a fever, cough, bad breath, mucus coming from the nose, and nasal congestion, discolored or cloudy drainage, earache, and fatigue.
Bacteria, a fungus, or a virus can grow in the sinus area and cause the infection. This may cause blockage or congestion at first, then mucus and pus drainage when the blockade drains.
Natural Remedies for Sinus Problems:
Stay Hydrated
If you have a sinus infection you should stay hydrated.
Drink lots of water, tea, and clear beverages to help thin the mucus within the sinus cavities.
Ingestion of dairy products trigger additional mucus production, so it is also important to stop eating and drinking dairy products while you have sinusitis until the problem clears up. This includes milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Drink Hot Lemonade
A great way to stay hydrated and fight the sinus infection is to drink hot lemonade. Lemons are a powerful antibacterial fruit that will help ease the symptoms. Make lemonade with hot water, plenty of lemons, and try using honey instead of sugar.
Hot Lemonade Recipe:
- 2 cups water
- 3 TBS honey OR 2 TBS sugar
- 1 juiced lemon, remove seeds, but leave pulp.
- Juice 1 lemon, remove the seeds from the lemon juice, but leave pulp.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey (or sugar) and water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, and stir in honey, lemon juice.
- Let it cool slightly and enjoy!
Humidifiers or Hot Steam
Inhale steam to reduce the congestion that comes with sinus problems.
Using a humidifier, standing in a steamy shower, or using a boiling pot of water to create steam is a great home remedy for reducing sinus congestion.
Inhalants
Use eucalyptus, mint or camphor essential oil to the steam to increase its curative powers.
Natural essential oils have been used for centuries as inhalants to clear congestion from the sinus cavities.
Sinus Irrigation
Nasal irrigators (such as a neti pot)can be found at many health food stores. They help by flushing a saline and warm water solution through the nasal cavities that help relieve and reduce congestion.
The box directions are easy to follow and are one of my favorite ways to reduce mucus problems.
Bitter Orange Oil
Several drops of bitter orange oil on a cotton swab can be applied to the nasal passages to help fight sinus infection and the inflammation of your nasal passages.
