Sinus infections are often miserable to deal with and a real annoyance. A sinus infection is when a bacterial infection grows in the sinus cavity creating pressure, swelling and a nasal drip. This could be caused by a cold or even allergies, but no matter what the cause, eliminating it as fast as possible is the main goal for relief.
Below are some natural remedies you could try at the onset of symptoms starting to show to help provide some relief.
1. Steam/Shower Relief
Inhaling steam or taking a nice hot shower and breathing in the steamy fumes can immediately help relieve a congested nose. The steam actually helps to thin the mucus and it’ll drain out of your nasal cavity faster. You could either lean over a bowl of boiling water (with towel over your head to help trap the steam) for 20 minutes, or take a nice hot shower. I find taking a hot shower first thing in the morning is very helpful to start my day as clear as posible. I’ll typically blow my nose in the shower too, until it’s completely clear. Doing a steam clearing of mucus, first thing after waking up, will help eliminate the mucus buildup that occurred while you were sleeping.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
This oil contains a compound called cineole, which has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for sinusitis, according to this 2009 Study. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties too, which can help fight the cause of the infection too.
3. Peppermint Oil or Tea
Peppermint naturally contains menthol, which has been known to be an anti-inflammatory and is used in many OTC medications. Peppermint can help open up tight and inflamed airways to clear out the mucus. Peppermint also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties so drinking peppermint tea can also be helpful and has a lovely flavor.
4. Sinus Essential Oil Blends
Specialized oil blends, that combine different oils to focus on specific problems, are great options. I love using blends because they take the guess work out of the blending ratios, which ingredients mix best together, etc. Sometimes trying to blend oils yourself can be tricky or they can smell horrible and then you’re stuck with that lingering smell. Here’s a blend I really like, that’s certified organic and includes the two oils listed above, plus several others. Image links to Amazon.
5. Licorice Root Tea
This popular herb has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. It contains more than 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids, and contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and even anti tumor properties. A 2015 study shows how effective it is at boosting the immune system to fight off bacterial infections that cause nasal congestion. This brand is usually available at health food stores, or on Amazon (image link below).
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger Root contains more than 400 chemical compounds including gingerol, phenolic and terpene which are extremely beneficial to health. Ginger can help reduce congestion by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages. This 2013 Study shows ginger may help to improve breathing, including people who suffer from asthma.
7. Green Tea
This tea contains catechizes, polyphenols and flavonoids which are antioxidants that offer a wide array of health benefits. Aside from helping you fight off your bug, it also reduces inflammation and inhaling the aroma can help loosen mucus congestion.
8. Nettle Tea
This fresh or dried leaf is commonly used in many teas and has been found to be a natural decongestant. This 2013 study found supplements containing Nettle helped alleviate allergic rhinitis. I've bought this tea a few times and love it (image link below).
9. Tea Blends
Just like the essential oil blends, there are some lovely tasting and smelling tea blends that combine several sinus fighting ingredients. Here’s a few that I love (Image links take you to Amazon).
These are all items that have personally helped me a lot in the past when dealing with colds and serious sinus congestion and misery. I would love hearing other suggestions of teas or essential oils that have worked for you. Seeing a doctor after a few weeks to get antibiotics is also an option. But I always like to exhaust some holistic approaches first. Often times I'm able to naturally resolve the sinus infection within a week with combined efforts of extra sleep, teas, diffusers and eating really clean and healthy (with extra ginger, garlic and fresh herbs).
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