An acute sinus infection can be painful and uncomfortable behind the eyes, nose and cheekbones. The condition typically arises due to either viral or bacterial infection; viral infections generally don’t respond well to antibiotic treatment and must run their course naturally.
Many sinus sufferers find relief from symptoms of sinus infections using natural home remedies that are safe and effective – without pharmaceutical side effects.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal remedy often recommended by herbalists to treat sinus infections. As an effective antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory remedy it has shown to significantly shorten colds’ duration while potentially preventing them from progressing into sinusitis – relieving pain and pressure in the sinuses as a result. You can purchase Echinacea in liquid extract form, dried herb form or as a tincture; for optimal results it should be taken immediately when symptoms first surface to reduce symptoms duration while potentially preventing complications later down the line.
Other natural treatments for sinusitis include drinking plenty of warm fluids and especially water to dilute and thin the mucus that has built up in your nasal passages, encouraging it to drain down into your throat, helping reduce blockage and pressure. A neti pot with saline solution can also provide rapid relief of sinusitis symptoms.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an effective antispasmodic that relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation, making it the perfect remedy for treating sinusitis – an extremely painful condition marked by swelling of the nasal lining and cheekbones.
This herb contains terpenoids and flavonoids which provide its medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and sedative effects. Common uses for this plant include herbal tea use or supplementing its effects with drops, tablets capsules or liquid extracts; additionally it can also help treat various skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema.
Chamomile extract can be used as a nasal irrigation solution to flush away mucus from your sinuses and help drain mucus build-up, as a rinse or poultice on boils, cuts, rashes or swollen glands. Simply mix some drops of diluted extract in hot water. Additionally it can also be applied directly on boils, cuts, rashes or sores topically as an antiseptic balm for quick relief from pain or inflammation.
Saffron
Saffron is an expensive spice made from the stigmas of purple Crocus sativus flowers, harvested manually and selected carefully for their best qualities. Saffron boasts both aesthetic appeal and health benefits.
Saffron vapor inhalation is one of the best home remedies for sinusitis, as its natural antiseptic and antioxidant properties soothe irritated tissues. Furthermore, inhaling this vapor reduces secretions that clog nasal passages while alleviating general malaise associated with sinusitis.
Home remedies for sinus infection include drinking nettle tea, which has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. When cooking the leaves prior to consumption, as raw versions may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Add mint and coconut water for an easy remedy that’ll clear your sinuses quickly! Or rinse your nasal passages using a neti pot filled with distilled or filtered water – or try mixing these three together for even faster relief!
Ginger
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antiseptic properties help to decrease nasal cavity inflammation and mucus accumulation, relieving sinusitis symptoms like pain or pressure in the nose, stuffiness and coughing. You could also try drinking a mixture of mint juice with cooked nettle leaves (cooked them first in boiling water before mixing with mint, coconut water and honey to form a mixture to drink twice daily)
Cranberry juice contains enzymes which help break down mucus, providing another effective natural treatment for sinusitis. You could also make herbal steam by mixing eucalyptus or thyme oil into boiling water – both oils possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which may ease sinus infections. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water and sleeping properly are both proven ways of expediting recovery from sinusitis; humidifiers also add moisture into the air which may loosen congestion more effectively.