Home Remedies for Sinusitis

Anyone who has had sinusitis or a sinus infection knows how miserable they can be. The pressure in your eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead or head can be unbearable! Usually sinus infections are treated with antibiotics but if you have chronic sinusitis, they lose their effectiveness over time. One year I had over fifteen sinus infections which was not pleasant, but as a result I learned a few home remedies for sinusitis that provide chronic sinus treatment and even help reduce the frequency of sinus infections.

Sinus flushes are one of the best home remedies for sinusitis and are the best way to prevent sinus infections since they flush out the blockage before it has a chance to build up causing pressure in the nasal cavity. They have been around for over 5000 years originating in India. Sinus flushes are simple to do and just require you to mix water as hot as you can stand it with salt (to kill the bacteria in the sinus’) and pour it into each nostril. It will feel strange the first time you do it and if your sinuses are blocked, it can be quite painful but it is very  a very effective chronic sinus treatment. You are literally flushing out all the bad stuff that is causing you pain in your sinuses. For best results and to prevent against future infections, sinus flushes should be done every day or at least several times a week. Of all the home remedies for sinusitis I’ve tried, sinus flushes have been the most effective by far. There are a few different types of sinus flushes on the market, but they basically all do the same thing. A few of the more popular ones are featured on the right.

Sinus massage is another chronic sinus treatment that drains the sinus'. One technique is to place your fingers together forming a “tent” at the bridge of your nose, and then slowly move your hands in a downward motion past your lips. Do this several tips and you will immediately feel your sinuses start to drain. If you have a sinus headache,  you can also apply acupressure. Press your temples with your index and middle finger or thumbs and hold for at least 10 seconds. Next find the soft spot on the inside of your eye brows that meets the bridge of your nose and press with your thumbs for at least 10 seconds. While this won’t totally relieve the pressure it does help alleviate some of the pressure and pain in your sinuses.  Best of all, this home remedy for sinus' can be done anywhere and is free.

Another effective home remedy for sinusitis is using mint and/or eucalyptus. It can be used in a multitude of different ways, but many people prefer the eye pillow and find it very soothing. Peppermint oil can also be effective if you put a few drops in hot water, cover your face with a towel , lean over and inhale. There are also a multitude of bath products that work well since they work in conjunction with the hot water and steam from the bath or shower. For best results inhale deeply, or as deeply as you can with your sinus blockage. A candle will have a lesser effect but may still provide some sinus relief. Mint tea or sniffing a mint plant may also provide mild sinus relief and assist with chronic sinus treatment.

Yoga is an unexpected chronic sinus treatment that promotes sinus drainage. It doesn't have to be intensive, even doing gentle yoga poses, like the ones found in the a.m. section of the A.M. and P.M Yoga DVD on the right may help drain your sinuses and .reduce the brain fog caused by sinusitis.

Vaporizers can be an effective home remedy for sinusitis since they keep the nasal passages from drying out and becoming irritated. This is especially important for those of us living in colder climates in the winter when we have the heat cranked up creating a hostile environment for our sinuses. You could also put a few drops of mint oil in mine to promote further sinus drainage.

By using home remedies for sinusitis your body will not become immune to the antibiotics normally used to treat sinus infections and you will likely reduce the frequency of your sinus infections, so you will feel better more often.  Now go inhale some peppermint!