{"id":724,"date":"2017-06-15T03:58:27","date_gmt":"2017-06-15T03:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=724"},"modified":"2021-05-12T18:54:19","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T18:54:19","slug":"15-natural-remedies-sinus-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-natural-remedies-sinus-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Natural Remedies for a Sinus Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A sinus infection is caused when bacteria infects the sinuses resulting in inflammation and congestion. The symptoms you are suffering with \u2013 phlegm build up, difficulty breathing, sneezing and running nose \u2013 are all signs that your body is trying to fight the infection and drive out the invading bacteria. While this is a good thing then, it\u2019s also highly frustrating and can leave you teary eyed, unable to sleep and with a scratchy throat and red nose.<\/p>\n

There are many medical treatments for a sinus infection, which include the use of antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatory medications and even surgery in extreme cases. While many of these things can work, they often aren\u2019t necessary and you will instead be told to wait it out as the condition will be self-limiting (meaning it ends all on its own!).<\/p>\n

Problem is, you\u2019re meanwhile left wheezing and sneezing, coughing and snotting\u2026 So what can you do?<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are a number of different ways you can treat the symptoms of a sinus infection and also help to speed up your recovery. Read on and we\u2019ll take a look at some of the best ways to get over a sinus infection fast!<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Water<\/h3>\n

Water<\/a> is the ultimate cure-all. No matter what the complaint or condition, there is a better than average chance that water might hold the answer.<\/p>\n

There are a number of ways that water can help you to more quickly overcome a sinus infection. Firstly, water will help you to flush out your system and more quickly drive out the invading bacteria by supporting the immune system. At the same time, water will help to dilute and break up the phlegm, thereby helping you to get more relief from your blocked nose.<\/p>\n

And if you are also coughing a lot, then water will help to soothe and cool the throat. Often we forget to eat and drink when ill, but don\u2019t forget to keep hydrating yourself!<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Nose Blowing<\/h3>\n

This is a very simple solution but it\u2019s one that often gets overlooked: if you have a sinus<\/a> infection or a cold, then you should blow your nose often. Not only will this help to unblock the nose but it will also prevent phlegm from tickling the throat and thereby it will reduce coughing.<\/p>\n

Blow your nose the right way but holding your finger over one nostril and blowing the other in turn. Use soft tissues to prevent damaging the delicate blood vessels around the nose and don\u2019t blow too hard.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Take a Warm Bath<\/h3>\n

One of the best solutions by far is to take a warm bath. A warm bath will help you to relax and this alone will instantly reduce the pain and discomfort<\/a> you might be feeling. At the same time, the warm water surrounding your face and neck can help to further break up and dissolve phlegm and thereby encourage it to move freely and leave your sinuses.<\/p>\n

Another benefit is that a warm bath can help you to inhale steam, which further breaks it up.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Warm Compress<\/h3>\n

Speaking of using warmth to break up phlegm<\/a> and blockages, you can also do the same thing by using a warm compress. Simply take a warm, damp flannel or perhaps a rice sock (fill a sock with rice, tie a knot at the end and then put it in the microwave for just a few minutes to heat it up). This will help you to relax the muscles yet again and will also help to break up the phlegm and mucus via the warmth.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Steam Inhalation<\/h3>\n

Inhaling steam<\/a> is a great way to clear blocked sinuses. Simply fill a bowl with very warm (not hot) water and then drape a towel over it. You\u2019re now going to put your head under the towel, such that you will be trapped in with the steam. Breathe normally and now you should inhale the steam, thereby further breaking up and dissolving the mucus. This can also help to kill of bacteria thanks to the heat. Do make sure it\u2019s not too hot though, otherwise you can end up burning your nostrils and thereby making matters considerably worse!<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Prop Yourself Up<\/h3>\n

One of the worst aspects of a sinus infection is that it can make it nearly impossible to sleep as you continually find yourself coughing<\/a> or waking because you can\u2019t breathe. The symptoms will often get much worse at night and the reason for this is that you will be lying down, meaning that gravity will cause the phlegm and mucus to pool at the back of your nose and throat.<\/p>\n

The solution might be to try propping yourself up slightly. Use more cushions than you normally would, or better yet try arranging them so that they are in a more upright position and you are able to \u2018drain\u2019 through the night. Not a nice thought, but it makes a big difference.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Garlic<\/h3>\n

Garlic<\/a> is actually a very useful tool for fighting any kind of infection. That\u2019s because it\u2019s a miraculous food that contains the powerful allicin; a nutrient that acts as a natural antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral. So no matter what is upsetting your sinuses, it should be able to go to town and do some work. What\u2019s more is that garlic is able to fight even antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria like MRSA!<\/p>\n

Garlic is incredibly good for you for a range of other reasons too but you need to be careful when preparing it as you may unintentionally end up removing the actual active component if you crush it or cook it for too long. Instead then, take the garlic and slice into small pieces then leave for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This will enable it to work its magic and retain 70% of the nutritional properties.<\/p>\n

If that doesn\u2019t work, then alternatively try eating a little raw \u2013 though be warned that the taste is far from enjoyable!<\/p>\n

Garlic can also be used to combat tooth infections and more by making it into a paste and rubbing it onto the affected area.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Vitamin D<\/h3>\n

There are many useful nutrients that can support your immune system and aid you in fighting off infections but one of the single most important is vitamin D<\/a>. Vitamin C is the one that gets all the glory for boosting the immune system but recent research shows that vitamin D might be even more potent and in one particular study it was found to be nearly as effective as a vaccine when it comes to preventing colds and flus.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s impressive going and many of us don\u2019t get enough vitamin D by far. So spend some time in the sun to encourage your body to produce a little more, try taking it as a supplement, or get it from your diet through eating portabella mushrooms, eggs and fish.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Vitamin C<\/h3>\n

That said, vitamin C<\/a> will still do the trick and will still boost your immune system to help you drive out any infection. The best way to get your vitamin C is naturally through your diet and particularly good sources include orange juice or apple juice. Once again though, a vitamin supplement will also do the trick.<\/p>\n

Ideally, you should aim to give your body as much nutrient and as many antioxidants as possible during this time. Look for fruit smoothies that contain copious amounts of berries \u2013 they can do a world of good!<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Nasal Irrigation<\/h3>\n

This is exactly what it sounds like: irrigation<\/a> for your nasal passage. Simply bend over a sink, take a little syringe of water and squirt some carefully up your nose. Do not squirt too much or too powerfully, the aim here is to use just a little in order to break up blocked phlegm and to help ease things along.<\/p>\n

Likewise, make sure you\u2019re over a sink and that you have a tissue to hand\u2026 things are about to get messy!<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n

Apple cider vinegar<\/a> is one of those things that is just awesome for a whole range of different conditions. Some people recommend taking it three times a day with hot water in order to help thin out excessive mucus and relieve sinus pressure.<\/p>\n

As an added benefit, this will also further fortify your immune system. That\u2019s because apple cider vinegar is a source of \u2018friendly bacteria\u2019. These little critters will line your gut and help to kill off the bad bacteria. At the same time, they can also help to produce chemicals important for boosting your mood and improving your digestion. Yogurt will do a similar job, as will kefir or fermented foods.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Turmeric<\/h3>\n

Another health panacea that actually lives up to the hype is turmeric<\/a>. Turmeric is a fantastic fragrant spice that is found in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. This contains curcumin which is naturally anti-inflammatory and can help to ease many of the symptoms associated with colds and infections. At the same time, turmeric can also be a useful anti-congestant and it can help support the immune system as an anti-oxidant.<\/p>\n

Add some ginger root and use this to make tea and you\u2019ll gain a lot of relief.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Eucalyptus Oil<\/h3>\n

There are a wide selection of essential oils that can help you to overcome infections. These are the most important active components from herbs and plants in a distilled form and can be inhaled, added to a bath or even consumed in some cases. Use these when inhaling steam for added benefit.<\/p>\n

Eucalyptus oil<\/a> is a great place to start as it can help to break up congestion once again. Add some lavender oil too and you will feel relaxed and calm.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Lemon Oil<\/h3>\n

Lemon<\/a> is a great source of vitamin C, while lemon oil can also offer the same benefits while also helping to keep you more awake and alert. Lemon oil increases the production of serotonin, boosting our mood and helping us to feel better even when we\u2019re ill. Moreover, lemon oil when inhaled will help to increase the production of saliva. This is useful because saliva can help to kill off bacteria as a natural antiseptic. And not only that, but more saliva will help to further breakup mucus and soothe a sore throat.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Oregano Oil<\/h3>\n

Finally, oregano oil<\/a> is one more important essential oil that has been shown to be effective in combating bacteria, infections and more. Like garlic, it has been shown to be effective against the unstoppable MRSA super-bug. Then again, you can even make garlic oil and inhale that!<\/p>\n\r\n

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