Sinus infection can be a real pain, causing discomfort, stuffiness and other annoying symptoms. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share seven fantastic natural home remedies that can help you combat sinus infections and get back to feeling your best. From soothing eucalyptus vapour to nourishing saffron tea, these remedies are easy to whip up and can provide much-needed relief. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tackle sinus infections the natural way!
7 easy and effective treatments for sinus infection you can try at home:
Inhale eucalyptus vapour
Eucalyptus has expectorant and antiseptic properties that can quickly relieve nasal congestion. Just mix 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, a teaspoon of salt, and a litre of boiling water in a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapour for up to 10 minutes. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day.
Drink mint juice with nettle
Mint and nettle have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and decongestant properties that can help reduce sinus irritation and eliminate secretions. Blend cooked nettle leaves, mint, coconut water, and eucalyptus honey for a soothing drink you can have twice a day between meals.
Inhale chamomile
Chamomile has calming properties that can warm and moisten the respiratory airways, relieving sinusitis-related discomfort. Boil water with chamomile flowers, cover the pot with a towel, and inhale the vapour for at least 10 minutes.
Drink saffron tea
Saffron is rich in curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Boil water with saffron flowers or curcumin powder, and drink 2 to 3 cups of saffron tea per day.
Have ginger tea with garlic
Ginger and garlic contain antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat sinusitis symptoms. Boil water with garlic, then add ginger and honey. Drink the tea to help strengthen your immune system and reduce the duration of your sinus infection.
Try thyme and honey infusion
Thyme and honey have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, as well as an expectorant action that helps with phlegm elimination. Add dry thyme to boiling water, let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain the infusion and drink up to 3 cups per day.
Do nasal irrigation with sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate can help relieve nasal congestion, reduce inflammation, and eliminate secretions. Mix sodium bicarbonate with warm water, then use a nasal irrigator or syringe to perform a nasal rinse. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day in each nostril.
Remember, if your symptoms don’t improve after 7 days, it’s best to consult your doctor for further assessment and diagnosis. They may recommend more specific sinusitis medication.
References
- AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY. Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe. 2020. Available on: <https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/saline-sinus-rinse-recipe>. Access in 22 Sep 2021
- YOUNG, Haw-Yaw; et al. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of [6]-gingerol. J Ethnopharmacol. 96. 1-2; 207-10, 2005
- JURENKA, Julie S. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 14. 2; 141-53, 2009
- BASA, Bakalo; et al. Review on Medicinal Value of Honeybee Products: Apitherapy. Advan. Biol. Res. 10. 4; 236-247, 2016
- SALEHI, Bahare; et al. Thymol, thyme, and other plant sources: Health and potential uses. Phytotherapy Research. 1–19, 2018
- AHSAN, R.; et al. A Comprehensive Review on Physiological Effects of Curcumin. Drug Res (Stuttg). 70. 10; 441-447, 2020
- DHOUIBI, R.; et al. Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 150. 67-77, 2020
- HASHEMIAN, Farnaz; et al. The effect of thyme honey nasal spray on chronic rhinosinusitis: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 276. 6; 1429-1435, 2014
- QUAN QUAN, Mao; XIAO-YU, Xu; et al. Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Foods. 8. 1-21, 2019
- SEMWAL, Ruchi B. et al.. Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger. Phytochemistry Journal. 554-568, 2015
- JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH. Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds. 2015. Available on: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417560/>. Access in 09 Jun 2020
