A sinus infection is very painful. Some people have chronic, recurrent sinusitis, and drug stores have entire aisles replete with OTC medications to help alleviate the symptoms. Many people skip the drug store and call their doctor for an antibiotic.
But the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cautions against taking unnecessary antibiotics. Most sinus problems are caused by viruses, which antibiotics don’t treat. And even those brought on by bacteria don’t usually improve any faster with antibiotics, the agency says.
The good news is that many natural remedies for sinusitis can provide significant relief from the pain and pressure. In fact, many physicians recommend using these approaches that help the flow of mucus while your own immune system successfully fights the infection.
What is sinusitis?
Sinus problems occur from too much mucus that accumulates in the cavities behind your face. This results in one or more of those cavities becoming inflamed or swollen. For people with allergies or asthma, this painful condition can recur rather regularly leading to constant pressure, postnasal drip, exhaustion, and headaches.
Natural Home Remedies to Improve Mucus Flow
Natural home remedies for sinus issues can effectively improve inflamed, swollen sinuses. These treatments soothe irritated passageways and improve the flow of mucus to allow you to breathe a little easier. Give one or more of these approaches to avoid OTC or prescription medications.
Use steam
This is a very effective home remedy for sinus infections. Warm-up and moisturize the sinuses. Inhaling steam soothes the sinus tissue and enables you to clear them out a little. Run hot water in the shower and breathe in the steam. You can also place a warmed, moist washcloth over your nose and cheeks as you lie down.
You may try boiling a pot of water. Take it off the heat and use a towel to create a tent over your head. Bend over the pot at a reasonable distance to inhale the steam. Don’t get so close to the water that you burn yourself and keep your eyes closed. As the water cools a bit, you can get closer as long as you remain comfortable.
You may try adding one or two drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or chamomile.
Irrigate your sinuses to alleviate the symptoms
Nasal irrigation uses a saline solution to flush your sinuses and eliminate germs and plugged-up mucus. Other terms are lavage, nasal wash, and a neti pot is also used for nasal irrigation.
Several studies have shown that irrigation does improve symptoms. Experts say to use only distilled or sterile water. You can sterilize tap water by boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes. This is to avoid the rare possibility of introducing a parasite into your sinuses.
Use a supplement like Bromelain
As reported in the journal Laryngoscope, bromelain has been studied for sinus problems to determine its effectiveness in reducing inflammation. A small number of double-blind studies have found bromelain improves sinus symptoms more than a placebo, the review found.
Research published in Alternative Medicine Review indicated that oral doses of bromelain are typically from 500 to 1000 milligrams (mg) per day, but some people take 2000 mg.
Although bromelain is natural, it may produce some side effects. The NCCIH reports that a few people experience allergic reactions, an increased heart rate, menstrual problems, and GI issues.
Try Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural substance found in plants like onions, apples, green tea, and red wine. It is an antioxidant. Quercetin has been found to stabilize the cells in the body that release histamine, which stimulates mucus secretion in the sinuses.
The Alternative Medicine Review article recommends quercetin as helpful for sinusitis, suggesting a typical oral dose of 400 to 500 mg taken three times per day.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated keeps your sinuses moist so you feel better, and it also decreases the thickness of sinus mucus so it flows out more easily. Doctors recommend getting from 6 to 8 8-ounces of water each day.
Steer clear of too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.
Try yoga to help drain your sinuses
If you have a current sinus infection, a supported yoga pose where your head is elevated will help you feel better without putting too much pressure on your sinuses.
One pose you can try is the Cobbler’s Pose. Here’s how:
- Place a bolster or rolled up blanket under your back and lie on your bed or floor.
- Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together; you can place yoga blocks or rolled towels under your knees to make this more comfortable.
- Relax your arms out to your sides. Remain here for as long as is comfortable.
- Come out of the pose by rolling off the bolster or blanket and onto your side, then pressing your hands against the floor to sit up.
Final thoughts
You will know if these remedies are effective because you will begin to feel better and your sinuses will be less congested. However, natural remedies typically take a little time to produce results. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you may want to do one or two of the methods regularly.
If your symptoms persist for more than one to two weeks, you should consult with your physician. You’ll want to check with your doctor even sooner if you have a severe case of a sinus infection — including high fever, swelling around the eyes, and red and inflamed skin, among other symptoms. If symptoms do not clear up within 2 weeks, check with your doctor.