5 Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion

Whether it’s spring, winter, summer or fall there’s always someone struggling with sinus congestion.

Symptoms include piercing pain in the face and head; nasal stuffiness; cough/congestion; loss of smell; and constant running fluid from the nostrils and eyes.

Sinus congestion can be caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses, diet or environmental pollution.

Doctor Scott P. Stringer, professor of otolaryngology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center comments,

“The nose has a vast network of blood vessels with valves that open and close, when the nose is stimulated by any irritant, the nervous system is also stimulated, causing valves to open, which results in more blood entering the nose. This causes swelling in your nasal passages, which makes it difficult to breathe.”

If left untreated, sinus congestion may turn into sinus infection. If you are experiencing these or similar symptoms in your sinus area for a week to ten days see your doctor immediately.

However, the moment sinus congestion occurs you may be able to avoid an infection with one or more of these 5 natural remedies for sinus congestion.

Steam It

Humidifiers and vaporizers are a good way to prevent the sinuses from drying out. These help thin the mucous in your nose by moisturizing the surrounding air. They can be used all day and night however these are particularly effective while you sleep.

Keep unit clean to avoid bacteria and mold growth and for children choose a cool mist model to avoid accidental burns.

Neti It

Using a neti pot to relieve congestion is an age old practice originated in India centuries ago. It consists of using a specially constructed ‘tea-kettle like’ device made of clay or ceramic.

The neti pot is filled with warm salt water that is poured into one nostril and drained out of the opposite nostril. The salt water sloughs away debris while loosening accumulated mucous.

Always use filtered, distilled, water and pharmaceutical grade salt.

Apple Concoction

Apples are a great medicine and apple cider vinegar is a common natural remedy for sinus congestion. Mix about two teaspoons into a cup of water. Add honey for sweetening and drink three times per day for five days. Look for mucous relief and eventual clearing.

Herbal Fixes

When it comes to sinus congestion there are several herbs that can be used. Check with your doctor before taking any herbal remedy.

Herbs for sinus congestion relief include:

Black elderberry – Spray in the throat and/or take tincture under your tongue for anti-inflammatory, antiviral benefits.

Peppermint or eucalyptus – As a tea, tincture or oil, peppermint and eucalyptus offer a strong, spicy aroma that can penetrate congestion and relieve sinus pressure.

Eucalyptus oil works well in humidifiers. Check with your doctor before using for a child.

Garlic – The healing benefits of garlic are near miraculous. Eating it boosts the immune system which in turn strengthens the body’s fight to relieve nasal congestion. It also acts as a natural antibacterial to kill roaming pathogens in the sinus cavity.

Note: To unlock the healing properties of garlic, make sure it sits for five to ten minutes after being chopped, pressed or ground. Also, do not cook for more than fifteen minutes or it will significantly weaken.

Goldenseal – This herb has been linked to boosting the production of white blood cells to fight pathogens as well as calm mucous membranes. Do not take for more than two weeks at a time.

Cold/Hot Compress

By alternating topical temperature there is a chance that your sinus congestion can dissipate.

• Place three or four wet, wrung out washcloths in the freezer for thirty to forty-five minutes.
• Wet and wring out another washcloth and place in the microwave.
• Heat the washcloth in your microwave for one minute.
• During this time place and massage a cold washcloth over your facial sinus area.
• Remove the cold washcloth and gently replace with the hot one (be careful not to burn).
• Repeat, ending with cold.

A small amount of peppermint or eucalyptus oil can be put on the washcloths for extra effect.

Try these 5 natural remedies for sinus congestion before allergies or otherwise takeover your life.