7 Simple Home Remedies for Sinus Infections: Ease Sinusitis Naturally

Sinusitis is a condition in which sinuses are blocked and become inflamed. There are some cavities within face bones. These are connected to cavities in the nose. These spaces are called Sinuses. Inflammation of these sinuses causes headache, pain in the face, thick mucus in the nose, plugged nose etc. This condition is called Sinusitis. It can be chronic or acute. Chronic sinusitis is an upper respiratory tract disorder. The inner lining of these sinuses is lined with soft mucus membrane. Due to certain reasons, the mucus membrane swells and leads to the accumulation of mucus or phlegm in these sinus cavities. In due course, bacteria develop in these sinuses leading to sinusitis.

What Are the Causes of Sinusitis According to Ayurveda?

Repeated intake of dry, oily and spicy, too cold or too hot foods, foods that are heavy to digest, indigestible and incompatible foods cause the impairment of all the three doshas. As a result, impaired Kapha dosha accumulates in the sinus, therefore blocking the flow of Vata. Impaired Pitta dosha causes swelling of the tissues of the sinuses.

Other factors responsible for sinusitis according to Ayurveda are production of Ama (toxins), suppression of natural urges of tears and vomiting, exposure to cold and dusty environment, staying awake till late in the night, sleeping during day time etc.

What are The Symptoms of Sinusitis?

• Sneezing
• Feeling of heaviness
• Blocked or runny nose
• Heaviness in the head

7 Simple Home Remedies for Sinus Infections are

1. Mint, Clove and Eucalyptus Oil

Boil 1-2 liters of water and add few drops of clove oil, 10-12 crushed mint leaves, few drops of eucalyptus oil or 1/3 cup of eucalyptus leaves.

Inhale the steam of this mixture for 10-15 minutes. Do this remedy twice a day until congestion clears and then once a week to clear the phlegm that gets deposited in the sinuses.

2. Ginger Juice and Honey

Take 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of honey twice a day.

3. Steam Inhalation

Inhalation of steam with tulsi decoction (holy basil) regularly helps in acute sinusitis but this remedy might not help much in chronic forms of the disease.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent known as curcumin which helps in reducing inflammation. It also acts as an anti-oxidant therefore helps in protecting the body from allergens. Turmeric also possesses anti-bacterial properties which is helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria.

Take 1 glass warm milk and add a pinch of turmeric and drink it before going to bed regularly.

5. Garlic

Garlic is considered as a natural anti-biotic. It contains a potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent known as allicin. Therefore, this herb has a broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity.

Boil 2-3 garlic cloves in 1 cup of water. Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir well and let it boil for a few minutes. Strain and drink it once a day.

6. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek Seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a steroidal saponin known as diosgenin which has anti-inflammatory properties. It also inhibits swelling and excessive mucus production in the nose and thus provides relief from sinusitis.

Add 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water. Allow it to boil for a few minutes. Strain it and drink this liquid several times a day.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is considered as a strong anti-bacterial agent and it works very efficiently in the treatment of all kinds of infections including sinusitis. It reduces the symptoms of the disease by directly destroying the bacteria and by clearing up the excess mucus production in the sinuses and in the nose. It also increases the ability to act against bacteria thus ensuring fast relief from the infection.

Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and ½ cup water. In a pan, mix these two ingredients and boil it. Drape a thick towel over the pan and inhale its steam. This remedy helps in liquefying the mucus and allows to clear the nose easily.

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Always take freshly prepared and warm food.
• Drink warm water throughout the day or prepare it with cinnamon and black pepper.
• Include garlic, turmeric and ginger in the diet.
• Avoid cold drinks, cold and processed foods, chocolates, ice-cream, cold water etc.
• Include Khichri (light and nourishing porridge) in the diet prepared with green gram, rice and spices such as ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, fennel seeds, pepper, cinnamon. It helps in detoxification.
• Avoid cigarette smoking, air pollutants, rain storm and damp weather, dust, mould, pollens etc.
• Avoid curd and bananas as well.