Swollen nasal passages can cause mucous to accumulate, making breathing difficult. The pressure from the excess mucous can cause a throbbing headache. There are some simple yet effective sinus infection remedies that can help ease these symptoms. Sinus treatment options include herbs, drainage techniques, and temporary dietary changes. It is also important to see a physician for a sinus infection to reduce the chances of it developing into something more serious.
Herbal Sinus Infection Remedies
Herbs can help reduce the symptoms of sinus infections in some people. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinupret, a supplement containing cowslip and several other herbs, helps clear out the sinuses and boosts the immune system. Other herbs that are sometimes used as sinus treatments include willow bark, feverfew, and gentian. Consult a physician before using an herbal sinus treatment to find out about possible side effects.
Sinus Treatment Tips
One of the best ways to allow the body to build up its own natural defenses against a sinus infection is to drink plenty of fluids. For best results, stop eating solid foods for a few days. This helps the healing process because the body will not have to use energy on digestion, according to Prescription for Natural Cures by James Balch and Mark Stengler.
Maintain the liquid-only diet for about three days. This will be long enough for the body to get a good detoxification to help with the recovery. Drink water frequently and consume juices and broth. Avoid alcohol and drinks that have a high sugar content because they promote the growth of yeast, which is associated chronic sinusitis. Salt can inflame the sinuses and should also be avoided.
Simple Sinus Infection Remedies
Mayo Clinic recommends using steam as a sinus treatment. To do this, pour hot water into a bowl. Lay the head over the bowl and place a towel on the back of the head to trap the steam. The heat and moisture from the steam will reduce pain and drain the sinuses.
Another way to clear out the sinuses is to rinse out the nasal passages. This can be accomplished by using a bulb syringe or neti pot.
The article titled Bronchitis Remedies provides more information about natural treatments for clearing the sinuses and relieving congestion. The article titled Natural Bronchitis Treatments offers more information about natural treatments for clearing out the nasal passages.
Sources:
James Balch and Mark Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, Wiley, John & Sons, September 2004
UMM.Edu *”Sinus Headache – Herbs” (accessed June 28, 2010)
MayoClinic.com *”Acute Sinusitis” (accessed June 28, 2010)
Jennifer Graham - Jennifer Graham is a Writer/Producer for a video production company. She helps create videos that raise awareness to health related ...
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