Sinusitis or a sinus infection, medically termed ‘rhinosinusitis’ is an inflammation or swelling of the nasal cavity. It is usually caused by a virus, but in some cases, it can also occur due to bacteria or fungus.
Sinus can be acute or chronic. Headache, blocked nose, discharge from the nose, cough, postnasal drainage, pain, tenderness, swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead and a reduced sense of smell and taste are some of the signs and symptoms of sinus
The symptoms can make you feel uncomfortable and cause discomfort. So, to lower the sinus pain and make you feel better, here are some home remedies for sinus:
1. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is one of the most effective home remedies for sinus infection. It helps ease sinus pain and open up your nasal passages. Take a bowl of boiling water, a towel and cover your head with the bowl so that you can breathe in the steam. Don’t get too close to the steam – breathe in the steam for 10 minutes. Do this twice or thrice a day.
2. Warm water compression
Applying heat to the sinus area can help loosen the mucous and decrease some of the pain from the pressure in your sinuses. Boil a bowl of water, take a clean washcloth and dip into the warm water. Wring the washcloth and lay it across the bridge of your nose and cheeks for few minutes. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes, until you feel better. Repeat this twice or thrice a day.
3. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil possesses antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-spasmodic properties that have been shown to reduce mucous and bring relief from sinusitis. Add three to seven drops of peppermint essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and bowl with a towel and breathe in the steam. Do this twice or thrice a day. You can also directly inhale the aroma of peppermint essential oil.
4. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and decongestant properties which have been shown to treat sinusitis. In a bowl of hot water, add three to seven drops of eucalyptus oil. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Do this twice or thrice a day for 10 minutes.
5. Drink a lot of fluids
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fresh fruit juices or soup to help loosen the mucous and pass it out from the nose more easily. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee. Drink water, soup or fruit juices throughout the day.
