Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion 

 Natural Remedies for sinus congestion, or sinusitis, can be very helpful with easing of the symptoms and causes of this uncomfortable condition. Sinusitis is caused by an inflammation of the nasal sinuses.

Sinuses are air-filled compartments in the skull designed to drain away mucus. If the volume of mucus produced becomes too large, the sinuses can become clogged. Pressure in the sinuses increases, causing pain. If sinuses remain clogged for extended periods of time, they become prone to infection.

Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is generally caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as the common cold. Chronic sinus problems can be caused by growths in the nose, injury to the nose, air pollution, dental problems, stress, smoking, or exposure to irritating fumes or smells.

Allergic sinusitis may be caused by environmental allergies, such as hay fever, or food allergies, especially milk and dairy allergies.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, cough, headache, earache, toothache, facial pain, difficulty with breathing through the nose, loss of smell, and tenderness around the forehead or cheekbones. If tapping the forehead or cheekbones causes pain, the sinuses may be infected.

We hope that you will find these natural remedies for sinus congestion to be helpful and healing.

The dosages recommended for these natural remedies for sinus congestion are for adults. For children between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dosage to three quarters of that listed here. For children between the ages of 6 and 12 reduce the dosage to half that listed.

Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion

Very Important Nutrients

• Acidophilus. Take as directed on label. Replenishes good bacteria in the colon. Especially important if taking antibiotics.
• Bee Pollen. Start by taking 1/2 tsp daily and build up to 1 Tbsp daily. Take it in juice. Increases the body's immunity. (Bee pollen can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. stop taking it if a reaction such as a rash, wheezing, or other symptoms occur.)
• Flaxseed oil. Take as directed on label. Reduces pain and inflammation.
• Multivitamin and mineral complex. Take as directed on label. Improves overall health and insures proper nutrition.
• Quercetin plus bromelain. Take as directed on label. Protects against allergens, and increases the body's immunity. Bromelain increases the overall effectiveness of quercetin.
• Raw thymus glandular. Take 500 mg twice daily. Protects the immune function and overall health of the mucus membranes.
• SinuCheck from Enzymatic Therapy. Take 2 capsules 4 times daily. A natural decongestant that helps clear blocked nasal passages caused by colds and sinusitis.
• Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids. Take 10,000 IU daily. Strengthens the immune system. Helps protect against colds, flu, and other infections. Helps maintain health of the mucus membranes.
• Vitamin B complex. Take 75-100 mg of each of the major B vitamins 3 times daily with meals. Helps maintain healthy nerves and reduces stress. A sublingual form is best.
• Extra Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Take 100 mg 3 times daily with meals. Helps with the body's formation of antibodies.
• Extra Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Take 50 mg 3 times daily with meals. Helps immune system function.
• Extra Vitamin B12. Take 1,000 mcg 3 times daily.
• Vitamin C with bioflavenoids. Take 3,000-10,000 mg daily in divided doses. Boosts immune function. Helps to prevent infection and decrease mucus.
• Vitamin E. Take 200 IU daily. Improves circulation and speeds healing.
  

Helpful Nutrients

• Coenzyme Q10. Take 60 mg daily. Stimulates immune system. Increases oxygen to cells.
• Colloidal Silver. Take as directed on label. A natural antibiotic, and a very effective natural remedy for sinus congestion.
• Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Take as directed on label. Relieves pain and strengthens immune system. Take only DMSO from a health food store.
• Garlic. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily. Stimulates the immunes system and helps to keep infection in check.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Take as directed on label. Use for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
• Pycnogenol or grape seed extract. Take as directed on label. Powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and the frequency of colds and flus. They also neutralize allergic reactions.
• Sea Mussel. Take as directed on label. Provides important amino acids and aids in the functioning of mucus membranes. Also reduces inflammation.
• Zinc Lozenges. Take 1 15 mg lozenge every 2 to 4 waking hours for one week. Do not exceed this amount. Boosts the immune system, and is an effective antiviral agent.
  

Herbs as Natural Remedies for
Sinus Congestion

Herbs can be used very effectively as natural remedies for sinus congestion.

They appear here alphabetically; choose the ones which seem to address your particular symptoms the best, and some experimentation may be necessary in order to find which ones will be most effective for you.

• Anise, fenugreek, marshmallow and red clover help to loosen phlegm and clear congestion.
• Bayberry is a decongestant and astringent.
• Clear Lungs from Ridgecrest Herbals contains a combination of Chinese herbs which help to restore free breathing, reduce mucus accumulation, and enhance tissue repair.
• Echinacea boosts the immune system and fights viral infections.
• Fenu-Thyme from Nature's Way is a good natural remedy for sinus congestion. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily.
• Ginger root can be crushed and applied as a poultice to the forehead and nose to stimulate circulation and drainage.
• Goldenseal is also a good natural remedy for sinus congestion. It can be even more beneficial when combined with 250-500 mg of bromelain. Goldenseal tea can be used as an intranasal douche. Do not use goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than a week at a time, and do not use it if you are pregnant. Also use goldenseal cautiously if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Horehound helps to relieve symptoms of sinusitis.
• Mullein reduces inflammation and soothes irritation.
• Nettle is good for all types of allergies and respiratory problems.
• Olive leaf extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rose hips are a good source of vitamin C.
  

Other Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion

Eat a diet consisting of 75% raw foods.

Drink plenty of distilled water and raw vegetable and fruit juices. Also, drink plenty of hot liquids, such as soups and herbal teas. These help the mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure. Adding cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, horseradish and raw onion to soups or teas may bring relief even faster.

Remove sugar from your diet, and reduce your intake of salt.

Do not eat dairy products, as they increase mucus production.

Mix a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and a pinch of bicarnonate of soda. Use a spray bottle of eye dropper to place the solution in the nostrils one side at a time. Repeat 3 or 4 times daily as needed for relief of stuffiness.

A menthol or eucalyptus pack applied over the sinuses may relieve pain and swelling.

Use of a vaporizer may help in breathing and clearing of sinus secretions.

Inhaling steam will promote drainage and ease sinus pressure. Boil a pot of water and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or rosemary oil. Remove the pan from the heat. Place a towel over your head to contain the steam and hold your face about 6 inches above the pot and breathe deeply. Be careful not to get close enough to scald or irritate your sinuses with the heat. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes several times daily to relieve symptoms. Combining this with some of the other natural remedies for sinus congestion should prove to be a very beneficial combination.

Taking a hot shower will also be beneficial.

You can also use a neti pot, a small teapot-like device specifically designed for nasal irrigation. They can be purchased at most health food stores. Fill the pot with sea salt and water (2 tsp salt to 1 pint water) and rinse out your nose with this solution. This should reduce the inflammation and congestion.

You can use warm compresses or ice packs to relieve pain. Experiment to see which one works best for you.

Try some natural remedies for sinus congestion in the form of homeopathic remedies to help relieve symptoms. Belladonna is good for infections accompanied by fever, and Kali bichromicum is useful if there is an abundance of mucus in the throat.

If you are taking antibiotics for a sinus infection, be sure to add an acidophilus supplement to your program. Do not take the antibiotic and the acidophilus at the same time.

If sinusitis causes your eyes to become red, swollen, or itchy, try a product called OcuDyne made by NutriCology. This complex is designed to protect the eyes and boost immune function.

Do not use force when blowing your nose, as this forces mucus back into the sinuses. Instead, draw secretions to the back of the throat by sniffing, then expel them.

Do not smoke, and avoid second hand smoke. If you live in a smoggy area, consider getting an air purifier.

Other Things to Consider

If nasal secretions turn clear after a week, you probably do not have an infection. If they turn greenish or yellowish, you probably do.

Anyone suffering from constant and unrelenting sinusitis should be checked by their health care provider to rule out a possible immune dysfunction as the underlying cause. In recent studies, 50% of patients with chronic sinusitis were found to be suffering with some form of immunologic disorder.

By following some or all of these natural remedies for sinus congestion, you should be able to see improvement in your condition within a very short time.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Sources

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006

Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995

Encyclopedia.com

Return from Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestions to Spec. Conditions

Return to Home Page