10 Natural Ways To Clear Up Sinus Infections Fast

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If you have ever had a sinus infection, you know the true pain and suffering it can put you through. Even though we haven’t had a very harsh winter this year (yet), there are reports of a particularly nasty cold virus making the rounds.

There are numerous ideas as to why we catch colds more during the winter than other times of the year, but not one of them have been proven. It seems to make sense that, because it is cold, we tend to stay indoors more. With the holidays in the middle of winter, it is easier to pass along these viruses.

Another thought, however, is that we get less ultraviolet light during the dark winter months. Viruses are very sensitive to ultraviolet lights as it destroys their DNA. Still another thought is that when humans step outside into cold weather, our body temperature drops just enough that the rhinovirus (which causes colds) or the influenza virus (which causes the flu) can take hold and begin to duplicate itself.

Regardless of the cause, when your head feels as if it is going to explode, and when your eyes have so much pressure behind them that they feel ready to pop out of their sockets, one thing is clear: You want relief and you want it now.

So there you are, lying on the sofa, feeling like death, and your local television station starts advertising the latest overpriced cold and sinus medication.

The problem is that Western medicine only looks at relieving the symptoms, not treating the root cause of the problem. Besides, all those sinus drugs tend to leave you feeling sleepy or out of it.

You don’t have to live with a nasty sinus infection, however. There are plenty of natural ways to deal with it. You can kill the infection and clear up your sinuses quickly and easily.

Keep reading and check out the 10 natural ways you can be out of pain in minutes.

1. Horseradish

More than just a spice, horseradish is powerful medicine. The German Commission E suggests that using half to one teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish up to three times each day can kill infections and drain the sinuses quickly. Do not consume more than the recommended amount as it can cause vomiting, stomach upset, and excessive sweating.

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2. Apple Cider Vinegar

This method works best if you start it at the very first sign of infection. Mix one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in right ounces of water, along with one teaspoon of raw, organic honey. Drink three times each day over a five-day period. This will thin congested mucus and naturally help your body fight the infection.

3. Water and Other Beverages

It sounds so simple, but the fact is that many people are dehydrated. The more congested you are, the more you need water, clear broth, and herbal tea. This will help to thin out the mucus. Avoid caffeinated beverages during this time. Focus on hot herbal teas with lemon and honey, clear water, and hot broth or soups.

4. Herbs

Here are some of the best herbs to help drain your sinuses. Add more garlic and onions to your soups and meals. You can even take a clove of garlic and crush it slightly. Wait five minutes, then swallow it whole. If that is a bit much for you, try mixing it with some honey to make it more palatable. Add onions and garlic to just about everything to help kill the infection and thin the mucus.

5. Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric is a super anti-inflammatory with powerful antioxidant properties make this a terrific spice for everyone on the planet. When you combine turmeric with ginger in a hot tea form, you get a super pain relieving tea that can help to relieve sinus pressure in minutes! Ginger will also help to ease stomach upset, which often happens during sinus infections. Mix up a cup of ginger tea and add half a teaspoon of turmeric or curcumin powder. Drink three times each day until your sinus infection is gone.

6. Spice Things Up

A hot but tasty way to help drain the sinuses is to eat some spicy foods that contain cayenne pepper, horseradish, or even a good dose of black pepper. Try making a cup of cayenne pepper tea for some super sinus draining power!

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7. Steam Inhalation

Another great way to drain the sinuses is through steam inhalation. Put a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil in a hot bath or a humidifier, and breathe in the steam. You can also put a pot of water on the stove and allow it to boil, and then add a few drops of either essential oil mentioned before. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. Be careful not to burn your face on the steam if you use this method!

8. Pressure Point Activation

Give yourself a quick facial massage to help release congestion and pain. You can also try using one of the many face masks that you can place in the freezer and then put on your face to help relieve pressure.

9. Grapefruit Seed Extract

This is a powerful but completely natural antibiotic made from grinding dried grapefruit seeds. This extract is a great nasal spray that can really help clear out mucus and fight infection. This remedy also prevents other microbial contaminants from making their home in your inflamed sinuses.

10. Neti Pot

This is an ancient practice for clearing out the sinuses. Using a neti pot will clear out mucus, remove infection, and get you some fast, much needed relief. Neti pots also work well for seasonal allergies by removing pollen from the sinuses. Add some salt water to a neti pot and pour it into one side of the nose, and it will drain your sinuses out the other side of the nose. This takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you will be totally hooked on this simple, natural method.

Common causes of chronic sinus infections are:

Tobacco smoke
Air pollution
Excessive consumption of dairy products
Food allergies
Fungal infection in the sinuses
Cold or flu virus
Dental infections
Candida overgrowth in the body

If you suffer from recurring sinus infections, check out these common causes to ensure that you avoid these painful infections in the future.

References:

www.care.american-rhinologic.org

www.preventdisease.com

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One Comment

Anto

Jan 19, 2016 at 9:24 pm

Flushing your nostrils with a neti pot provides huge, miraculous relief. If you get sinus congestion, try it, you’ll see why so many people have started using them.