If you suffer from sinus infections, you know how painful and uncomfortable they can be;your nose gets plugged and stuffed up, your face hurts, you get awful headaches.
Sinuses are small cavities in the skull filled with air. According to Sick Journal, these cavities produce mucus, helping the nasal passage from allergies and pollutants. A sinus infection, which is called sinusitis, is when the tissues lining these cavities get inflamed caused by bacterial infections. These infections block the air flow through these cavities which then turns into a fungal infection. There are two types of sinusitis; acute – which lasts 4 weeks or less – and chronic; which means you’ve had it for more than 12 weeks.
But the good news is that relief can be as simple as walking into your kitchen. Here is how:
- Garlic: you can eat cloves whole or you can place 3 cloves in 1/2 cup of water, boil it on the stove for a few minutes, turn off the heat and inhale the steam for a few minutes.
- Saline solution: If you have a Neti pot, you know how helpful it can be when those sinus infections attack. Place 1/2 cup of saline solution and wash out your nasal cavity twice a day. You can even make your own saline solution at home by mixing 3 tsp iodine-free pickling salt with 1 tsp baking soda. Store in a dry jar and whenever you need to rinse, add 1 tsp of the mixture with 1 cup lukewarm water.
- Eucalyptus oil: can strengthen your respiratory system and fights against infections. Pour a couple of drops on a piece of cloth, inhale regularly. You can also put a drop on your pillow.
- Apple cider vinegar: mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water. Boil the mixture on the stove for a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and inhale the steam for a few minutes. Make sure your mouth and eyes are closed.
- Herbs + lemon juice: boil 1 cup of water, the juice of 1 lemon, and a few sprigs of one of the following herbs: peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, theme, oregano; all are anti-inflammatory and all will bring immediate relief. Turn off the heat and inhale the steam. Repeat several times a day if necessary.
Make sure you also add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet as well as increase your intake of anti-oxidants. This will help reduce the inflammation in your sinus cavities. Also don’t forget to drink 8-12 glasses of water a day as well as hot teas and sugar-free juices. Increasing your fluid intake will keep your body hydrated as well as help thin out the mucus, making it a bit easier to drain out.