Natural Sinus Remedies
Natural Sinus Remedies - Overview
The importance of drug-free natural sinus remedies cannot be overstressed.
Pharmaceutical medications have their place, however, many result in unwelcome side effects.
Apart from that, they are expensive when compared to natural remedies.
Finally, drug resistance is commonplace. Given enough time, most bacteria and viruses mutate and overcome the effects of antibiotic and antiviral medication. This leads to an escalating ‘chase-your-tail’ cycle:
- Stronger drugs
- Costlier medication
- More side effects
- Increased drug resistance
- Back to square one
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Many sufferers engage in a relentless
Internet hunt for effective remedies, and
this is where interactive websites and
forums, such as our own Pay It Forward
section, play an important part.
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“Hardware” Based Natural Sinus Remedies
There are a number of effective home based aids and treatments guaranteed to ease the effects of a sinus attack:
- Steam inhalation
- Nasal irrigation
- Humidifiers
- Air conditioning and filtration
Steam Inhalation
Inhaling pure steam is a sure-fire way of easing a sinus headache. This method thins out the mucus and promotes drainage, thereby reducing pressure in the sinus cavities.
The cheapest and simplest way to use steam is to take two or three long, hot showers a day. However, this limits you to pure steam, and that has a rather short-term effect.
A more effective method is to inhale steam spiced with aromatic oils, herbs or soothing liquids. There are two ways to do this:
- Fill a large glass or ceramic bowl with boiling water, add your substance of choice, lean over the bowl. Trap the steam by forming a tent with a towel draped over your head and shoulders. Breathe through the nose.
- As above, but use a steam vaporizer or facial sauna.
Steam additives
Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
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This esential oil is a natural sinus remedy obtainable online or from most health food stores.
A 10-minute session with no more than 3 or 4 drops added to your steam source will ease your sinus and nasal congestion within minutes.
Breathe through your nose, don’t get too close to the steam and close your eyes.
Repeat two to four times a day for maximum effect.
Eucalyptus oil (not be confused with camphor oil) should not be applied directly to the skin, and don't use more than a few drops in the steam source.
Mentholated oil or Vicks VapoRub
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Used as above can be a reasonable alternative to Eucalyptus oil as a natural sinus remedy.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Salt
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Some reports suggest adding 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of non iodized or sea salt to the boiling water or steamer (If you use a bowl as opposed to a steamer, avoid stainless steal).
A secondary application that could be helpful is to soak a q-tip in a salt/hydrogen peroxide paste and dab this mixture onto the inside walls of the nostril.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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A 50/50 mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and water brought to the boil works for some people. The downside is that this method stinks out the whole house for a while; use the patio or balcony when trying this method.
Nasal Irrigation
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This natural sinus remedy is covered in full under Sinus Flush.
Neti Pot additives For Nasal Irrigation
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Some people report outstanding results with the following additives:
- Use warm green tea instead of water.
- Add 7-8 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the Neti-pot contents.
- Add 1/8 tsp. of a crushed clove of garlic as a bactericide.
Mangosteen for Sinus Problems
Mangosteen juice is one of the most exciting natural sinus remedies we've tried and tested. However, since there's a lot of ground to cover, we've published all the details on a separate page - and if you’d like to try some, get your supplies here.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old process mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Sushrutha’s Arthashastra, and it’s a widely recommended procedure in Ayurveda.
The process is called Kavala Gandoosha/Kavala Graha.
Oil Pulling carried out the correct way is said to cure about 30 systemic diseases ranging from migraine headaches to hypertension, diabetes and sinusitis.
In addition, proponents claim that oil pulling slows down the ageing process.
However, to gain the most from this natural sinus remedy, you must either undergo specialized training from an Ayurveda practitioner, or follow a number of carefully prepared steps.
A quicker and easier way to master the technique, is to invest in the e-book Oil Pulling Secrets.
This will take you step-by-step through all aspects of oil pulling. If you wish to experiment with the technique, here’s a simplified explanation:
- Step 1:
- First thing in the morning before drinking anything, go directly to the bathroom and take a full tablespoon of sesame oil into your mouth.
- Step 2:
- Pretend you’re using a mouthwash and swirl the oil around your mouth and through your teeth without swallowing. Relax your jaw muscles and swirl fairly vigorously with your tongue. Keep this up for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil thins out with saliva at first, and then start thickening as it pulls the toxins from your body.
- Step 3:
- Spit the used oil into the toilet. You'll notice that it has turned milky or yellowish. This is normal. Rinse your mouth three or four times with a warm water/hydrogen peroxide mixture; spit into the toilet. Finally, brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash.
Other Natural Sinus Remedies
Olive Leaf Extract
Phil Selinsky, a naturopathic doctor at the Institute for Holistic Studies in Santa Barbara, California, reports a number of positive results against bacterial infections using Olive Leaf Extract. "Sinus and bladder infections have responded well," he says, "and oral infections associated with tooth or gum disease have been particularly responsive."
For these type of infections, Selinsky recommends patients start with two Olive Leaf Extract tablets followed by another tablet every four hours. "That usually gets you on top of the situation," he says. For more serious infections, tablets can be taken at shorter intervals.
Andrographis
Also known as "Indian echinacea," andrographis is an herb used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries. Andrographis is reputed to act as a natural immune system booster.
Kan Jang (Andrographis paniculata) from the Swedish Herbal Institute: In a 2002 study involving 185 individuals, the Kan Jang natural dietary supplement was shown to relieve upper respiratory infections and inflammation associated with sinusitis.
This product contains both Andrographis and Ginseng extract. It is available online or in reputable health food stores. Pure Andrographis is also available in capsule and tincture form.
Umcka (Pelargonium sidoides)
Umcka (short for "umckaloabo") is a geranium plant native to South Africa. It has been used for hundreds of years in traditional African medicine. Positive results from recent studies focusing on the treatment of respiratory problems, has promoted the popularity of Umcka in the U.S. and other countries throughout the world.
During the latest study published in 2009. A control group of 103 individuals with acute sinusitis was used. Half were assigned an extract of Umcka root for 22 days, and the rest were given a placebo during that period. Umcka was shown to be more effective than a placebo for this condition.
Conclusion: Umcka root extract is an acceptable natural sinus remedy that deserves more attention.
This root extract is available in syrup or capsule form from most health food stores and online herbal product vendors.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
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Vinegar, is one of the effective natural sinus remedies; it's been used for many centuries, from the early Chinese dynasties to the time of the ancient Greeks. D.C. Jarvis’ best seller, 'Folk Medicine', published in 1958, started the ball rolling as a precursor to sinus remedies in modern times.
Although there have never been any clinical studies on the effects of apple cider vinegar on sinusitis, it’s a well-proven, time-tested aid to relief.
Brew a 12 oz pot of green tea with honey to taste, and add 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar. Drink the entire amount in the morning before breakfast for best results.
Brew another batch and continue sipping the mixture throughout the day while the sinus attack lasts.
You'll be delighted with the results.
p.s. - Amazon.com is probably the cheapest and most convenient source of this product. Click here to order your supplies online.
Important Note:
Get your supplies from a trusted source and make sure you can see some "mother" (sediment) in the bottom of the jar. If there’s no sediment, it’s distilled and it won't work - and always shake up the jar before making your tea.For comprehensive information on all aspects of Apple Cider Vinegar, see the at the page at the "Vinegar Home Remedies" website (opens new window).
Need Help? e-mail us at: remedybusters@gmail.com or click here.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~References
- Health/Science Newsletter - The Olive Leaf
- Oil Pulling Secrets - Oil Pulling Study
- MedScape - Use of Saline Nasal Irrigation
- Dr. Paulose - ENT Surgeon: How steam inhalation works in sinus problems
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