Blocked Sinus: 4 Ways To Clear It Naturally
Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2007
by Alvin Toh
Blocked sinus can be a frustrating and irritating condition. It may cause difficulty in eating or sleeping. Blocked sinus can lead to a sinus headache and even equilibrium problems when the blockage reaches the ear. While some prescription medications may provide some relief, natural home remedies can be effective in clearing a blocked sinus. The latter do not have any ill side effects, are non-habit forming and can be used as often as needed.
1. Increase humidity
Most sinus blockages and infections occur in the winter months. This is the time of year when heating is on and the doors and windows are closed, making the inside air very dry.
The easiest fix to this problem is to increase humidity in the air. You can use a whole-house humidifier that attaches to your furnace. If that is not an option you can use small room-sized humidifiers throughout the house. These are inexpensive and can greatly improve humidity levels. Be sure to keep the water filled and clean the containers often to avoid bacteria and mold build up.
Alternatively, boil a large pot of water on the stove. The vapor from the boiling water adds humidity to the air. Another quick fix is to sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running for 20 minutes or so.
2. Nasal irrigation
This is a method of running sterile water into the nose. You can buy a small irrigation pot from a health food store and follow the package directions. If you need something a little more portable try using a saline nasal spray. Nasal irrigation works by cleaning the nasal passages and sinus cavities of mucus and thereby, assisting the natural cleaning system of your nasal passages.
3. Warm compress
A wet towel or washcloth can be heated and placed on the face, over the nose and sinuses. This will help clear the sinus cavities by loosening the mucus so that it will drain out more easily. You can purchase warm compress that can be heated in the microwave, from health food stores or pharmacies.
4. Eucalyptus or menthol
Eucalyptus or menthol oil can be used in a steam inhalation to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, in draining mucus and relieving pressure. Menthol is derived from peppermint. It is a natural anesthetic, germicidal and the vapors are an incredible decongestant. Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic with antibacterial properties. To create an eucalyptus steam inhalation, pour some boiling water into a bowl and add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Look down, with your head over the bowl. Cover your head and bowl with a towel. Close your eyes and inhale the steam slowly for 10 minutes.
You can also put a few drops of eucalyptus on a handkerchief and sniff periodically.
Each of these natural remedies can be used alone or in combination with each other to relieve your blocked sinus. They do not cause complications or harmful effects even if used in conjunction with drug medications.
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A blocked sinus , if left untreated, can lead to a sinus infection. It is crucial to relieve the sinus blockage to prevent complications arising from sinus infection.
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More commentsI've been using this method for over ten years and think it is a lovely gentle way of clearing not only the sinus's but helps with blocked noses due to a cold. Love the info on this site. Thank you.
You've included all the natural remedies of which I can think. Anyone's life will surely change after they start using a netti or a straight irrigation pump and thank goodness for the Eucalyptus Aromotherapy - it is also very relaxing.
don't forget sniffing orange peels
yes.omg thank-you so much. I am going to go do this now.
My brother often has congested sinuses so I will pass on this info. Thanks
I was not brave enough to try the nasal irrigation but the others helped a lot.Nasal irrigation is just like a kids game...
Yes, very much. I understand a few things better now. However, my doctor told me that excessive inhalation of menthol is harmful as it get deposited in the lungs. What are your thoughts on that?Did you doctor also tell you that excessive, chronic use of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, is harmful to your liver and other vital organs,brain and lungs. Probably not,since Big Pharma has the medical industry in their pocket. They want to beat simple, cheap, safe natural remedies down when toxic, expensive medications are killing people every day. The only ones benefiting from taking medications are the drug companies. We are their gravy train. They do not want people to truly be healed, as this would put them all out of business. Arm yourself with the truth.Menthol is a medication too, ya know.
Thanks for the great info.Steve
u can also use a hair dryer put on the hottest setting u can handle breathe through your nose and turn on leave for about 30 sec and the blow nose
Yes it was. Thank you so much. I didn't have to go out as I had these except the netti.
Will try them all! Thanks again. Also, can an inflamed and infected sinus cause discomfort to
teeth? My mucous is green.
yes, i have read that the nerves that run down to your teeth, sit under the sinus canal. Therefore, when the sinus is swollen, this applies pressure to the nerves giving the teeth a numb pain.
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