Holistic Treatments for Sinusitis
A sinus infection can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Some of the symptoms of a sinus infection are congestion in the nasal passages, headaches, fever, and cough. It is always advisable to consult a physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. However, there are some natural remedies that can be effective in fighting a sinus infection and its symptoms. Among these natural remedies are hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and garlic.
Causes of Sinus Infections
Sinusitis can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. The infection can also occur as a complication of sinus polyps, allergies, or a deviated septum. Once you have your sinus infection under control, you should consider using some natural remedies which can be very effective if the infection was caused by allergies or polyps. If you are prone to sinus infections, you should consider adding supplements and herbs, that boost the immune system, to your daily diet.
Ways of Preventing Sinusitis
Here are a few ways to help you keep the sinus infection and its symptoms under control:
- Stand in a hot shower twice a day; The shower water should be hot enough to fog up a mirror. The same effect can also be achieved by leaning over a pan with steaming water and placing a towel over your head, creating a steam tent. You can then inhale the vapors through your nostrils. Adding 4 to 6 drops of eucalyptus oil into the steaming water can help to further clear out the nasal and sinus congestion. This can be very efficient in reducing the sinus infection symptoms; thus, relieving pain and irritation.
- Applying a warm washcloth over the affected area can be very effective in relieving pain caused by the symptoms. You can dip the cloth in warm water and put it over your eyes, cheekbones, or wherever you feel the pain. Leave the washcloth on the affected area until the pain subsides; this process should only take a few minutes.
- Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoonful of sea salt/non-iodized salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Close one nostril, then sniff the solution from a shot glass with the other nostril. Blow your nose gently and then repeat the process with the other nostril.
- To relieve congestion, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of raw apple vinegar to 6 ounces of water and drink 3 times for 5 days. It helps in softening and releasing the mucus that causes congestion. You can also add some raw honey or stevia to the solution for taste.
Herbal Remedies
- Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin; this stimulates the nerve fibers and can be used as nasal decongestant.
- Grapefruit seed extract; this is a powerful natural antibiotic that can be used to suppress parasites, microbes, bacteria, viruses, and up to 30 types of fungi. A recommended dose can help with sinus infections or congestion if taken for 30 days.
- Garlic; it has a chemical that can make mucus less sticky. Garlic is a very effective natural antibiotic and detoxifier that can greatly boost the immune system. A strong immune system protects the body from infections.
Aromatherapy Remedies for Sinus Infection
Aromatherapy remedies can eradicate the symptoms of sinusitis in so many ways. They can help in opening nasal passages, fighting infections, and relieving pain and congestion. Essential oils are very important in combating the sinus infection. Some of the essential oils that you can use are eucalyptus, lavender, cedarwood, peppermint, marjoram, pine, sandalwood, tea tree, and thyme. Cedarwood is the perfect remedy for solving respiratory problems; it can reduce congestion, and dislodge and expel mucus. It can also work as an antiseptic to help fight infections. Listed below are some essential oils that can be of help to you:
- Ginger: Improves the immune system, cools the body, and warms you in the chill of winter. It also helps with respiratory problems and helps a runny nose.
- Eucalyptus: Improves oxygen circulation in the blood by helping with the regeneration of lung tissues. It also improves the delivery of nutrients to cells all over the body and fights bacterial and viral infections.
- Marjoram: It relieves disorders related to the respiratory system such as bronchitis, asthma, colds, flu, and sinusitis.
- Lavender: It corrects throat and respiratory disorders and boosts the immune system. Lavender also clears congestion and stuffiness.
- Peppermint: Improves breathing and clears the sinuses.
- Rosemary: Fights infections, expels phlegm, relieves respiratory disorders, and helps in drainage of the lymph.
- Pine: Facilitates the release of mucus and fights respiratory infections. Pine also improves the breathing system and relieves congestion.
- Thyme: It increases the production of white blood cells; which improve the immune system. Thyme also helps with respiratory disorders.
Hydrotherapy for Sinus Infection
Hydrotherapy involves the use of water in any form for treatment purposes. It was used by ancient Greek medical practitioners. In ancient Greece, baths were used for medical purposes as well as personal cleanliness, religious practices, and private or social relaxation.
Warm water works well in relaxing spasms; therefore, it has been used in the treatment of conditions such as backaches, muscular strain, sprains, and muscle fatigue. Warm water can relax and relieve the body, making it very helpful in massage sessions or other simulative treatments. Sitting in hot water (sitz bath) provides a lot of health benefits and can act as treatment for many conditions. Water can also be used in physical therapy as it enables the patient to easily move any weak part of the body without having to strain.
Steam Bath
A warm bath can greatly reduce the effects that sinusitis symptoms have on the body. Inhaling steam at the same time will help even more. You can fill a bucket with enough hot water to fill the bathroom with steam. If possible, pour a cup of Epsom salt or baking soda and a few drops of eucalyptus into the bucket. Inhaling the steam can help with your sinuses while you take a warm bath.
Facial Hydrotherapy
If you are unable to have a full bath, you can give yourself a facial hydrotherapy. You can alternate between warm and cool water. The warm water enables fresh blood to flow to the affected area while the cool water will help in reducing inflammation.
Here are the instructions for facial hydrotherapy:
- Have two bowls.
- Fill one bowl with warm water and the other with cool water.
- Put a cloth in each bowl.
- Start with the cool cloth. Wring excess water out of the cloth and place it over your face.
- Remove the cloth after 1 minute and replace it with the warm cloth.
- Keep the warm cloth on your face for 30 seconds.
- Repeat this process 7 times.
- Make sure to start and end with the cool cloth.
You can perform this therapy as many times as you wish.
These alternative treatments can be very effective if done correctly and can help you relieve yourself of the worst symptoms of sinus infection.
