Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow spaces behind the bones of the face. Usually the sinuses are filled with air. Due to cold or allergies sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid. Bacteria, fungi or viruses start growing in this fluid causing infection. Sinusitis can be acute which will last for less than four weeks or chronic which will last for 8 weeks to 12 weeks. The people belonging to all age groups are affected by sinusitis. There are a number of causes for chronic sinus infections:
- Excessive dairy consumption (cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt)
Sinusitis Infection Causes
- Environmental allergies
- Tobacco and pollution irritation
- Food allergies
- Dental infection
- Fungal infection in the sinus cavity
- Systemic Candida albicans (overgrowth of yeast)
- Colds and flu symptoms
Typical allopathic Treatments for sinus inflammation can include prescription antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatories, and in some cases, surgery. In fact it is common for people to be taking different medications to treat their sinus infection. Even with the medications, relief is minimal until milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt are first eliminated from the diet. This will help cut back on the production of mucus and allow the sinuses to clear. There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies, nasal sprays and aromatherapy oils that can help reduce the swelling and speed recovery.
Home Remedies For Sinusitis:
Diet
When you suffer from sinus infection, have a check on your diet. Try to have light cooked vegetables, lentils, whole wheat food, and eggs. Drink plenty of water (remember, the water should not be too cold). This will help you in curing the problem effectively and quickly.
Herbs
Include cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and horseradish in your soups and meals, to help dissolve and eliminate excess mucus. According to the self-care guide, Prescription for Natural Cures, a powerful drainage remedy is to eat a small spoonful of crushed horseradish mixed with lemon juice, but make sure to be near a sink when your nose starts running. Japanese horseradish in the form of Wasabi paste taken with meals can also provide a quick release to the nasal passages.
Steam Inhalation
Take herbs that have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, like ginger, peppermint, eucalyptus, oregano, and thyme. Boil these herbs in water and perform the process of steam inhalation. The main aim behind steam inhalation is to clear your blocking nose. Perform this for at least 3 times in a day and observe the results.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best agents in fighting the problem of sinusitis. Consume three capsules of Vitamin C when you wake up in the morning and 3 capsules before going to bed. Besides, you can also have multi-vitamin capsules to build up your immune system naturally.
Turmeric
Thanks to a powerful compound found in turmeric known as curcumin, turmeric possesses powerful health benefits. Among the health benefits of turmeric is the spice’s ability to treat sinus infection. Curcumin helps to heal the sinus cavity and clear the airways. Since sinus infections are caused by nasal inflammation, and turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory properties, the spice can be seen as one of the existing natural cures for sinus infection.
Sinusitis Home Treatment
Onions
Onions have anti-bacterial properties which assist in sinus infection treatment. Include it in your diet as a salad. Alternatively, add the chopped onion to a pot of water. When the water is hot and you see steam coming out of it, remove the pot from the heat and inhale the steam. Cover your head with a towel while inhaling steam. Make sure to keep your eyes closed; otherwise, it may cause tingling in your eyes.
Saline Solution
Saline solution is one of the excellent sinus infection remedies. Take ½ a glass of warm water and add ½ teaspoon of salt and an equal amount of baking soda to it. Mix well and add another ½ glass of normal water. Make sure the water is not too hot. Now pour the saline solution in a neti pot. Stand over a sink and tilt your head sideways. Now pour the saline solution using the neti pot into the upper nostril so that it can come out of the lower nostril. Do this 3 times in each nostril.