Fix Your Sinusitis Naturally

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, can be a painful and frustrating experience but fortunately, you can fix sinusitis naturally in most cases. Individuals who have compromised immune systems due to chronic disease or are taking immunosuppressive medication are at greater risk of getting sinusitis. With symptoms such as headache, facial pressure, fatigue, post-nasal drip, and congestion, it can be hard to go about your daily life when your sinuses are so inflamed. Sometimes the inflammation caused by sinusitis can be so severe that it is hard to find relief. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that may help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis and encourage healing.

One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is through steam inhalation. This can be done using a vaporizer or simply by boiling water and inhaling the warm, moist air for 10 minutes at a time. Adding herbs like eucalyptus oil or mint leaves to the boiling water can help to clear congestion and reduce inflammation. I like to add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the water once it boils and put a towel over my head over the steaming water…but you need to be careful to not burn your nasal passages.

Another natural remedy is taking a neti pot, which is a container with a long spout that can be filled with warm saline solution to rinse the sinuses. To use it correctly, tilt your head at an angle and pour the warm liquid into one nostril, allowing it to run out of the other side. Doing this regularly will help reduce mucus buildup, remove allergens or irritants, and relieve painful congestion. An alternative to this would be using a product such as Xlear, which is xylitol-based, to clean your sinuses several times per day.

One natural supplement for sinusitis is apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV is thought to contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce swelling in the sinuses and provide relief from congestion. Drinking ACV mixed with water or inhaling steam with a few drops of ACV added can help clear up your nasal passages and improve your breathing. Add ½ a tablespoon of honey to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, mix well in 8 ounces of water, and drink it at least twice a day may help to break up the mucus. 

Probiotic supplements are believed to support the body’s natural immune system and reduce inflammation in the sinuses. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces boulardii have all been found to be beneficial in helping with sinusitis symptoms. Studies are underway to examine the application of sinus rinses with specific strains of probiotics…but don’t try this on your own.

Herbs can also be great for sinusitis. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are both hydrating as well as help to reduce the thickness of sinus drainage. These herbs contain volatile oils which may help to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities, making breathing easier and improving overall nasal health.

The active compounds in chamomile – including flavonoids and terpenes – are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain caused by sinus inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection. Drinking chamomile tea or using it as a steam inhalation may help ease some of the symptoms associated with sinusitis, such as congestion, headaches, and facial pain.

Peppermint helps reduce sinus inflammation by relieving congestion and opening up nasal passages. It also has antibacterial properties that can help clear out mucus, making it easier to breathe. Plus, it’s packed with powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the sinuses. Peppermint can also help with sinus headache relief. I like to open up my peppermint essential oil and take a few sniffs of the oil, taking care to not get any directly on my mucous membranes. Also, applying a few drops of oil on my temples or areas on my head over the sinuses can help alleviate headache and sinus pressure pain. It is important to avoid any contact with your eyes and to wash your hands after application so that you don’t accidentally get it in your eyes.

Ginger is one of the most widely used natural remedies for sinusitis. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the sinuses and provide relief from congestion, pressure, and pain associated with sinusitis. Some studies have shown that ginger can effectively reduce the severity of symptoms related to sinus inflammation and infection. Additionally, it helps alleviate discomfort caused by coughing, sneezing, itching, or a sore throat due to colds or allergies. Ginger also acts as an expectorant, which means it helps clear out mucus from your airways and provides relief from nasal congestion. For best results, try drinking ginger tea several times a day or adding freshly grated ginger to your meals.

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Consuming turmeric either as a supplement or as part of your diet could potentially ease your sinusitis symptoms. It also has many other beneficial effects in reducing inflammation overall in the body.

Quercetin has been shown to help with sinusitis symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. It is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help reduce inflammation in the sinuses which can make breathing easier. Taking quercetin regularly can help improve your overall health and well-being as well as ease your allergy or sinusitis symptoms.

Stinging nettles have been used for centuries as a homeopathic remedy due to their anti-inflammatory properties. While more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this treatment option, preliminary studies suggest that it could be effective in reducing sinus inflammation Stinging nettles may be found in combination with other natural remedies such as quercetin or bromelain.

Andrographis is an herb native to Asia that has been used traditionally for centuries as a natural remedy for many ailments. Studies have shown that it has gentle but effective properties which can help reduce inflammation in the sinuses and improve overall respiratory function. The herb has been used for centuries for its potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It may also help with symptoms such as congestion and pressure around the sinuses. Taking Andrographis alongside other natural remedies such as ginger, honey, or turmeric may provide additional relief from the symptoms of sinusitis.

Biocidin® liquid or Biocidin® LSF is a plant-based liquid herbal supplement designed to support healthy bacterial balance in the body. It contains many botanicals with proven anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in your sinuses. Furthermore, it helps promote mucous drainage which allows for better breathing and improved comfort when sinusitis is present. Sometimes a few drops of Biocidin® LSF formula can be added to your Neti-pot or your Xlear spray to allow it to be directed into your sinuses. This should be done under the guidance of your healthcare practitioners.

Some people find that taking natural supplements such as honey, garlic extract, and horseradish root can provide relief from their symptoms of sinusitis. Honey is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties while garlic extract contains allicin which is believed to help fight bacteria that can cause sinus infections. Horseradish root is said to help reduce swelling in the sinuses, making it easier to breathe.

Finally, boosting your immunity through diet and lifestyle changes can also help naturally treat sinusitis. Eating foods high in antioxidants like green leafy vegetables can aid in fighting infection and reducing inflammation. Additionally, getting enough sleep and managing stress levels are important for maintaining overall health and keeping your immune system in check.

Using combinations of supplements and herbs may help bring fast relief from the symptoms of sinusitis and encourage faster healing to fix your sinusitis naturally. Before taking any supplements, however, you should always talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure they are right for you and won’t interfere with any medications you are taking. If natural remedies fail to work, it is important to seek medical attention as untreated sinusitis can lead to serious complications.

References:

Hossain, Sanower et al. “Andrographis Paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. Ex Nees: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial Pharmacology, and Clinical Safety and Efficacy.” Life 1 Apr. 2021. Life. Web.

Rathaur, Preeti, et al. “Turmeric: The golden spice of life.” International Journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research 3.7 (2012): 1987.

Meletis, C. D. “Natural Approaches to Sinusitis Relief.” Alternative and Complementary Therapies 2000: 69–71. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Web.

Bahare Salehi, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Cristina Quispe, Henrry Llaique, Michael Villalobos, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta, Shahira M. Ezzat, Mohamed A. Salem, Ahmed Zayed, Carla Marina Salgado Castillo, Simin Emamzadeh Yazdi, Surjit Sen, Krishnendu Acharya, Farukh Sharopov, Natália Martins. Insights into Eucalyptus genus chemical constituents, biological activities and health-promoting effects. Trends in Food Science & Technology,Volume 91,2019, Pages 609-624, ISSN 0924-2244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.08.003.