With each inhaled breath, irritants are pulled into the nasal passages and filtered by a layer of mucus that lines the nose and the sinuses. Sometimes the sinuses are aggravated by colds and allergies. Some people produce more mucus than others, overwhelming the sinus. That’s when the pain and pressure on the face becomes a problem, varying in degrees from a nuisance to unbearable pain.
Natural and simple homemade remedies for the temporary relief of sinus pain can usually be found in the home. While all people are not helped by every homemade remedy, each is worth a try for homemade pain relief.
Natural Sinus Pain Relief
Keep the sinuses moist by drinking plenty of fluids. Adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer or humidifier will also help thin the mucus to allow the sinus to drain properly.
A steaming cup of herbal tea will help open the sinuses, and the added medicinal effect of the herb chosen could give an extra boost. Elder and chamomile have been touted as herbal medicine useful in relieving sinusitis.
Another homemade remedy for sinus pain, neti, is treatment that has recently found favor in the United States. Basically a nasal wash, a salt water solution runs through the nostrils, moving mucus and moisturizing nasal passages.
A homemade neti pot can be made from a paper cup. Simply pinch a crease in the lip of the cup. The homemade solution is made by adding two ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt and stirring.
It takes a bit of practice to use the homemade neti pot properly, as many people are adverse to the feeling of the solution running from one nostril to the other.
Tip the head back and to the left, and slowly pour some of the water into the right nostril. The water will flow out of the left nostril, or if passage is clogged, will trickle down the throat. If it trickles, spit it out.
Repeat the procedure with the left nostril. Another two ounces of the homemade salt water solution may be needed.
Some people find the nasal wash intimidating and can start by simply cupping the solution in the palm of the hands and sniffing the liquid up into each nostril. This can be repeated several times an hour until enough solution passes through to thin the mucus and allow the passages to drain.
Other homemade remedies for sinus pain relief include:
- A hot towel or hot water bottle can often give temporary relief for sinus pain. Hold the heat against the nose and forehead until the pain goes away.
- Keep the sinuses draining by sleeping with extra pillow under the head.
- Add garlic or horseradish root to soups to open nasal passages. Many people find relief from sinus pain and pressure from hot and spicy foods and drinks.
- A fingertip massage to the areas along the nose, next to each nostril, can aid in the movement of fluid and relieve the pressure.
Warnings on Using Home Remedies
While home remedies can often work wonders, they don’t all work the same for all people. Allergies to foods and herbs can occur in some people.
Untreated clogged sinuses can lead to infection that requires attention from medical professionals. Blurred or double vision, a yellowish or green discharge, fever or swollen eyelids should prompt a call to the doctor.
Home and herbal remedies are intended for temporary relief of symptoms, and not take the place of medical treatment.
Sources:
Gottlieb, Bill. New Choices in Natural Healing. US: Rodale Press, 1995
Polunin, Miriam, Robbins, Christopher. The Natural Pharmacy. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1992.
Atha, Anthony. The Ultimate Herb Book. Great Britain: Collens & Brown Limited, 2001.
Elias, Jason, M.A., LAc., Masline, Shelagh Ryan. Healing Herbal Remedies. NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, 1995
Patrice Campbell - Patrice Campbell is a freelance writer working from the Denver, CO area. As an experienced news reporter and lifestyle writer, Patrice ...
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