The temperatures start to rise, the days start to get longer, the flowers start to bloom, and summer is right around the corner.
However, spring doesn’t always bring good news. With the changing of the temperatures also comes allergies, head colds, and sinus issues. Left untreated, sinus issues can turn into sinus infections and for those who’ve dealt with these wonderful things can relate, they are not at all pleasant! Sinus infections can be painful and they can cause fevers, chills, and headaches. Sure, you can take antibiotics, but this doesn’t have to be the first line of defense. Luckily, there are some natural things you can do to help rid you of a sinus infection.
Below are 7 powerful natural ways to treat a sinus infection. The next time you are feeling your sinuses starting to get out of whack give these methods a try.
See the tips below and be sure to pass this along to any of your friend who are dealing with sinus issues this spring.
Part I: Treat the Symptoms
Though it is always more important to cure the underlying sickness rather than treat the symptoms, let’s face it: When you have a sinus infection, your number one concern is feeling better. So before you try to focus on boosting your immune system and removing the causal factors of your sinus infection, let’s work on treating the symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, no sugar added juices, clear broth, and hot tea. These fluids will help to thin out mucus and help to drain it from irritated sinuses. Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, as well as from smoking. All of these substances will dehydrate your system causing mucus to thicken and clog already inflamed airways.
Pressure Point Activation
For temporary relief of closed nasal passages when none of these other options are available to you, try a quick face massage. These five quick steps take less than two minutes to perform and, when done correctly, will allow you to breath more easily.
Salt Water Rinse
image source: wikipedia
If you are prone to sinus infections and you don’t have a Neti pot , you’ll want to get one. This handy little device makes it easy to irrigate your nasal cavity, clearing out unwanted mucus and any inhaled contaminants that may be caught in there. Use your Neti pot twice a day for optimum relief!
Turmeric / Ginger Root
Turmeric root is a wonderful, fragrant spice commonly found in Indian and some Middle eastern dishes. Not only does Turmeric contain the natural anti-inflammatory curcumin, this spice is also an anti-oxidant. When combined with spicy ginger root and brewed for hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, alleviate sinus pressure, and make you feel better all around. Ginger root also has the added bonus of calming an upset stomach – a frequent side-effect of excessive nighttime sinus drainage.
Part II: Boost Your Immune System
There are several natural methods you can use to fortify your immune system.
Vitamin C
image source: drwillard
Available as caplets, liquid, chewables (as well as some other forms),Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular over-the-counter immune booster. Studies have shown us that Vitamin C helps the body to resist immune system deficiencies and improves overall health. For the best vitamin absorption, choose a supplement containing Acerola.
Oregano Oil
Just a few drops of oregano oil in a cup of juice, water, or tea each day can make a huge positive impact on your health. Not only does Oregano oil have anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties when taken internally, it can also used topically to fight cold sores, nail fungus, and dandruff among other things. Oregano oil may also be steam-inhaled as an alternative to ingestion (though some may not like the smell as much as peppermint or eucalyptus.)
Part III: Eliminate Possible Causes
If you experience frequent sinus infections or nasal irritation, there may be underlying environmental or dietary factors at work. Here are a few possible culprits and the simple solutions to eliminate them.
Indoor Airborne Allergens
image source:gulfcoastaircare
Animal dander, dust, mold spores, and pollen are the most common airborne irritants that cause sinus inflammation and congestion. The easiest solution for this problem is to upgrade your air filter. Also, make sure to change the filter at least once per month. Mark your calendar on the day you change the filter or write the date somewhere on the out-facing side of your new filter before it is installed.
Keep your pets outside, or at least make sure that they are bathed and/or brushed often. Vacuum at least once per week – more often if you have pets inside.
Sometimes indoor allergens hide in your air ducts. Attach cheese cloth to the outside of air vents to act as a filter. Not only will this prevent allergens from circulating through your home, it will also show you what might need to be cleaned out of your air system.
Get an air purifier for the room(s) where you spend the most time. These devices circulate the air in a room through a HEPA filter and an ionizer to remove most common allergens. Alternately, you can use an Activated Charcoal filter to clean the air in your home, or invest in a beautiful Himalayan salt lamp.
Dietary Irritants
Food allergies and sensitivities such as those to gluten, dairy, and sugar can cause sinus infections. Try eliminating these foods from your diet if you experience frequent sinus problems.
Of course, you don’t have to follow every part of each of the three steps. Try one or two items from each list to see what works best for you. When you find the right equation you will know as your headaches and stuffy nose fade away. Then you can finally take the box of tissue off of the bedside table and say goodbye to sinus infections for good!
See the full article from naturallivingideas here.
