Last week we talked about allergies, this week we’re talking about a common symptom of allergies: 
sinusitis. Let’s be real, no one likes having a stuffy nose. Especially, a chronic stuffy nose. You sound funny, food loses its flavor, and breathing becomes a hassle. Not to worry, there are some natural ways to relieve this pesky problem.
What is sinusitis?
In a nutshell, sinusitis is when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed. Normally, our sinuses are filled with air, but when we have sinusitis our sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid and germs that can grow and cause infection. Sinus blockages can be caused by the common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. Sinusitis (or a sinus infection) occurs when the blockages become chronic.
Symptoms of Sinusitis Include:
- Pain and tenderness over the infected sinus.
- A blocked nose or runny nose
- A high temperature
- Headaches or aches in the face near the nasal cavities
- Toothache
- Cough
- Pressure in ears
- Tiredness
Are you one of the unlucky Ottawans suffering from Sinusitis? Try these natural remedies.
Get Rid of Sinusitis with these 5 Natural Remedies
1) Flush Your Sinuses. You’ve heard of the Neti Pot, right? The little tea pot looking thing that you use to flush out your sinuses. Did you know that it actually works? The Neti Pot uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages, and alleviate congestion, as well as facial pain and pressure.
2) Breathe in steam vapours. Run a hot shower, close the door, leave the fan off, and breathe deeply. Steam can relieve congestion by reducing the size of swollen nasal passages. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus to the shower, and you’ll be breathing clearly in no time.
3)Try apple cider vinegar. EarthClinic.com suggests trying apple cider vinegar to reduce symptoms associated with sinusitis. Organic apple cider vinegar can be used as both a nasal rinse and nutritional supplement. If using it as a rinse be sure to dilute the vinegar with water. Apple cider vinegar has immune boosting properties and when used as a rinse, works effectively at thinning the mucus.
6) Unclog your sinuses with the right foods. Dr. Mercola suggests eating certain foods to help stuffy noses. His recommendations: Horseradish, grated on top of a sandwich, and some Japanese wasabi mustard. Cooking with cayenne pepper can also help!
7) See a chiropractor. One of the causes of sinusitis is stress. Stress causes the spine to misalign, which stops the nerves from properly controlling the sinus drainage system. Sinusitis develops when the nerves have lost full ability to control the sinuses. Subluxations don’t go away on their own. They remain until they are removed, which means symptoms stay and worsen. How can subluxations be removed? By seeing a chiropractor of course! If you experience chronic sinus problems consider coming into the clinic for a consultation and adjustment. You can easily book your appointment online here.
Know someone suffering from sinusitis? Share this blog with them!