No one likes having a stuffy nose. Especially, a chronic stuffy nose. Are you one of the millions of Canadians suffering from chronic sinus problems? Breathe easy again with these natural remedies for sinusitis!
What is sinusitis?
What is sinusitis?To put it simply, sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining in the sinuses. 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 are caused by the common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and a deviated septum.
A sinus infection (or sinusitis) occurs when excess mucus production accumulates in our nasal or sinus cavities and encourage the growth of micro-organisms. Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. Those with a viral infection (caused by a common cold or allergies) will experience clear and runny discharge. While those with a bacterial infection will experience greenish-yellow discharge. In most cases sinus problems begin viral and develop into bacterial which can make the infection worse and last longer.
Symptoms of Sinusitis Include:
- Pain and tenderness over the infected sinus.
- A blocked nose or runny nose
- A high temperature. A fever may develop and you may feel generally unwell
- Headaches or aches in the face near the nasal cavities
- Toothache
- Cough
- Pressure in ears
- Tiredness
7 Natural Remedies for Sinus Infections
1) Try flushing out 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? According to WebMD.com ” ear, nose, and throat surgeons recommend nasal irrigation with a Neti pot or other method for their patients who’ve undergone sinus surgery, to clear away crusting in the nasal passages.” 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) Stay hydrated. Drinking water is so important, especially when you suffer from sinusitis. Why? Water helps thin the mucus, reducing blockage in the sinuses.
3) 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.
4)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 and generic cialis cheap fighting infection.
5) Cook with Cayenne. EarthClinic.com also suggests using Cayenne pepper to fight off sinusitis. Cayenne naturally promotes circulation in the body, and is comprised of a potent amount of capsaicin – a stimulant that encourages blood flow and boosts the functioning of the nasal passages.
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.
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. It’s called a subluxation. 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. Symptoms stay and worsen. How can subluxations be removed? By seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors know you deserve MORE than just temporary relief. They find and correct the CAUSE, so you can experience lasting relief and live the life you WANT.
Did you enjoy this blog? Share it with family and friends and be sure to leave a comment below! How do you beat a stuffy nose?
References
Cure a Sinus Infection on EarthClinic.com
Neti Pots for Sinus Pain and Pressure on WedMD.com
There are 20 Possible Causes for a Stuffy Nose on HealthLine.com
The Hidden Perpetrator of Sinus Infections on Mercola.com