Of course, I know how annoying – not forgetting the pain as well – sinus congestion can be. I am well acquainted with that notorious headache that comes with inflamed sinuses, causing aggregation of pressure in your sinuses. This can be particularly unsettling when your sinuses appear unwilling to clear out.
Blocked sinuses are triggered by a reaction to either an infection or allergy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blocked sinuses can result in abnormal fatigue, headaches, blocked nostrils, and even coughing.
Is there a relationship between asthma and your blocked sinuses?
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has established a link between asthma and chronic sinusitis. Both conditions share a common trigger in the form of inflammation resulting from reaction to an irritant or allergen.
Studies have revealed that people with chronic sinusitis and asthma, when compared with people having only asthma, have more severe asthma flares, more prone to disruption in sleeping cycles, and present more advanced asthma symptoms.
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But you don’t need to jump into the hospital just anytime your sinuses are blocked. You can sufficiently relieve yourself using the proven home remedies we will share in this guide.
5. Warm, Moist Air
That's right, a humidifier can give you that much-needed salvation from blocked sinuses. A humidifier – as you would know – basically moisturizes the air.
By increasing the moisture in the air you inhale, humidifiers reduce the content of dry cold air you breathe. It is no secret that the latter air variant amplifies your feeling of congestion, disrupting the typical ease with which your sinuses drain.
With more nasal humidity – thanks to the humidifier – it is less challenging to breathe. Humidifiers can be used any time of the day. The advantage of deploying them at night is that it makes your sleep more comfy thanks to easing up your nasal cavity.
As you use the humidifier, try a nasal irrigation device.
Nasal irrigation devices, or nasal rinses, can help dislodge backed-up mucus and remove dust and pollen in your sinuses.
One of the most well-known devices is called a neti pot, which is a small teapot-shaped container, available at any pharmacy or online. Follow packaging instructions to use safely, and keep your neti pot clean.
4. Specific Herbs
Tell you what, few foods clear up your nasal passages as efficiently as eating spicy foods. Integrating a healthy amount of spices into your meals naturally restores the flow of the mucus.
Yes, your nose may not be blocked again, but this could come at the expense of a runny nose. This is because of the compound capsaicin found in spices – like chili pepper, turmeric, and red pepper – responsible for their hotness and also their capacity to ease congested mucus, suppress inflammation and altogether relieve sinus pain.
Other herbs like licorice, ginger, and yarrow can also get the job done, permanently evicting those nagging sniffles.
3. Up Your Water Intake
If you loved the easy life like me, then this should your favorite solution to clearing your sinuses. Staying hydrated – no more difficult than drinking enough water – is enormously beneficial in sustaining the optimal functioning of your membrane.
Simply taking a water bottle along with you can help you stay hydrated through the day. Smoothies, watermelon water, coconut water, and milk also help keep you hydrated.
2. Have you tried out essential oils?
Studies are consistently reinforcing the efficacy of essential oils in sinus congestion. In an exciting 2010 study, the participants had a unique essential oil spray formulation applied on them five times daily for three days.
This formulation contained eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and oregano. Ultimately, results from the study revealed rapid effectiveness on the part of the essential oil spray in alleviating upper respiratory symptoms.
Essential oils can be applied in the form of aromatherapy using diffusers or integrated with carrier oil like jojoba oil for skin administration.
1. Manuka honey
Honey may be a good alternative when a bacterial infection is causing your sinus congestion. But not just any kind of honey, try Manuka honey.
Some research suggests that honey has antibacterial properties. Manuka honey, in particular, has many therapeutic uses.
Try adding manuka honey to a cup of warm herbal tea. Then, after drinking the tea, take a spoonful of it just plain to coat your throat.
