Seasonal allergies strike at the worst possible time, leaving us feeling under the weather and making it hard to keep up with our daily routines. You’d think itchy eyes and a runny nose are bad enough, but when you start to throw sinus pain into the mix, it can really knock you off your game. Sinus pain comes on quickly and makes it hard to focus on daily tasks. Regardless of the cause, we’ve gathered 8 natural remedies to help you find sinus pain relief and start to feel like your normal self in no time.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a prolonged inflammation of the sinus passages that typically results in mucous build-up and discomfort. You may also experience congestion, headache, and even discolored discharge from your nose. Unfortunately, this irksome condition affects millions of people each year. It’s also the 5th most common condition that doctors prescribe antibiotics for.
Sinusitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Unfortunately, many antibiotics are prescribed whether your sinus problem is viral or bacterial — and nobody wants to take antibiotics they do not need and will not help.
8 Natural Remedies for Sinus Pain Relief
1. Essential Oils
There are several essential oils that help combat blocked sinus passages, including eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and oregano oil. Oregano oil might seem odd, but it is naturally antibacterial and can provide a bit of relief.
You can either use an oil diffuser or add the oil to a steam bath. I prefer to boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat, throw in some helpful essential oils or Vicks Vaporub, and then put my face over the steam with a towel over my head. Make sure not to stick your face too far towards the water; otherwise, you might get burned and have a whole new problem on your hands.
You can also try products that have these blended into them. My personal favorite is the Breathe Stick by Doterra.
2. Keep Your Head Elevated
Prop your head up with pillows at night to keep your head above your heart. This sleeping position will prevent sinus buildup and can help you to breathe more comfortably throughout the night. Since getting a good night’s sleep is even more important when you are unwell, this slight adjustment will help.
3. Neti Pot and Saline Solution
A neti pot is a must if you suffer from sinus problems on a regular basis. A neti pot naturally flushes out sinuses to soothe symptoms and reduce the risk of infection by using a salt solution to rinse and clear away excess buildup in your nasal passages. However, if you are super stopped up, it may not help initially.
4. Reflexology and Pressure-Point Stimulation
Give yourself a soft facial massage because some facial pressure points have been shown to relieve sinus issues. Other research has also shown that reflexology can also be effective for sinus relief.
There is a little device to help you with this, the ClearUP. ClearUp is a small, handheld device that easily glides along the outside of the nasal passages — the cheek, nose, and brow bone — to deliver low current electrical waveforms that stimulate the nerves under the skin to help relieve sinus pain. ClearUP is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
5. Eat Spicy Food
Eating spicy food with ingredients like peppers, chili, horseradish, cayenne, or wasabi will quickly clear your sinuses. Sometimes even just smelling a potent spicy food can do the trick! It may not last long, but these will naturally clear your nasal passageways and offer some temporary relief.
6. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to your sinus passages drying out, causing increased pressure in your face. Even if you don’t think you are dehydrated, go ahead and increase your water intake when you do not feel good.
7. Immune-Boosting Foods
The saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and that’s true when it comes to preventing colds and other ailments as well. Eating plenty of garlic, ginger, and foods high in vitamin C like peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, and brussels sprouts will help support your immune system in fighting off invaders that could potentially infect your sinuses. Try to find fun and tasty ways to incorporate these superfoods into your diet, especially if it’s the time of year you typically find that you are susceptible to colds and other minor illnesses.
8. Take a Walk
Even simple exercise like taking a walk or doing a little yoga can increase blood circulation and temporarily relieve congestion, allowing you to breathe easier.
Sinus pressure affects pretty much everybody; seasonal colds and allergies aren’t particular about who they affect, so no one is immune from them. When they do strike, the 8 natural remedies listed here can bring you relief from the pain and discomfort associated the sinus pressure.
Check with your doctor or medical professional before substituting a natural remedy for any prescription medications.
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