Sinus Remedies and Strategies

Sinusitis causes pain in behind the eyes, around the teeth, in the cheeks and the forehead. In addition other symptoms include fatigue, stuffiness in the nose, cough, sore throat, fever and yellow or green. To treat sinusitis you need to relieve the pressure and pain and to treat the cause. We've put together some sinus remedies you can try at home and information if you have more severe sinus problems.

Some sinus remedies you can try at home

• Use an over the counter decongestant. They can decrease the swelling in the sinuses and nose and also decrease the amount of mucus. Nasal decongestant sprays can be used but only for three days. Oral decongestants should not be used for more than a week.
• Medical practitioners can prescribe steroid sprays which can help
• Use a vapouriser to keep the nose and nasal passages moist, dry air irritates the sinuses. You can use a eucalyptus inhalation treatment several times a day. A saline spray can also be effective.
• Irrigate the sinuses with warm salt water. Use a bulb syringe or a neti pot.
• Avoid irritants including hair spray, insecticides, cigarette smoke and pet dander. Keep your pet out of the bedroom!

More aggressive sinus remedies

• Your sinusitis may be cause by a bacterial infection and may need to be treated with antibiotics. See your medical practitioner.
• A deviated septum may be a cause of sinusitis as the nasal passages are unable to drain properly. Polyps can also cause blockages and can be removed by surgery

If you have any of the following symptoms please seek qualified medical help.

• Fever
• Swelling of the eyes or face
• Confusion
• Stiff neck

Natural Sinus Remedies - Some Tips

Your Home Environment

Your home should be comfortable as far as humidity is concerned, not too humid and not too dry. A high humidity encourages the growth of molds which is cause of sinus problems for many people. Dust mites also thrive in a humidity above 50%. Humidifiers are recommended by some experts, others disagree as a room humidifier makes too little difference to the large volume of air in a room. Some experts recommend a humidifier in the bedroom during the winter months. Vapourisers can be helpful if you place them close to you. They must be kept very clean in order not to encourage bacterial growth.

Ventilation in Your House

Most of us strive to make an energy efficient, draft proof house but this is not always the best for a sinusitis sufferer. Poor circulation of air inside the house can make sinus problems worse. On warm days, as long as there is not an excess of pollen in the air, open up the doors and windows and let in the fresh air.

Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking water is always a good thing and if you are a sinusitis sufferer it is even more vital to keep the sinuses functioning properly. Two pints (a quart) of plain water at least every day.

Irrigate Your Nose With Salt Water

An excellent natural sinus remedy is to use a neti pot or bulb syringe to irrigate your nose and nasal cavities with warm salt water using use non iodised salt. Use one teaspoon of salt to one pint of water.

Avoid allergens and other irritants

Many household substances can irritate the sinuses including cigarette smoke, hairspray, cleaning products, insecticides etc. The worse one of these is, of course, cigarette smoke, and is difficult to avoid if you live with a smoker. Pets can also cause problems. Bathe your pets often and consider limiting access of your pets to the bedroom.

Natural Sinus Remedies - Eucalyptus Inhalation

Among natural sinus remedies eucalyptus steam inhalation has been used for many years and can give effective, if temporary, relief from pain. Eucalyptus has been used for a very long time as a sinus treatment and can also be used for the treatments of the symptoms of colds and flu. Eucalyptus essential oil is used for the inhalation and should never be applied directly to the skin or ingested. Do not use in excessive amounts.

What you will need

• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Large bowl
• large towel
• water
• kettle
  

Method

Boil the water and pour about eight cups of water into a large bowl on a stable surface. Add three or four drop of the eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Cover your head with the towel and bring your face about eighteen inches above the bowl. Do not get too close. Breathe deeply and evenly inhaling the vapours deep into the nose and sinuses.


Click here for more information on Eucalyptus Essential Oil 1 2/3 fl oz: C
List Price: $5.00
The medicinal properties of Eucalyptus reside in its oil, which is extracted from the fresh leaves and branch tips, and is found in the dried leaves. It acts as a decongestant, loosens phlegm, and relieves spasms. Eucalyptus has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping with fevers, migraine and malaria. For the respiratory tract, it helps with coughs, asthma, throat infections, sinusitis and catarrhal conditions. It soothes inflammation and eases mucus, clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever.

Safety

• Always be careful if children are about as the water is very hot.
• If you get too hot remove the towel and cool down before continuing.
• Do not overdo the eucalyptus oil.
• If you have any heart conditions, are pregnant or have any disorder of the central nervous system do not use this inhalation.
• Eucalyptus oil, as for all essential oils, should never be ingested or placed directly on the skin.