Best Natural Solution for Sinus Congestion

Updated on & Medically Reviewed by Dr Lalitha
Best Natural Solution for Sinus Congestion

Suffering from sinus congestion can make you feel miserable, and you might suffer from pain, pressure, congestion and more, all at the same time. Your sinuses can get inflamed by allergens, viruses, and bacteria or even due to habits like smoking. Dust and pollens can also be one of the reasons for your nasal inflammation. But, whatever the reason may be, it is never fun to suffer from congestion. Not only does it affect your ability to concentrate and function at your best, but it also hampers sleep.

Best Natural Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion

While some might try to remedy their sinusitis using medications, there are natural remedies that you can try at home to relieve the pressure around your nose and eyes. Let us look at the most effective ones in this article.

1) Warm Compress

Dip a thick towel in hot water, wring it gently and then place it on your face. You can also fold it and keep it on the bridge of your nose and eyes. The warmth from the towel will help ease the pressure and the pain in the facial regions. Make sure that the water is not too hot, as it might not only burn your hands while you soak the cloth, but also make the skin on your face sensitive.

2) Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam is one of the best ways to open up the nasal passage by making the mucus loose and the nasal cavity moist. You can easily practice steam inhalation at home. You can run a hot bath and trap the steam inside the bathroom and inhale the steam as you bathe. Or, an easy method is to boil some water and pour it into a bowl. Place your head slightly above the bowl with your face towards it, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Be careful not to spill the water onto yourself while doing this. You can add a few drops of ‘Breathe Free’ essential oil mix to the water.

3) Saline Nasal Spray

While you can purchase a saline nasal spray over the counter, these are generally medicated and might cause irritation in the nose after a few uses. It is best to use a nasal spray made by combining salt and clean water. Clean the tip of the nozzle with clean tissue paper every time you insert it into your nose. You can use this solution two to three times a day as needed.

The salt in the spray helps kill the bacteria and clear the nasal passage. If there is a lot of mucus accumulated in your nasal passage, you will also observe that blowing your nose after using a saline solution feels easier.

However, while suffering from sinus congestion, it is best to avoid blowing your nose as it can create additional pressure on the already swollen nasal cavities and chances are that the bacteria will enter into the sinuses and cause an infection.

4) Humidifiers

When your nostrils and nasal passages become dry, it becomes difficult for your sinuses to get drained and increases the feeling of pressure. Placing a humidifier in your room while you work during the day or next to your bed while you sleep can help ensure that the nostrils remain moist and the sinuses can get drained easily. Make sure you keep your humidifier clean and filled with freshwater, or the mold can cause other respiratory infections. You can add a few drops of ‘Breathe Free’ essential oil mix to the water.

5) Essential Oils

Some essential oils like lemon grass, oregano, rosemary, and eucalyptus can have a relieving effect on sinus congestion. You can either add a few drops to a cloth and inhale it or add a few drops to your humidifier or steam. It will help open up the nasal passages and will help you breathe freely. ‘Breathe Free’ is a mix of 7 essential oils which work best as a natural decongestant. It is unique mix of essential oils and extremely beneficial for nasal congestion.

6) Sleeping on an elevated surface

At night while you lie down on a flat surface, you might feel your congestion getting worse as the sinuses do not get drained while you lie down on a flat surface. To help with this, sleep on a surface with your head elevated. Place a few extra pillows under your head if it does not strain your neck much, or place a few books under the mattress towards the side of your head. This slight elevation will make sure that your sinuses keep getting drained throughout the night.

7) Staying Hydrated

While suffering from congestion, it is important that you stay hydrated so that your nostrils remain moist and the mucus does not harden. Make sure you drink plenty of water and other fluids. Instead of drinking tea or coffee, drink fresh fruit juices, warm soups, and herbal teas.

8) Neti Pot (To be Done Initially Under Guidance)

The Neti pot method does not seem very appealing to most people, but it is one of the most effective remedies to any type of nasal congestion. If you do not have a neti pot, you can easily find one online. Make sure you fill the pot with saline water available in medical stores or use water that has been boiled and cooled down. Do not use water directly from the tap as there may be bacteria in it.

Fill the pot with water and stand leaning over a washbasin. Tilt your head to one side and insert the pipe of the pot in the higher nostril. As you breathe through your mouth, let the water flow into the nostril. Wait for the water to then come out of the other. This process flushes out the pollens, dust, bacteria, from the nasal passage and helps flush out the mucus.

While these natural remedies will help your sinus congestion feel better and ease the pain, if you feel that your condition is getting worse, do not refrain from consulting your doctor. If you are also suffering from fever& frequent sinusitis infections, it might be a good idea to  and identify the root cause and triggers of your infections.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a healthcare professional.


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