Lifestyle Tips, Recipes, and Home Remedies for Sinus Infection

The symptoms of sinus infection are more annoying and stressful than life-threatening, that is why it isn’t uncommon for many to seek home remedies for sinus infection. Thankfully, there are a number of simple ways and practices that can be done at home to prevent and even cure sinus infection. In this article, we list some lifestyle tips, recipes, and home remedies for sinus infection, which you can use at home.The following tips however, do not guarantee that your sinusitis will clear up completely. Your good sense should tell you when it is necessary to see a doctor.

Lifestyle tips to prevent sinusitis and improve the condition of sinusitis sufferers:

• Keep a healthy and nutritious diet – A diet rich in fruits and vegetables ensures that the body is getting its much needed vitamins and minerals. Vitamins like C and E possess antioxidant activity which fights free radicals that destroy cells in the body. This enhances cell activity, improving the immune system and thus preventing infections that may precipitate or exacerbate sinusitis.
• Drink lots of water – one of the simplest home remedies for sinus infections involve drinking lots of water. Aside from keeping the cells hydrated, water helps flush out toxins in the body. Water also helps thin out the mucus secreted in the sinus, allowing it to be flushed easily.
• Sip some fruit juice, too – Aside from providing hydration, fruit juices are a good source of vitamin C, niacin, and other nutrients. Puree fresh fruits like mango, orange and grapes for a refreshing multivitamin drink. For individuals who are often busy and always on the go, taking multivitamin supplements is recommended.
• Install a humidifier in your home – Cold dry air is an enemy of sinusitis sufferers and normal people alike. We humans require a certain level of humidity to keep the skin and mucus membranes moist and hydrated. If you suffer from sinus infection, low humidity and cold temperature can be very uncomfortable and distressing. Installing a humidifier however, will help moisten the air in your home and keep breathing comfortable.
• Keep your surroundings clean and practice good hygiene – one of the practical home remedies for sinusitis infection is keeping yourself and your surroundings clean. Allergic individuals should keep their homes free of dust, dirt, and animal dander. Keeping the home clean will also prevent bugs like cockroaches from nesting; their droppings can trigger or worsen allergic attacks. As much as possible, shower and change into clean clothes to prevent pollen and other foreign objects from triggering allergies.
• Sleep on your side, with two pillows to slightly elevate your head and keep nasal passages clear.
• Avoid the cold and the oily – Cold temperature or directly blowing wind can dry up the mucus membranes and make sinusitis extremely uncomfortable. Oily foods and junk foods can irritate the respiratory airways and cause respiratory diseases.

Practical home remedies for sinus infection:

Gargle with warm saline solution – dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm to hot water (as hot as you can tolerate). The salt helps reduce inflammation at the back of the throat and provides short-term relief.

Apply damp heat to the face using hot compress or gel packs – Place the hot packs over the cheeks and the forehead for 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

Perform home steam treatment – this home remedy for sinus infection is sure to alleviate congestion and help clear breathing. Boil water in a kettle for 7 to 10 minutes or until steam rises. Remove the kettle from the stove and place it on a low table or surface where you can crouch over it. Place a blanket over your head and breathe in the steam from the kettle. You can add essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus to make the steam more soothing. Herbs are also used for sinusitis infection home remedies. Examples of these are oregano, sage, thyme and chamomile. Add it over boiling water to extract the scent.

Irrigate the nostrils with nasal washes – Saline nose drops and washes decrease congestion by washing out mucus and bacteria. These are available in drug stores, or can be made at home. When making your own nasal wash, make sure to use sterilized water as there have been cases of parasites found in water causing deadly encephalitis.

Over the counter decongestant – Your local pharmacist can give you decongestants to relieve the discomfort brought by pressure in the sinuses. Decongestant sprays can be used at the onset, but long-term dependence on nasal sprays is known to only worsen sinusitis.

Recipes to improve your sinusitis Infection situation :

The kitchen is a great source of home remedies for sinus infection. The following are ingredients found in your cupboard that can help decrease the discomfort brought about by sinusitis:

Cinnamon – Create a cinnamon paste by mixing about one to two teaspoons of cinnamon powder with a small amount of water. Apply the paste over the head or near the nostrils to help reduce congestion.

Mustard seeds – Place one teaspoon of mustard seeds in one glass of water. Boil the mixture until it is reduced by half. Cool and transfer in a nasal spray bottle. Apply two to three sprays on each nostril once a day.

Garlic – This anti-inflammatory and antibiotic home remedy for sinus infection alleviates the discomfort and prevents bacteria from exacerbating the sinusitis. Eat two cloves of garlic once a day until sinusitis disappears. You can also take garlic pills if you cannot abide the taste.

Apple cider vinegar – Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water. Sip the mixture throughout the day and for the following days until sinusitis disappears. Another recipe involves only two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with one cup of water. This should be taken in one sitting.

The apple cider vinegar is said to be one of the preventive home remedies for sinus infection. However, individuals with sinusitis can benefit from the drink because apple cider vinegar thins out the mucus, allowing the infection to clear quickly.