Have you been waking up to a bad case of headache with nasal congestion for the past days or so?  Do you feel like the area around your eyes and your cheeks are swollen?  If yes, then you may have sinusitis. Sinusitis happens when there is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Major causes of sinusitis are allergies to pollen, dust and pets; or even indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, rug shampoo and cigarette smoke. At the same time, other air pollutants such as vehicular emissions can also clog or block the nasal passages which can precipitate and trigger inflammation. Air-conditioning and dry-air heating systems can also cause sinus inflammation due to excessive dryness. Problems with your nasal structure such as polyps, tumors or deviated septum, as well as a weakened immune system, can also trigger sinusitis.

Sinusitis is just plain uncomfortable and it can dampen your day due to its accompanying symptoms that majorly consists of a headache across the middle of your face and between your eyes; nasal congestion that won’t allow you to breath properly; and the embarrassing nasal drip. These symptoms are made further more disturbing especially if you are scheduled to make a presentation in front of your boss at the office. Or even if you are just staying home, sinusitis can bring a lot of stress when all you wanted to do for the weekend is rest.  In any way, sinusitis can slow us or impede our daily activities.  Here are some natural ways to help you find relief from sinusitis:

1. Breathe in Moist Air

   To ease your nasal passages from sinus pain and congestion, it is best to breathe and revel in moist and warm air.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis you can use a vaporizer as a form of relief.  You can also boil some water in the pan and inhale its steam.  Other people also use warm compress to relieve the condition by situating a heating pad on top of the affected areas while for some, taking a hot shower helps relieve sinusitis symptoms.  The heat or warmth can relax or soothe your nasal passages which will make breathing easier.

2. Stop Smoking and Avoid Smoking Areas

   If you’re suffering from sinusitis smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke can further worsen the condition.  Avoid cigarette smoke as if your entire life depended on it – because, come to think of it, it actually does.  Smoking is harmful to your overall health and it can also cause conditions such as cancer and hypertension. For a person with sinusitis, cigarette smoke can further inflame or block the nasal passages which will make breathing harder.  At the same time, secondhand smoke is much more detrimental to our health compare to firsthand smoke. So, if you’re in a restaurant and if you have sinusitis, choose to sit in the non-smoking area while enjoying your meal.  

3. Water! Water! Water!

   Another simple and natural way to treat your inflamed sinuses is to drink sufficient amounts of water. Hydration is important.  Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day since it will help thin your mucus and relieve the symptoms of the condition. You can also drink a cup of hot tea. The steam from the tea can be a good treatment and at the same time a good way to hydrate your body. Hydration can also help your nose to drain away the blockages from your nasal pathway, hence reducing your chances of having to suffer from sinus or nasal congestion.

4. Know your Triggers

   Sinusitis is mainly caused by allergens such as dust, dust mites or pollens. It may be caused by fungal, bacterial and viral infection, as well as climate and temperature changes.  The use of some medications can also trigger sinusitis as one of its side-effects.  One of the best ways to avoid the condition is to know what can trigger the symptoms of sinusitis. For example if you’re well aware that dust or smoke can activate your sinusitis, then make sure that your home and office spaces are clean. At the same time avoid smoking areas. Also, carry a handkerchief to cover your nose if you’re outdoors and there’s a constant bombardment of air pollutants in your surroundings.

5. Search your Pantry for Nature’s Best Remedies

   • Ginger is an important home remedy for several nasal and viral problems and it works great with sinusitis.  Extract the juice of a raw ginger and drink at least one or two teaspoons twice a day until your symptoms are gone completely.
   • Garlic is another home remedy. Use at least four or five garlic cloves and dip them in water for 10 to 20 minutes.  Make a paste out of it and inhale its aroma, this will relax the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for you to breath.
   • Cumin seeds are good for treating sinusitis. Get a perforated cloth and a teaspoon of cumin and then breathe in its aroma or fragrance.
   • Cinnamon is one of nature’s gifts to help relieve the symptoms of the condition.  Prepare a teaspoon or two of powdered cinnamon and then add a bit of water into the powder. Make a paste out of the mixture and apply it over your nose or head.

6. Fruits and Vegetables are Your Best Friends

   Fruits and veggies are known to cure sinusitis especially oranges that are rich in Vitamin C.  Mangoes are a good choice in relieving your sinusitis as well as fresh orange and sweet grape juice.  With fruits, you can say goodbye to your nasal blockages in no time and while loading up in your daily dose of vitamins, especially Vitamin C, known to boost the immunity.  As an added bonus, these fruits taste good, too. Veggies, though they do not really taste as good as fruits, are also your best buddies especially those that are rich in Vitamin A and C, such as tomatoes, carrots and pumpkins.

7. Eat and Sleep Well

   Another way to treat sinusitis and to avoid them is to have a healthy diet. A balanced and hearty meal will boost your immune system, thus lowering your chances of acquiring sinusitis.  Also, avoid people that have colds and flu.  Furthermore, if you’re experiencing a nasty case of sinusitis, it’s advisable that you elevate the head of your bed by 6 inches. This will drain your sinuses in no time. Most important of all, get enough sleep in order to help your body heal.