When one has infections in the sinuses due to bacteria, virus or fungus, clogging of sinuses is likely due to the inflammation reaction of the body. The symptoms include pain or pressure around the face, nasal stuffiness, nasal discharges, and inability to smell, fever, fatigue and bad breath. While some sinusitis will go away after a minimum of seven days, everybody would agree that even a day of clogged sinus is unbearable.

Below are some of the remedies that can help in alleviating the symptoms brought about by clogged sinus or can help relieve clogged sinusitis itself:

• Cayenne

  Cayenne pepper is one of the members of the Capsicum family. Cayenne is commonly called as chili pepper. But in spite of its being hot and spicy, cayenne has excellent benefits especially in relieving inflammation and clearing nasal congestion. Contained in cayenne pepper is the substance capsaicin, or 8-methyul-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, which is an inhibitor of substance P. Substance P is actually a neuropeptide linked in the process of inflammation. Taking foods that are high in capsaicin, such as cayenne, can decrease the inflammation process. Since the symptoms of inflammation are pain and swelling, cayenne therefore can relieve sinusitis and the clogging of the sinus due to swelling. Additionally, because of the heat that is induced when eating foods that are high in capsaicin, the mucous membranes of the sinus is stimulated to produce more secretions. As a result, mucus is cleared from the congested sinus, relieving one of the unclog sinus.

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that are said to naturally aid in sinusitis relief. Thousands of years ago, people were utilizing cinnamon in order to treat respiratory problems such as sore throat, flu, colds and even sinusitis. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property of cinnamon enables it to destroy germs and bacteria and reduce the inflammation and obstruction of the membranes thus lessening the congestion of the sinuses and facilitates breathing. Cinnamon has an antioxidant property too that protects the body from free radicals that sabotages the immune system.

  Taking cinnamon in tea form or merely breathing its aroma proves to be efficient in easing the breathing process. Hot liquids slims the mucus, therefore hot cinnamon tea will help the body get rid of the mucus. Cinnamon paste made from combining a teaspoon of cinnamon and a few drops of water can be applied to the forehead and the nose, offering relief from headache brought about by sinusitis.

• Cumin

  Cumin is the second most valued spice in the world next to pepper. Its culinary and medicinal purposes extend to a wide variety. Cumin, especially the seeds of black cumin, is known to help in relieving the symptoms of sinusitis.

  Inhaling the seeds of black cumin wrapped around a muslin cloth proves to give gradual effect of the inhalation discomfort of individuals with inflamed sinuses. Another option is the consumption of grounded and roasted black cumin seeds combined with honey and should be taken twice a day for a more effective outcome.

• Fenugreek

  The seed of fenugreek is considered effective in naturally curing sinusitis too. Fenugreek aids in cleaning the mucus membranes in order for the sinus cavity to drain out excess mucus secretions. It also has an anti-inflammatory characteristic that could re-establish the normal flow of blood in the nasal cavities thus relieving the pressure and discomfort while decongesting the sinuses. However, fenugreek is discouraged in pregnant women as it may cause premature contractions because it stimulates the uterus.

  Boil half a glass of water then add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in it. Continually boil the concoction until the water is reduced to a half. Three to four cups of this concoction will aid in expelling the toxins, increase the rate of perspiration and will help reduce the fever – symptoms which accompany typically accompany sinusitis.

• Garlic and Onion

  Two of the strongest spices there is, garlic and onion is deemed to be effective as a means of treating sore throat naturally. Studies show that the extracts of this spices contains antibacterial, antiviral and decongestant characteristics which helps in eliminating the causes of sinusitis.

  Prepare by mixing six chopped onions of the white variety with ½ cup of honey and boil it or pound one whole garlic until it is juiced up then soak a cotton ball with the liquid extract then apply it in your nose as an improvised nasal inhalant. It is advisable to take small amounts at first and then you may slowly upgrade the doses.

• Ginger

  Aside from the soothing and calming effect of ginger, it is also well known for its natural anti-inflammatory effects. Because ginger is regarded as a ‘heating herb’ it is also good for warming one up when one feels cold. Other claimed benefits of ginger are that it can also relieve headaches and nasal problems such as sinusitis.

  An extract of ginger is utilized to deal with infections of the sinuses. Preparation of the extract includes grinding a raw ginger and consuming about a teaspoon or two everyday or it can be submerged into a hot cup of water and then drinking the concoction. Ginger tea can also be taken until the sinusitis fades away.

• Horseradish

  Considered an ancient plant with unknown origin, horseradish is believed to be a good remedy for sinus infections. Horseradish, or Armoracia rusticana, is from the Brassicaceae family and a relative of cabbage, wasabi, mustard and broccoli. Several folk medicine practices make use of horseradish, especially its roots, in clearing one’s nose or nasal passage. There are several ways to use horseradish. For some, a grated teaspoonful of horseradish is mixed with honey and taken by mouth can help in alleviating the congestion in few minutes. Some suggest holding the grated root in the mouth until the taste disappears. But not only does horseradish loosens the mucus from the sinus, it is also a good antibacterial remedy. Horseradish contains high amount of sulfur and this is implicated in the antibiotic effects of horseradish.

• Hot Tea

  Doctors have been recommending increasing fluid intake to relive congested sinus. One of those fluids is hot tea. But there is more. According to Dr. Murray Grossan of Cedars Sinai Hospital Medical Towers, to promote health of the sinus, one should drink lots of cups of teas because the warmth brought about by tea can help in loosening the thick mucus that causes the clogging. It is like the melting of butter in the frying pan. Another reason is on the type of tea, if one takes green tea, the immune system is boosted and there is reduction in the microorganisms that causes the inflammation of the sinus.

• Pineapple

  Pineapple is rich in bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, that can improve the immune system, help relieve inflammation and it is this enzyme that aids in eliminating the symptoms of sinusitis.

  The juice of the pineapple is also known for its rich concentration of vitamin C and with its bromelain component, it is said to reduce mucus production in the body and reduce inflammation of the sinuses. Taking pineapple fruit and juice everyday evidently minimizes the risk of acquiring sinus discomforts related to allergies.

• Water

  One of the top recommendations by health care providers when a patient complains of clogged sinus is to increase fluid intake, such as water. Water is actually helpful in thinning the consistency of mucus that caused the blocking of sinus. When mucus is thin, it is easy for it to be drained down the throat, and therefore easy for sinus to be relieved of the causes of the clogging. Increasing fluid intake means drinking not just four to eight glasses of water per day, but you can also add fruits, soups, juice, milk, tea, and even ice cream. Since it is difficult to smell when one has clogged sinus, eating ice cream or any similar to this may help in increasing appetite that can help in increasing fluid intake.

Sources
care2.com
life.gaiam.com
health.howstuffworks.com