All You Need To Know About Treating Acute Sinusitis With Home Remedies

by Chaitra Ramalingegowda · April 21, 2017

Many people suffer from acute sinusitis, or acute rhinosinusitis, which is an infection or an inflammation of the cavities around the nasal passages. These cavities are called sinuses, and this inflammation and swelling block the sinus openings, thus interfering with normal mucous drainage. This causes a mucous buildup in these cavities, making it hard to breathe normally through the nose.

A case of acute sinusitis could be caused by a viral, bacterial, or a fungal infection, lasting anywhere from a few days to a month. A cold or even allergies could cause an acute sinusitis infection. A fungus could cause an acute sinusitis infection if you have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

The most common symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

Facial pressure
Thick, discolored mucous
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Earache
Fatigue
Bad breath
Pain and tenderness behind eyes, nose, forehead, and/or cheeks
Reduced sense of smell and taste

Home remedies for acute sinusitis

Once you figure out the cause of the acute sinusitis infection, you can then narrow down the treatment options. However, there are many easy and effective home remedies for acute sinusitis that work to provide you relief from the pain and the uncomfortable experience. Take a look:

1. Apple cider vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar is an amazing home remedy that helps thin out the mucous buildup, making it easier to drain the nasal congestion. Additionally, thanks to its vital vitamins and minerals, it is good for your immune system.

Remedy

To 1 glass of water, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir well and drink this concoction thrice every day for a few days to find relief from the unpleasant sinusitis symptoms.

2. Black seeds

Black seeds have been used in traditional medicine to treat acute sinusitis effectively. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that help bring down inflammation, congestion, and other unpleasant symptoms of acute sinusitis.

Remedies

Put a few drops of black seed oil on a clean handkerchief and inhale the smell at regular intervals to reduce nasal congestion, while also helping promote mucous flow. Repeat this remedy a few times a day for relief from acute sinusitis.
Roast and crush 1 teaspoon of black seeds. Mix this with 1 tablespoon of honey and consume it at regular intervals to relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for a few days.

3. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which possesses analgesic properties, which help reduce the pain and swelling, while also helping clear out the nasal congestion.

Remedies

In a clean bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and honey to make a smooth paste. Consume this a few times a day for a few days, till the infection subsides.
To 1 cup of hot water, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and stir well. Drink this concoction thrice a day to help thin the mucous buildup in the nasal passages.
Use a capsaicin spray available in the pharmacies to help clear out the nasal congestion and provide relief.

4. Fenugreek seeds

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Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help cleanse the mucous membranes, which in turn help in draining the excess mucous buildup in the sinus cavities. Fenugreek seeds help bring down the mucous production as well.

Remedy

Take 1 glass of water in a pan and add 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to it. Bring this to a boil till the water level reduces to half its original volume. Take it off the heat, strain it, and sip the solution slowly. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for a few days to find relief from nasal congestion.

5. Garlic

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Garlic is another common kitchen ingredient that helps in treating acute sinusitis. It possesses natural decongestant properties that help thin the mucous buildup, easing the drainage through the nasal passages. Additionally, garlic also contains antibiotic, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties that are beneficial for your overall health.

Remedies

Consume 2-3 fresh cloves of garlic every day by using it generously in your cooking.
Finely chop 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Add this to a pot of boiling water. Take it off the heat, cover your head with a large towel, and inhale the steam rising up and out of the garlic-infused pot of water. Do this till the steam subsides. Repeat this remedy a few times every day for a few days till the infection subsides.

6. Horseradish

Horseradish is an herb that is extremely beneficial in relieving the unpleasant symptoms of acute sinusitis. It helps in thinning out and eliminating the excess mucous buildup in your nasal passages. Additionally, thanks to its natural antibiotic properties, it boosts your immune system, while also promoting speedy recovery.

Remedies

Take 1 large horseradish and grate it. Transfer this into a jar. Now add the juice of 1 lemon, along with 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well and seal the jar, keeping it aside for about 24 hours. Consume 1 tablespoon of this mixture a few times every day to boost easy flow of thinned mucous.
Grate a small horseradish and place a pinch of it in your mouth. Suck on it till it loses all flavor, then swallow it. Repeat this remedy a few times every day for best results.

7. Oregano oil

Oregano oil possesses anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties that help treat acute sinusitis effectively. Additionally, it can help get rid of the underlying cause, while also relieve inflammation in the nasal cavities.

Remedies

Put 2 drops of oregano oil on under your tongue to find relief from acute sinusitis. Repeat this remedy twice a day for best results.
Bring a pot of water to boil and take it off the heat. Add a few drops of oregano oil. Cover your head with a large towel and inhale the steam rising up and out of it. Do this till all the steam subsides. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for relief from acute sinusitis.
To 1 glass of water, stir in 3 drops of oregano oil. Drink this twice a day for a few days to find relief from acute sinusitis symptoms.

8. Saline solution

Nasal irrigation using saline solution is another excellent treatment for acute sinusitis. The saline solution helps thin the mucous buildup, thus helping flush it out of your nasal passages. Additionally, it helps keep your nasal passages damp, preventing them from drying out and causing further irritation.

Remedy

In 2 cups of warm water, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and let it dissolve completely. Fill a neti pot with this solution and use it to rinse your nasal passages while standing bent over a sink. Refill the neti pot and repeat this process to find relief from acute sinusitis. Follow this remedy once a day for a few days.

9. Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation helps clear out the nasal congestion, thus providing relief by opening up the sinuses. Breathing in steam works as a natural expectorant, which also helps in lubricating the irritated respiratory tract.

Remedies

Boil a pan of water. Take it off the heat and add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Cover your head with a large towel and inhale the scented steam rising up and out of the pan of water. Do this till the steam subsides. Repeat this remedy at few times a day for a few days to find relief from the pain of acute sinusitis.
Take a hot shower or run a hot bath and inhale the steam rising out of the hot water. Do this for 10 minutes or so, twice a day for best results.

Additional tips

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and fresh fruit juices, and eating soups through the day.
Apply a warm compress over your face to help keep the congested nasal passages damp, to minimize the irritation caused by dryness.
Keep your ambient air damp by using a humidifier in the room where you spend the most time.
Use a nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract to help reduce the nasal congestion.
Consume a healthy, balanced diet, that consists of whole grains, lentils, beans, cold-pressed oils, and light soups.
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine and/or alcohol as they tend to be dehydrating.
Avoid deep fried foods as they tend to irritate the upper respiratory tract.
Avoid foods that add to the mucous buildup in your nasal passages, like eggs, chocolate, processed foods, sugar, dairy products, and products that contain refined flour.
Avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants as they tend to dry out your respiratory tract and your nasal passages.
While sleeping, be sure to elevate your head to help in easy mucous flow, thus avoiding congestion.
Get plenty of rest and relaxation to let your body fight off the infection successfully, thus aiding in speedy recovery.
Acupuncture and acupressure are both known to provide relief from acute sinusitis, particularly one caused by allergies.