Natural Sinus Infection Remedies

Sinus infections bring thousands of Americans to the doctor's office each year. A serious sinus infection certainly should be treated by a physician. For less severe infections, there are natural remedies for sinus infections that you can use at home, including these five. Always check with your doctor before trying natural remedies for sinus infections.

Nasal Irrigation. If you are prone to sinus infections, using a neti pot once or twice a day to keep your nasal passages clear of pollen, dust and other irritants and air pollutants can help to forestall the onset of a sinus infection and ease the symptoms if you already have one. Neti pots can be purchased on the Internet (see www.target.com for one choice) or in some retail stores. Typically, you use a saline solution in a neti pot. In addition to helping those susceptible to sinus infections, seasonal and pet allergy sufferers sometimes get some relief from using a neti pot to clean their nasal passages.

Vaporizer. Inhaling steam from a vaporizer is a natural way to reduce congestion and pressure pain caused by a sinus infection. If you don't have a vaporizer, prepare a bowl of hot water and hold your face over it, with a towel draped over your head. Do this for two or three minutes as often as necessary to get natural relief from sinus infection. You can also add chopped fresh garlic to the water (see discussion below).

Garlic and Cayenne Pepper. Some of the best natural sinus infection remedies are right in your kitchen. Some sinus infection sufferers find relief from consuming garlic juice or garlic capsules, which appear to have anti bacterial and antifungal properties (sinus infections may be caused by bacterial or fungal agents), and some swear by the power of powdered cayenne pepper sprinkled on food to help clear sinuses.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Another item already in your kitchen that may provide some relief to sinus infection sufferers is apple cider vinegar, which can help to reduce mucus production. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once a day or drink a glass of warm water containing two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day.

Water. Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated can help to thin the mucus that your body produces and make it easier for the mucus to drain, reducing your risk of sinus infection or, if you already have a sinus infection, helping you to recover more quickly. Try to drink 10 glasses of water each day.

Sources:

Eddie Tobey, ezinearticles.com, Home Remedies for Sinus Infection

www.sinusinfectionhelp.com, Sinus Infection Help - Home Remedy for Sinus Infection

healthmad.com, Natural Remedies Help Combat Sinus Infections/HealthMad