Sinus inflammation occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed or swollen, often due to allergies, colds, or environmental pollutants or irritants. When this happens, mucus may build up in the sinus cavities and cause sinus pressure or headaches. While there are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat these sinus symptoms, these forms of treatment sometimes have unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness or even liver or kidney damage if used on a regular basis. For this reason, many patients prefer to use a more natural sinus treatment to help ease symptoms. Some of these treatments may include drinking hot liquids or using herbal teas or extracts. The use of warm compresses and sinus irrigation are also popular.
One of the easiest and most popular choices among people looking for a natural sinus treatment is drinking several cups of hot liquid throughout the day. While the type of liquid is not really important, some commonly used beverages are hot tea, beef or chicken broth, or hot water mixed with honey and lemon. The hot liquids help to keep the mucous membranes moisturized, thus clearing out stuffy sinuses.
A warm compress is often used as a natural sinus treatment. To use a warm compress, a small towel or washcloth is soaked in warm water and then applied to the face, covering the eyes and upper portion of the nose. These warm compresses are generally used three or four times per day for about five minutes at a time. This type of natural sinus treatment helps to increase blood circulation and loosen the mucus in the sinus cavity.
Herbs have been used for centuries as a natural sinus treatment. Peppermint and eucalyptus are among the most widely used herbs for clearing out the sinus passages. The oils or extracts are typically inhaled several times per day whenever sinus pressure becomes noticeable. A relatively simple method is to soak a cotton ball in either peppermint or eucalyptus oil and then place the cotton ball into a zippered sandwich bag. When sinus pressure begins to build or the nose feels stuffy, simply open the bag and inhale two or three times before resealing the bag.
Sinus irrigation has become a popular natural sinus treatment. Irrigation kits can be purchased without a prescription in most drug stores. This method involves breathing in a saltwater solution through the nose and then pushing the water back out through the nose. If not done properly, this method of treatment could be potentially damaging to the delicate sinus tissues. For this reason, it is very important to follow the included directions carefully.