8 Best Natural Remedies for Treating Sinus Headaches

Sinuses are the cavities or spaces located in the skull near the eyes and nose that help in humidifying and filtering the air we breathe in through secretion of mucus. Viral infections can cause inflammation of the ducts that connect the sinuses to the nose thereby preventing proper drainage of the sinuses. This leads to blockage of the cavities that result in sinus headaches. This inflammation of the sinuses is known as sinusitis. Although there are numerous over the counter medicines that can provide quick relief but it is best to treat sinus and migraine headaches through natural remedies that not only relieve inflammation, but also promotes draining of the cavities.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Some of the most common symptoms of sinus infection are as follows:

• Pain around the sinuses
• Pressure behind the eyes and the cheeks
• Nasal stuffiness
• Nasal discharge
• Cough and sore throat
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Effective Home Remedies for Treating Sinus Headaches

The treatment for sinusitis is a twofold process that involves treating the inflammation and draining the sinuses. Although several over the counter medications and nasal sprays are available, that can provide quick relief but they might have side effects and complications. Therefore, it is best to opt for home remedies that are absolutely safe and natural.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation and steam bath are two of the most effective home remedies for treating sinusitis headache. The steam helps in clearing nasal congestion, soothing the inflammation of the nasal passage, calming the mucus membrane and aid easy breathing. It also relieves the heaviness of head. You can boil some water in a deep bottomed pan for 10 minutes, cover a towel over your head and inhale the steam 2 to 3 times a day to relieve sinus headaches. You can also add a few drops of therapeutic oils such as peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil to increase the effectiveness of the remedy.

Aromatherapy

Natural oils and essential oils play a very important role in aromatherapy and combining the right essential oils with carrier oils can work effectively in treating sinus headaches. These essential oils extracted from herbs help in clearing the upper respiratory tract and treating the infection and inflammation caused by sinusitis. The antispasmodic and antidepressant properties of these refreshing oils help in relaxing and relieving headaches. The best aromatherapy essential oils for relieving sinus headaches are lavender oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, sweet basil oil, etc. Massage your temples, forehead, and neck with these oils, add it to your bathing water or use it for steam inhalation.

Hot and Cold Compress

Alternative hot and cold compress is one of the time-tested sinus home remedies that has been used for ages to relieve headache. Hot and cold compress acts as a decongestant for blocked sinuses. It also helps in soothing inflammation and headache by treating the infection. Apply a warm towel on the forehead for 3 minutes and then immediately apply a cold towel on the forehead for 30 seconds. Repeat it 5 to 6 times a day to get relief from sinusitis. Although this remedy might not provide instant relief but it helps in treating sinusitis infections.

Vitamin C

The benefits of vitamin C for health need no new emphasis. Vitamin C is a potent nutrient for treating sinus headache. Being a natural antihistamine, it reduces nasal congestion by keeping the histamine levels low. It also functions as a powerful antioxidant that helps in fighting infections and allergens. Therefore, intakes of vitamin C either from foods or through dietary supplements are an effective way of treating sinusitis headache and infection. Some of the natural food sources of vitamin C include oranges, pineapples, strawberries, lemons, blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes, etc.

Warm Water

Sipping warm water is yet another effective home remedy for sinusitis headache. Warm water helps in reducing inflammation of the respiratory tract and clears nasal congestion. It is important to keep the body hydrated so that the nasal lining doesn’t get dry and irritated. This can only be done by consuming enough of water and clear liquids. Water also helps in promoting sinus drainage and relieving headache. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout the day, and it is better to drink it warm for best results.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most potent home remedies for sinus headache from the kitchen. It has immense medicinal value and is used for treating various ailments. The active component Gingerol present in ginger functions as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that relieves inflammation of the respiratory tract, soothes the mucus membrane and reduces the severity of headache. It also aids easy breathing and provides relief from nasal pressure. Chop a medium sized piece of ginger root into 5 or 6 thin slices, add it to a cup of boiling water and cover it for 15 minutes, add a teaspoon of honey and drink it. Repeat it 2 to 3 times per day to get relief from sinusitis headache.

Cinnamon

This highly flavorful spice has immense medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various diseases. The warming property of cinnamon helps in relieving nasal congestion. Its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties help in fighting the germs and bacteria that cause infection. The anti-inflammatory property of this spice helps in soothing the inflamed membranes lining of the sinuses. It also helps in reducing the secretion of excessive mucus. Mix 1/4th tablespoon of freshly ground cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of honey and take it 2 to 3 times a day to clear blocked sinuses.

Jalapeno Pepper

Spicy and fiery foods containing pepper help in draining the sinus that in turn relieves congestion and heaviness of head. The antibacterial properties of jalapeno pepper fights chronic sinus infection. The chemical compound Capsaicin present in jalapeno peppers has effective anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving the inflammation of nasal passages. In addition, Capsaicin also relieves sinus headache. Just take a few bites of this hot pepper the next time you are feeling a bit stuffed or add it to your soup or salad.

Try out these easily available and effective home remedies for sinusitis and say goodbye to stuffy nose, headache, cough and sore throat naturally without the use of medicines.

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