Natural remedies and foods to help relieve sinus

Natural remedies and foods to help relieve sinus

We have four pairs of sinuses, hollow spaces in our head right behind our eyes and nose. Their role is to make thin mucus which drains out and keeps the bacteria away from our nose. If the sinuses get blocked or inflamed, bacteria can start growing there, or fluids may fill the hollow space. A runny or stuffy nose, yellow or green discharge, sinus pressure, or facial pain are typical symptoms of sinus congestion.

Medical management of sinus congestion
A runny nose and yellow or green discharge characterize a sinus infection that may last about ten days. It can also accompany a fever, pain in our teeth and ears, bad breath, and headache. Very severe infections could last up to 12 weeks, and you may need continuous treatment to prevent further worsening of the symptoms. In the beginning, you can increase your fluid intake and use over-the-counter nasal sprays to relieve the infection.
Since it is a viral or bacterial infection, it may go away in about two weeks without the need for antibiotics, as they may be ineffective in treating viral infections. But once you are infected, if you notice that the symptoms are severe and your fever or headache does not reduce, visit a doctor and get a diagnosis. Along with some prescription treatments, doctors also advise you to follow a few time-tested natural remedies that are most effective in relieving sinus congestion. If your symptoms are mild, natural remedies can cure the congestion without going to a doctor. Some of the time-tested natural remedies that work wonders to relieve stuffiness, congestion, and headache associated with sinus congestion are:

Steaming
The first thing that you can do once you sense the congestion is to do steam inhalation. The warm steam helps to loosen the mucus and also relieves inflammation. Though steaming cannot cure a sinus infection, it can help drain the mucus and help you breathe better. Follow these simple steps for steam inhalation:

  • Heat about one to two liters of water until it begins to boil.
  • Place a bowl on a counter or a dining table at a safe distance away from your body.
  • Pour the water into the bowl and keep your face about 10 inches above the bowl.
  • Drape a towel over the bowl and cover yourself well so that the steam cannot escape.
  • Close your eyes and inhale the steam through your nose for about five minutes.
  • Repeat the process thrice a day and twice when the symptoms improve.
  • Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil or other essential oils to clear the sinus faster.

The only thing that you have to be careful about is avoiding accidents that can cause the hot water to fall on your lap. If you want steam inhalation for kids, use steam inhaler devices or safe vaporizers. If you cannot do an inhalation, a warm shower can help too.

Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is another easy-to-do home remedy for congestion. You pour salt water or saline solution into one nostril, tilt your head, and the saline solution flows through the nasal cavity and out through the other nostril. As it drains out, it also flushes out the mucus, bacteria, or allergens. It is important to use salt water only for nasal irrigation. There are many devices that you can purchase in drugstores for this purpose, like readymade pre-filled containers, bulb syringes, or neti pots. Besides, you can do nasal irrigation twice daily for it to be effective.

Warm compresses
If you do not want to try the more complicated remedies like inhalation or irrigation, you can dip a washcloth in warm water, squeeze it dry and place it on the places that ache, like the forehead, front and back of the neck, and cheeks. The heat from the compress will help drain the mucus and help you breathe better.

Essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated oils from herbs and flowers that help cure diseases. Some of the oils that are effective remedies for sinus congestion include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, clary sage, lavender oil, and rosemary oil.
You can use the essential oil directly. Add one drop of these oils to a handkerchief or tissue and inhale it. It can help reduce the irritation that you may feel in the nose. You can add it to the steam inhalation, your bath, or use it in a diffuser. If you want to apply it on your skin, particularly on your neck, behind the ears, forehead, or nose, mix a drop of oil with five to six drops of carrier oil, like coconut oil and rub it there.

Herbal teas
Doctors advise drinking fluids if you have congestion as it can help to thin the mucus and drain it faster. Herbal teas are one way of increasing your fluid intake. Herbal teas have medicinal value; they are warm, can soothe your throat and nose and help you calm down. You can add a few pinches of the herb or use a herbal tea bag in hot water and allow it to steep for a few minutes. Drink it warm. Have about four to five glasses of these warm teas to see relief from sinus congestion. Some effective teas are peppermint, ginger, chamomile, turmeric, nettle, licorice root, and mint.

Soups and broths
Soups and broths are saviors for those going through a sinus infection. They are warm, contain the benefits of vegetables and meat, flavored with healthy spices and, most importantly, some black pepper. They are nutritious. You can make large batches, store them in the freezer, and heat them whenever possible. Some soups that are ideal for sinus congestion are chicken soup with ginger or rice, roasted butternut squash, apple, and garlic soup. You can also have mixed vegetable soup, garlic and ginger soup, carrot turmeric soup, hot and sour shrimp soup, or bone broth.

Fruits and vegetables
You may feel extremely sick and have no appetite in the first few days of infection, but make it a point not to starve. Start with soups and broths, and once you feel better, you can eat fruits if not a proper meal. Fruits are filled with antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and nourish your body. Some of the fruits and vegetables that are best suited for sinus infection are pineapples, papaya, citrus fruits, and berries.

Popular Reads

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the retina’s central portion (macula) deteriorates. The macula is responsible for recording images one sees before they are sent to the brain. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, usually affecting people over 65. However, the condition can also develop in younger individuals due to genetic factors. One could make better food choices to manage the symptoms of this condition and improve eye health. Salmon Adding fish like salmon to one’s meal plan may significantly help improve eye health. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—essential nutrients that encompass each cell in the body. Moreover, salmon is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which is commonly found in the retina and the brain. Other fish varieties that may help maintain eye health include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Broccoli Multiple types of leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain eye health. One can also choose other healthy veggies, like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts, that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight and prevent cellular damage. Carrots One of the carrot’s primary benefits for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is its antioxidant called beta-carotene. The antioxidant is converted to vitamin A by the body and used by the rods and cones of the eyes to improve vision, especially when it comes to perceiving light and color. Pasture-raised eggs Eggs are another great food source that one should add to their daily meals. Pasture-raised eggs contain B12, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, zeaxanthin, lutein, and an amino acid called cysteine. Together, these nutrients are known to reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts. Zucchini Excessive exposure to UV and HEV rays may damage the retina and consequently increase one’s risk of developing macular degeneration.
Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that primarily affects people over 50. This disorder thins and deteriorates the macula, the area of the eye that produces the clearest, most detailed vision. Early detection and treatment can lower the chances of permanent vision loss. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of AMD. Here are a few simple lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the condition. Lifestyle modification tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration Maintain a normal blood pressure level Hypertension promotes AMD by decreasing blood flow to the vascular layer of the eye, known as the choroid. The lack of oxygen in the eye accelerates the deterioration and increases the risk of wet AMD and central vision loss. It is preferable to keep blood pressure under control to avoid this situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding fried foods, eating well, and exercising regularly can all help keep blood pressure under control. Although this condition has nothing to do with weight, a body mass index of 30 can make it worse, so it is preferable to keep a low BMI. Consume more antioxidant-rich foods Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent or reduce free radical damage to cells. According to research, eating foods high in antioxidant content can slow the progression of macular degeneration in some people. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and mustard greens are high in antioxidants. Green peas, summer squash, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots are also rich in these essential nutrients. All of these foods are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids like anthocyanin, which are good for the body. Take supplements While food is a great source of nutrients, as we get older, our bodies might not be able to absorb all the nutrients we need to stay healthy.
Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Every household uses laundry detergent regularly to take care of various cleaning tasks and to keep clothes clean, fresh, and odor-free after each wash. However, every detergent is unique and has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some detergents can also cause allergies, so finding a detergent that meets all your needs while leaving your clothes soft and fluffy is essential. Here are a few highly efficient laundry detergents and their features to consider. Top laundry detergent brands Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODS These pods are designed to effectively penetrate the fibers and the spaces between them. It dissolves and removes body oils and other unwanted substances that are invisible to the naked eye. In terms of cleaning effectiveness, it outperforms all other detergents. Even without using bleach, it makes white t-shirts and bedding whiter. These large Power Pods, which contain more cleaning agents than two regular pods, are an excellent choice for families who wash a lot of clothes on a regular basis. The only disadvantage is that the pods may be too large for light loads. ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent When it comes to liquid detergents, Persil ProClean is an excellent choice. It works well to remove stains when used with cold water, and switching to a cold washing method can help save electricity. It effectively removes tough egg yolk stains and odors and works well in any water temperature. It has odor-removal technology that keeps clothes fresh and makes them smell great. This detergent is a good choice for people looking for an all-in-one product, as it works on all washer types, including high-efficiency (HE) models. It has a strong scent and might be pricey. Ultra Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent The Kirkland brand is an excellent choice for a hardworking detergent. When washed in cold water, it works best for polyester clothing and can remove difficult stains like tea from cotton and polyester garments.