Home Remedies for Sinus Infections: Pros and Cons

If you’re one of the 30 million Americans suffering from sinusitis, you would probably try any number of things to clear it up — irrigating your nasal cavities with a Neti pot, taking over-the-counter sinus medicine, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier, even twisting yourself up into a helpful yoga pose.

Sinus infections happen when your mucous membrane swells after an allergic reaction or infection, leading to tenderness and pressure around your face, especially the nose, cheeks, and above the eyes. This infection also causes more mucus, accompanying headaches and stuffy nose.

Most of the time, sinus infections will clear up without a prescription. But when the usual mom-approved methods (like taking hot showers, drinking more water, and placing a steamy towel on your face) aren’t providing much relief, you might be tempted to try some popular herbal remedies.

How to Relieve Sinus Infection Symptoms Naturally

If you are looking for a natural remedy for sinus infection, you’ve come to the right place. Sinus infections can be incredibly uncomfortable, but there are several natural remedies for sinus infection that are both effective and easy to prepare at home. Discover the best natural sinus infection remedies that can help you find relief without relying on medications. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from herbal teas to essential oils, giving you multiple options to tackle sinus issues naturally.

What are the pros and cons of going the natural medicine route?

Essential Oils

Research has indicated that essential oils can be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and help relieve pain. However, most evidence is anecdotal, and oils’ benefits have not been as thoroughly studied as those of other remedies. Using essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can provide relief when inhaled with hot water or used in a diffuser. Applying warm compresses to your face can reduce sinus pressure and pain, offering a comforting remedy for sinus infection symptoms. Nasal irrigation and other methods such as using a humidifier and staying hydrated can significantly relieve sinusitis symptoms.

PROS

These oils are said to be beneficial for sinus issues:

1. Eucalyptus — Helps open up sinuses and clears mucus. Studies have found that the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil (cineole) helps people recover from acute sinusitis faster. Cineole can improve headaches, too.
2. Peppermint — This oil contains menthol, which helps open up the airways. You can use it in a humidifier or rub directly to the bridge of your nose (think Vicks VapoRub, which uses this oil in its formula).
3. Grapefruit seed extract is said to be a powerful antibiotic that can ward off several illnesses by stabilizing the body’s pH.
4. Oil of oregano — This oil has been used for centuries to support microbial health. It contains carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which are natural decongestants.
5. Tea tree oil — This oil can fight bacteria and viral sinus infections and reduce inflammation.
6. Lavender and chamomile — Lavender improves pain and swelling related to sinusitis. Lavender and chamomile also promote calming, which may help you sleep better.

Some people swear that adding some essential oils to a face steam will clear your sinuses right up.

First, boil a pot of water, then remove it from the heat. Add a few drops of essential oil, drape a towel over your head, and bend over the pot to inhale the steam. Keep your eyes closed, and be careful not to get too close to the hot water.

Other methods for using essential oils include using a diffuser and adding them to a soaking bath.

CONS

The biggest cons of essential oils are that they are widely untested, dosage can be a guessing game, and many people can be allergic.

Other cautions:

• Never apply essential oils directly to skin without diluting them.
• Never swallow essential oils or use them anywhere in which they could enter the body (eyes, ears, etc.). They can be toxic.
• Side effects include irritation and burning, asthma attacks, headaches. Peppermint and eucalyptus, specifically, as known to trigger asthma.
• Essential oils can act as endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with your hormones. Lavender and tea tree oil have been linked to prepuberty health complications in children.
• Allergic reactions are common, including itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and skin irritation. If you have an allergic reaction to an essential oil, stop using it right away. Try a patch test before use to make sure you’re not allergic.
• Eucalyptus can cause seizures if ingested.
• Chamomile can cause severe reactions in people with allergies to ragweed and daisies.
• Peppermint is known to cause skin rashes when applied to skin and heartburn when ingested.

Supplements

PROS

1. Bromelain — This enzyme, found in pineapple, can thin mucus and relieve congestion.
2. Quercetin — This plant component found in onions, apples, red wine, and green tea is a natural antihistamine. It also helps reduce mucus secretion.
3. Butterbur — Butterbur is used for treating allergies, and research has found that it works just as well as Allegra.
4. Andrographis — This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to reduce inflammation.
5. Nettle — This herb has a long history of being used by Ayurvedics to support inflammatory pathways and sinus health.
6. Bayberry — Native Americans used this bark as an herbal tonic to aid in sinus and respiratory health, but usage has many red flags (see cons below).
7. Plantain — This herb has mucilage and can support mucous membrane health.

These supplements are available in capsule form — though not always in the same doses or mixed with the same ingredients. Be aware of the amount you’re taking and the reputation of the company that manufactured the supplement.

CONS

The biggest cons of herbal supplements are that results aren’t guaranteed, quality can be an issue, and side effects can arise (especially with over-usage).

In general, pregnant women should avoid supplements unless directed to take them by a doctor.

Other cautions:

• Avoid taking supplements while also taking prescription medication. Mixing the two can lead to serious side effects.
• Stay within dosage limitations and keep track of which supplements you are taking.
• Choose a trustworthy brand and check FDA advisories for information on supplements that have been reported as dangerous.
• Quercetin can lead to headaches and kidney issues if used in excess.
• Bromelain can cause allergic reactions, GI issues and increased heart rate.
• Some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to liver issues.
• Andrographis side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, rash, headache, runny nose, and fatigue, especially with higher doses.
• Nettle can cause mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating and diarrhea.
• Use of bayberry is considered possibly unsafe because it contains a cancer-causing chemical, and additionally may lead to nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
• Plantain supplements have side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating, especially at larger doses. Severe allergic reactions are also more likely at higher doses.

Foods/Spices/Teas

Certain foods and spices have been known to help because they contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that promote sinus health. (Conversely, some foods may actually exacerbate your sinus infection.)

Spicy foods may contain capsaicin, which can help thin out the mucus and relieve your sinus cavities.

Here are a few to consider.

PROS

1. Cayenne pepper and horseradish — These spices have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help break down mucus.
2. Turmeric — This fragrant spice is rich in antioxidants and also helps with swelling.
3. Ginger root — According to research, ginger can be as strong an antihistamine as Claritin.
4. Garlic & Onion — These foods help eliminate nasal drainage. Garlic is antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and is good for preventing future sinus infections as well.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar — This high-pH vinegar helps relieve congestion.
6. Herbal teas — Try teas made with mullein leaf, chamomile, comfrey, marshmallow, fenugreek, thyme, sage, or elderflower.

You can ingest these spices and foods in meal form or via a tea mixture.

In fact, mixing turmeric and ginger root in hot tea is said to provide instant sinusitis relief by loosening mucus and relaxing pressure.

Try adding garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper in your meals or soups. Or drink a solution of water, stevia and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to help clear up sinusitis.

CONS

The biggest cons with using foods and spices are allergies.

Spicy food can also trigger reactions such as sneezing and may even cause nonallergic rhinitis, which causes congestion and runny nose.

Other cautions:

• Too much herbal tea can cause headaches, nervousness, stomach issues, and sleep problems. Research the brands you buy to ensure their reputable status, as many herbal teas contain lead, aluminum, and other contaminants.
• Drinking apple cider vinegar can lead to throat burns, gastrointestinal issues, and erosion of tooth enamel.

More Natural Remedies for Sinus Pressure Relief:

Sinus pressure can be a bothersome symptom of infection or allergies. Luckily, there are more home remedies to help alleviate this discomfort.

Sinus congestion can be relieved using various natural methods. One effective technique is nasal irrigation with a neti pot, which helps clear the nasal passages. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help thin mucus and ease sinus congestion. If your sinus infection is due to a viral infection, these remedies can help manage the symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

1. Nasal sprays: Steroid and saline sprays reduce inflammation.
2. Humidifiers: Add moisture to the air to soothe dry sinuses.
3. Neti pot: Rinse out the nose to keep the mucous membrane moist.
4. Saline irrigation: Reduce irritation and inflammation in the nose.
5. Steam inhalation: Open nasal passages to relieve pressure.
6. Acupressure, hydration, warm washcloth compression, essential oils, and sleep habits: Additional methods to try.

Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Remember, hydration is key to maintaining healthy nasal passages.

Sinusitis Remedies, You Can Trust

Understanding the symptoms of sinusitis is crucial in choosing the right remedies. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain, and headache. These can be alleviated with natural methods and over-the-counter treatments. Always consider consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

If you’ve tried every home remedy or herbal remedy but your symptoms persist past 10 days, you should call a sinus doctor such as Dr. Marc Kayem, especially if you have a severe case with high fever and swelling around the eyes.

Contacting a doctor is even more important if you’re experiencing infections over 12 weeks or recurring sinusitis 3-4 times yearly. This type of chronic sinusitis must be addressed with treatment, but it’s unclear.

Dr. Kayem has provided relief for sinus patients for more than 20 years. He will find the right treatment for you, starting with the least invasive.

If medication doesn’t work for your chronic sinusitis, he may recommend an alternative treatment: balloon sinuplasty. Balloon Sinus Dilation, or Balloon Sinuplasty, is a breakthrough treatment for individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis. This minimally invasive procedure is performed in-office, offering immediate relief without general anesthesia. Dr. Marc Kayem, a specialist in ENT and sinus problems, has a success rate of over 90% with this procedure, making it a promising option for many patients. If you’re looking for a quick, painless, and effective solution for sinusitis, consider exploring Balloon Sinuplasty as a viable treatment option. Contact the Sinus and Snoring Center for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Kayem can also perform Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in a small number of cases where balloon sinuplasty is ineffective or not covered by insurance. Dr. Kayem is dedicated to treating you with the least discomfort and the best results. Call today for a consultation.