How to Treat a Sinus Infection Using Naturopathic Remedies

Lots of home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.

The sinuses are located behind the cheekbones and eyes. Sinuses are small, hollow compartments that can become easily infected, especially during the onset of the common cold. Seasonal allergies are also to blame for sinus infections. Over-the-counter medications to treat sinus infections can be costly and cause a variety of side effects. Numerous naturopathic remedies can effectively treat a sinus infection.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking pot
• Towel
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Chicken soup
• Humidifier
• Spicy foods
• Horseradish

Instructions

1. Take a hot, steamy shower. Dr. Nelson Gantz, M.D., states that steam is the first defense against sinus pain and infections. Dr. Alexander Chester, M.D., suggests using a nasal steamer to treat sinus problems. Create your nasal steamer by boiling a pot of water. Remove the pot from the stove and drape a towel over your head and the pot. Lean over the pot and inhale the steam for at least 15 minutes. Dr. Chester recommends inhaling steam at least three times daily as a naturopathic remedy to treat sinus infections.

2. Try using vitamin supplements to remedy sinus infections. Dr. Chester recommends taking 30 milligrams of zinc and 3,000 milligrams of Vitamin C to relieve sinus problems. Dr. Chester states that these supplements are thought to shrink swollen nasal tissue.

3. Sip warm chicken soup. Dr. Howard Levine, M.D., says that grandmothers had the right idea using chicken soup as a cold remedy. The heat and garlic from soup thins mucus, loosening up congestion in sinuses. For best results, drink soup from a cup to inhale soothing steam while eating.

4. Use a humidifier to increase humidity within your home and keep nasal and sinus tissue moist. Dr. Levine warns that humidifiers grow mold and mildew easily and should be cleaned weekly using bleach or vinegar.

5. Eat spicy foods such as Chinese, Indian or Mexican dishes that utilize cayenne, curry, horseradish, chili and jalapeño seasonings. Spicy foods stimulate nasal and sinus secretions, which in turn promotes easier removal of mucus, providing relief from pain and pressure of a sinus infection.

6. Grate fresh horseradish on a slice of toast, rice or soup. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar states that horseradish can be painful to eat, but it is efficient at clearing congestion, which is thought to promote healing and assist the body in fighting infections.

7. Avoid certain foods that cause dehydration when you are battling a sinus infection. Dr. Levine says alcoholic beverages, coffee, cola, and tea can act as diuretics, which can aggravate sinus infection symptoms. Levine also suggests avoiding chocolate and dairy products, which can increase and thicken congestion.

References

• Mothernature.com: Sinus Problems
• Mothernature.com: Sinusitis