During a change in season a lot of people suffer from a sinus infection. Home care will help to alleviate the condition. Let’s see the measures that one can undertake to get rid of the same.
Sinusitis is a problem which affects around 37 million Americans every year. A lot of people suffer from sinus infections during change of season. Sinus is caused when the nasal sinuses are affected with acute or chronic inflammation–such that the sinuses are not drained adequately, either due to infections, allergies or structural problems of the nose. If the sinus infection is persistent for 4 months or more, it is said to be a case of chronic sinusitis. People who suffer from asthma are more prone to chronic sinusitis. The natural treatment for this condition consists of various measures–let’s see what are they.
Home Care Measures
Hydrate
The first measure is drinking adequate quantity of water. Drinking water will help to hydrate the sinuses. Drinking hot beverages like tea and coffee is also helpful. One can drink tea with ginger and cinnamon, or coffee with nutmeg to help in treating sinus. Include lots of juices and hot broths in your diet. The liquids will help hydrate and boost the urological process, with which the toxins will be eliminated from the body.
Steam
Inhaling steam two to three times a day will bring about pain relief. However, make sure you do not place the bowl of water on the stove, when you are taking the steam. Alternatively you can also make use of a vaporizer to take steam. You can add aromatherapy oils to the water when you are taking steam. Eucalyptus oil is considered an excellent choice in this direction; adding a drop or two of the said oil to hot water while taking steam will prove to be of help.
Hot Shower and Warm Compresses
Like steam, you can also opt for hot showers and warm compresses. Both these will help the body get rid of the toxins and bacteria. Warm compresses can be used on the sinus points on the face, the throat and the chest. It will also prove to be of help in alleviating pain and swelling associated with sinus infection, and in the process improve circulation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A few drops of vinegar consumed everyday will help in preventing sinus infection. Consuming apple cider vinegar in its pure form may not be palatable for some people. In such cases it is best to mix it with water. Apple cider vinegar helps to dilute the mucus and leads to quick drainage.
Herbal Home Remedies
One of the best home remedies is nutmeg–make a paste of nutmeg and milk and heat it so that is thickens a little. Apply the warm paste on the forehead, nose and on the sinuses located on the cheek bone. This will help in bringing relief. A similar remedy is to apply cinnamon paste on the sinuses, forehead and nose. You can also make a paste with ginger powder, cloves and basil leaves. Apply as mentioned above for relief.
Acupressure
Acupressure can also be used for sinus infection care at home. It helps to release mucus so that it is drained out of the system. However, this method should only be used if one is sure of the sinus points and not otherwise.
One can also make use of over-the-counter available medicines for treatment of sinus. If the home care measures do not give you the desired results, then visiting a health care professional is important. The physician will be in a better condition to treat the problem.