Frequent colds and allergies increase the risk of sinus infections. This could be due to various reasons: Exposure to chemicals or dust, change in weather conditions, something ingested can trigger an allergic reaction. The bones situated around the eyes, nose and the cheeks are lined with membranes that produce mucus. They function to moisten and warm inhaled air, and filter out germs. When they are congested and unable to drain properly, the accumulated becomes stagnate and infected.
People who suffer from frequent sinus attacks or chronic sinusitis usually take allopathic medication like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids for extended periods of time. There are some who even take 5 different types of medications to treat their problem. However taking conventional medicine in large doses will pose its own side effects. Even relief is minimal unless the mucus is cleared from the system. If you are a person who experiences sinus infections often, herbal treatments, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy and natural remedies can provide long term relief. Here we take a look at a list of natural remedies that will help in providing relief from the infection and ensure a speedy recovery.
1. Diet: The first step to prevent a sinus infection is to eliminate certain dairy foods from your diet. Mucus forming foods include eggs, flour products, dairy products, sugar, chocolate, fried and processed foods. It is important to drink plenty of water and include whole grain foods like lentils, beans, lightly cooked veggies, cold-pressed oils and soups in your diet.
2. Herbs: To help dissolve and eliminate mucus, include garlic, cayenne pepper, horseradish and onions in your soups and meals. A very powerful drainage remedy used to remove mucus from the nasal passage is to take a small spoonful of some crushed horseradish mixed with lemon juice. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy when taking this mixture. You can also try taking Japanese horseradish also called Wasabi paste with your soups and stir fries to provide a quick release of the blocked nasal passages.
3. Apple cider vinegar: This concoction has so many healing benefits for various types of illnesses. In the case for sinus infections, combine 1-2 teaspoons of raw, apple cider vinegar in 6 ounces of water with a teaspoon of raw honey and drink the concoction 3 times a day for a period of 5 days. This will help in thinning the congested mucus so that it can be easily drained.
4. Neti pot: This is a nasal irrigation method used to naturally cleanse, refresh and protect the nasal passage from infections. It simply uses salt and warm water for clearing the sinuses. Take 2 cups of warm water and dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in it. Then pour that mixture into a neti pot and stand over a sink. Place the tip of the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to one side and allow the water to flow and run out through the opposite nostril. You need to be careful not to tilt your head up and or the water will run down your throat. Do the same process for the other nostril with another fresh refill.
5. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): A powerful antibiotic which is used to eliminate viruses, bacteria, microbes and parasites is grapefruit seed extract. It is a citrus extract which is used as a nasal spray for sinus infections.
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