7 Alternative Remedies for a Sinus Infection - Sinus Infection

Anyone who's ever had a sinus infection knows the feeling. Runny nose, pressure in the face, sore throat and a hoarse sounding cough are all symptoms of a nasty infection in your sinuses. Relieve the pain and pressure in your sinus cavities using the easy remedies shown below.

Sinus Irrigation - This is number 1! Irrigating your sinuses greatly reduces pain and inflammation in your sinus cavities and helps to reduce the number of sinus infections you will get in the future. Sinus irrigation is done by spraying a mixture of salt water, baking soda and water into your nose to "wash" out all the bacteria and excess mucus floating around in there. You can purchase sinus irrigation kits at any pharmacy and most grocery stores. If for some reason you are unable to purchase a proper kit, you can easily make your own saline by mixing:

1 tsp. Non-Iodized Salt - Such as Sea Salt, Kosher Salt, Picking Salt or Canning Salt

½ tsp. Baking Soda

8 ounces Warm Water

Use a nasal aspirator (like you use on a baby to remove the mucus) and fill it with the saline solution. The place the tip of the nasal aspirator into your nose and squeeze until the solution runs out the other nostril. You can use this method as many times a day as necessary.

Drink Tea - Drinking a nice hot cup of tea is a great way to get those sinuses running clear again! The hot steam helps to thin out the mucus and makes it easier to blow out. Chamomile and Peppermint teas are both excellent during a sinus infection.

Steam - Just like Grandma used to do it. Place a pot of hot water on the stove and allow it to boil until steaming well. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the hot steam. Like the tea, steam helps thin them mucous in your nasal passages and makes it easier to blow out.

Garlic - Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Eat large amounts of it while you have a sinus infection to help break down the bacteria causing your infection.

Echinacea - Taking Echinacea during a sinus infection can help to boost your immune system and fight the infection.