Home Remedies and Herbs for Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Sinusitis is a condition that occurs as when there is inflammation in the sinuses. These are the cavities around the cheeks, nose and eyes that allow for airflow. When sinuses become too inflamed it prevents mucous from being able to properly drain. Over time, mucous builds up and creates a sinus blockage. This prevents the body from being able to heal itself from the cause of the sinusitis causes. ¹

There are three general types of sinusitis:

• Acute Sinusitis - symptoms last fewer than 8 weeks
• Chronic Sinusitis - symptoms last longer than 8 weeks
• Recurrent Sinusitis - occurrences of acute sinusitis 3 or more times per year

Although sinusitis is very common, it can be painful and reduce quality of life whether it’s acute, chronic or recurrent.

What Causes Sinusitis / Sinus Infection?

Sinusitis causes most often stem from a infection. The infection is typically viral such as from a cold. But sinusitis causes can also be due to a fungal or bacterial infection. ¹

Less commonly sinusitis causes may also be brought on by growths in the nasal cavity which create sinus blockages. These growths are called nasal polyps. Injury or malformation can also cause a deviated septum which can lead to chronic sinusitis. ²

Chronic sinusitis is also much more common in people who suffer from allergies. Occasionally, dental infections can also lead to inflammation causing sinusitis. Changes in air pressure from reaching high altitudes or from swimming can also cause sinusitis symptoms. ¹

Sinusitis / Sinus Infection Symptoms

Chronic and acute sinusitis symptoms are very similar. Here are some of the most commonly reported sinusitis symptoms: 

• Pressure and dull pain in the sinuses (forehead, temples, cheekbones, nose, and behind the eyes)
• Congestion and difficulty breathing
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• The feeling of fluid in the back of the throat at night or when lying down (postnasal drip)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Toothache
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Sinusitis / Sinus Infection

For severe sinus infections, doctors will typically recommend a course of antibiotic treatment to kill the infection and prevent it from spreading or worsening. However, because sinusitis is very common and not generally a serious medical condition, there are plenty of sinus infection home remedies to try. Here are the top sinusitis natural remedies:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is an effective sinusitis natural remedy because it naturally helps reduce inflammation. Apple cider vinegar can help to clear up the sinuses and allow for mucus to drain.
• Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne peppers can be used as a sinus infection home remedy because it is very spicy to the taste. This spiciness promotes mucous flow and can effectively clear sinuses.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract - Grapefruit seed extract can help clear a sinus infection with its natural antibacterial properties.
• Horseradish - Horseradish is another strong herbal remedy that targets the sinuses and can clear up blocked nasal passages.
• Bromelain - Bromelain can be taken to help reduce sinus inflammation and treat a number of other sinusitis symptoms such as cough and sore throat.
• Garlic - Garlic contains powerful antiviral health benefits that can attack a sinus infection and clear mucous buildup.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/sinusitis 
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20211170
3. https://medlineplus.gov/sinusitis.html