For millions of people spring signals the start of pollen and sinus season, and plenty of sniffling, sneezing and infections. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies which may relieve and conquer sinus problems.
Symptoms of sinusitis and sinus infections are similar to common cold symptoms but last longer. If your symptoms last longer than two weeks, you probably have sinusitis. Sinus infections can last from three weeks up to three years if left untreated.
20 Ways to Reduce Sneezing, Runny Nose & Congestion
If you are prone to sinus problems, here are some of the best ways to help reduce sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion and infections this year. Choose those that fit your symptoms.
- Be sure to keep on hand a natural comprehensive formulation for allergy relief. Aller-Aid is a good choice if you suffer from watery, itchy eyes and a runny nose during the change in seasons. Clinical research has shown over 75% of those patients taking medication for allergies will gain great benefit from Aller-Aid without side effects. Aller-Aid is formulated with quercetin, a potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
- If your problem is more of redness, low-grade fever, congestion, fatigue and common symptoms of a sinus infection then Sine-Aid should be your product of choice. The Mayo Clinic did an industry-changing study that proved that 96% of all sinus infection were fungal in nature. Sine-Aid is one of the most comprehensive anti-fungal formulations designed specifically to manage chronic or acute sinus congestion and infection.
- Getting plenty of Vitamin C and using zinc lozenges can help shorten the duration of colds and sinus infections as well as reduce symptoms. Sinus infections often come as a result of lingering colds. If you fight a cold early, you can help stave off a sinus infection. Keep Vitamin C and zinc lozenges on hand so you can take them at the very first hint of a symptom.
- Echinacea often will help get rid of a cold or sinus infection in only a matter of days when taken in quantity. It helps boost the immune system and makes it function better. Take in tincture or capsule form with increased dosages at the onset of illness and decrease after three or four days. Do not take if you have an allergy to ragweed.
- Colloidal Silver can be used to irrigate the sinus cavities and can be taken internally to help fight off infection. To irrigate the sinus cavities thoroughly, use a pump spray or squirt bottle and use a good amount of silver to get in all the sinus passages.
- Using a neti pot helps keep your nasal passages healthy in spite of all the pollution, pollen, dust and other irritants in the air. All you need to use in it is non-iodized salt, preferably sea salt.
- Potassium helps dry up mucus. Potatoes, bananas, and molasses are excellent sources of potassium.
- Drink apple cider vinegar (ACV) throughout the day in large glasses of water. ACV thins mucus.
- Cayenne pepper tincture will help clear the sinuses, and it is also a great overall cold remedy.
- Let a hot shower run onto your forehead and nose and then clear all the mucus from your sinuses. Do this several times a day.
- Oil Pulling, a wonderful remedy from India, often alleviates sinus congestion within about 10-15 minutes.
- Licorice root helps reduce inflammation and stimulates the immune system to fight sinus infections. There are two types of licorice products. Deglycyrrhized (DLG) licorice root is the best choice, and it works wonders for reducing inflammation of the gut too.
- Eucalyptus soothes sore throats. It also has antiseptic properties and can help shrink swollen tissues such as swollen sinus passages.
- Peppermint can help calm mucous membranes. You may drink peppermint tea or steep the peppermint and breathe in the steam. You can also use peppermint in aromatherapy. The scent of peppermint when inhaled helps to ease your breathing.
- Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day.
- Drink warm tea to help dilute mucus.
- Ginger has long been known to relieve and prevent headaches. It is also an anti-inflammatory and can help relieve pain. Take in tincture or capsule form according to directions.
- Locally grown raw honey can act like a natural allergy shot to help your body become accustomed to the local pollens the bees transport from gathering nectar from flowering pollen-producing plants.
- Lemon balm is helpful in fighting off viruses and bacteria. Steep the dried leaves for 10 minutes in hot water. Strain and drink the tea warm. Alternatively, lemon balm tea can be used as a gargle.
- Foods high in antioxidants help to build the immune system and prevent infections in the first place. Some of these foods include blueberries, cherries, artichokes, cranberries, and pomegranates.
These tips should provide some helpful new options for every stage of the cold and allergy season cycle.