4 Natural Methods of Clearing Sinuses

Blocked sinuses can be an irritating and frustrating condition. This can give you a hard time sleeping or eating. It can also lead to headache and the blockage may also reach the ears. There are some prescription medicines that can provide relief, but natural home remedies can be the most effective in clearing sinuses. These natural remedies do not have any side effects and are not habit-forming, which means these can be used as often as necessary.

Four of the natural ways of clearing sinuses at home include the following:

Increase Humidity - most cases of sinus blockage and infection usually occur during the winter months. This is when the heating is on and the windows and doors are closed, thus causing the air inside to become very dry and stagnant. The easiest way to fix this problem is to make sure that there is increased humidity in the room. You can make use of a humidifier that is attached to the furnace to humidify the air in the entire house. If that is not what you need, or not available, you can also use a humidifier that is designed to be used inside the bedroom. Humidifiers are inexpensive and are really helpful in improving humidity in the air. When using a humidifier, make sure to keep the containers clean and the water filled to avoid mold and bacteria buildup. If a humidifier is unavailable, you can boil water and place it in a large pot. The vapor coming from the water is helpful in humidifying air. Another quick fix is to go through a hot shower for at least 20 minutes.

Nasal Irrigation - another way of clearing sinuses is to run sterile water through your nose. You can buy an irrigation bottle or a neti pot from your local drugstore and simply follow the instructions on the label. In case you want something that is more portable, you may opt for a saline nasal spray instead. Nasal irrigation works by clearing the sinus cavity and nasal passages of mucus, thus relieving you from congestion and reducing or eliminating the blockage.

Warm Compress - heat a washcloth or a wet towel and place it over your face, nose and sinuses. This is helpful in clearing sinuses, as it loosens the mucous for easier drainage. You can also purchase a warm compress bag that can be heated using the microwave.

Menthol or Eucalyptus - both of these essential oils can be used for steam inhalation to relieve sinus and nasal congestion, draining mucus and relieving the pressure. Menthol comes from peppermint and is known to be a natural anesthetic and germicidal. Also, the vapor coming from it is considered a great decongestant. Eucalyptus oil, on the other hand, is a proven effective antiseptic and has natural antibacterial properties.

Each of these natural methods of clearing sinuses can be used alone or combined with another method. Take note that these methods do not pose any health risks, minor or major, which means you can make use of them as often as needed or until the symptoms subside.