Best natural remedies for sinus infection and nasal congestion that really work

by Kasia O'Reilly

Do you get frequent sinus infections? I suffered from chronic sinusitis for over 2 years.

Being a big believer in natural remedies I researched and tried many natural sinus infection cures and remedies out there. Some were very effective in relieving nasal congestion and some didn’t work for me.

If you are interested in discovering my best natural remedies for sinus infection, just scroll down to that section or continue reading below my story on how I overcame sinusitis.      

My story

It all started from a cold and a runny nose that lingered for much longer than normal. I just couldn’t completely get rid of it. My nose was constantly blocked and as a result I developed blocked ears and post nasal drip. I was waking up every morning with dry mouth and a sore throat.   

The symptoms were worsening over time leading to acute sinusitis with a fever, when I couldn’t breathe through my nose at all, even with a strong decongesting spray and oral medication. Every time a GP prescribed antibiotics they worked only temporarily. After a few weeks my nose got congested again and with time I developed acute sinusitis again requiring antibiotics. It was a vicious circle.

Over 2 years I’d seen 3 ENT specialists who prescribed a number of antibiotics, steroids, nasal sprays and different medications that either didn’t work at all or worked only temporarily and didn’t solve the problem. I had a number of CT scans done and at the end I was hospitalised to pump more antibiotics into my veins and was told that the only option is a sinus surgery that could enhance the sinus drainage. I refused it, trying to exhaust all possible natural options available.  

After the hospital discharge I got a sore tooth. It turned out that there was an internal cist over my upper tooth around which puss was gathering, causing constant blocked nose and frequent sinusitis. The root canal treatment of that tooth was done over 20 years ago and a piece of needle was left in the canal, resulting in a bone infection and infection gathering around it, that all specialists failed to see on the scans.

The night after the tooth removal and bone cleaning surgery I could breathe completely freely for the first time in a long time. So if you struggle with chronic sinus congestion you may want to have your teeth checked.

From many natural remedies for sinus congestion that I tried I found the below ones the most effective.

I just would like to emphasise that I found all the below remedies effective in my particular case however everyone is different and different things may work for different people. Also, if you take special medications, and think that you may be allergic to any of the remedies or ingredients listed below or suffer from any other ailment, it’s always safer to consult a professional herbalist and a health professional before taking a supplement, herbal potion or a homeopathic remedy.

 

Best natural remedies for sinus relief

  • Acupuncture

It worked nearly instantly as I could feel my sinuses draining during the treatment and the decongesting effect lasted for a good few days. 

  • Diatomaceous earth

This white powder is a natural silica-rich detoxifying agent that kills parasites and viruses. Silica also helps eliminate heavy metals, helping to detoxify the body. I noticed a significant improvement after taking it for just 3 days. I bought mine here.
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  • Plantago

I found his herb very effective. I used Plantago tincture by A. Vogel that is available in most health food stores in Ireland.
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  • Natural decongesting and cough syrup

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup raw organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbs of raw honey
Simmer all the ingredients apart from honey for 10 min to allow the healing spices to infuse the mixture. Once cool add raw honey. I was taking 1 tablespoon 3 times per day.
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This syrup is acidic and may cause teeth sensitivity so rinse your mouth with water immediately after taking or drink through a bamboo or steel straw.
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  • Homeopathic remedies

I came across Euphorbium nasal spray and Euphorbium oral drops by Heel brand. They have very good reviews and they worked well for me.
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  • Nasal rinse

Neil med nasal rinse (available in pharmacies) is helpful in keeping the symptoms at bay.

I rinsed my sinus twice per day, in the morning and at night. However I wasn’t using the solution sachets that usually come with the bottle. Instead I was dissolving a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt in water together with a few drops of colloidal silver.
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  • Oil pulling

It’s an ancient Ayurvedic technique of swishing oil in your mouth.

This action helps draw out toxins from the body that accumulate in the oil and help drain the sinus. I used 1 tablespoon of sunflower or coconut oil and swished 3 times per day for 20 min.
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When done in the morning it’s important to do it on an empty stomach to make it most effective. After swishing the oil for 20 min I spit it out, rinse out the mouth and brush my teeth.
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To be most effective it’s best to do it regularly every day at least once per day, ideally in the morning on an empty stomach. 
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  • Salt room therapy

I noticed an improvement after salt room therapy but to be effective regular visits are required.  I did 6 visits in the Cavan Salt Clinic.

  • Face massage

This simple face massage coupled with acupressure helps relive congested sinus and maintain a healthy skin glow.

  • Ginger tea

I found this ginger tea effective in keeping the symptoms at bay and preventing colds more than reliving the congestion. It’s super during the autumn and winter months.

Ingredients
  • ½ thumb size ginger root (grated)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • slice of lemon (optional)
  • mint leaf (optional)
  • 1 tbs raw apple cider vinegar with the mother
  • 1 tsp raw honey
Put all the ingredients apart from the vinegar and honey into a mug and add boiling water. Cover with a saucer and leave steep for a few minutes. When it’s cool enough to drink, add the apple cider vinegar and honey, stir and enjoy. For best results drink it every morning on an empty stomach.  
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This drink is acidic and may cause teeth sensitivity so rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking or drink through a bamboo or steel straw.  

4 comments

  • Very helpful I did have surgery and had packing gauze left in I have been dealing with problems with my sinuses still I have tried everything you have recommended still not much change

    Barbara

  • Your content is very informative and useful.

    Sinofresh

  • Great Job has done your content very help full.
    Ac services in Mumbai

    climatecool

  • Great Job has done your content very help full.
    SinoFresh™ Nasal Spray

    Sinofresh

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