Sinus infections can be very persistent and debilitating. This article discusses some very effective home remedies for the prevention and treatment of sinusitis that I have collected and developed over the years. I use all of these methods regularly and I no longer have sinus problems (nor do I have a cold or flu either!).
Let us start with prevention. One of the best ways to prevent sinus infections is to keep the sinus areas (forehead and cheeks) warm and the mucous membranes moist. It is especially important to keep your forehead and cheeks warm while you sleep. Keeping a warm towel, hat, or scarf over these areas while you sleep can really help. It is also a great treatment if you already have a sinus infection.
Also, using a humidifier in the room where you sleep is a great way to prevent and treat sinus infection. These two suggestions alone can help prevent your problem, but if not, there are many supplements and foods you can take to keep your immune system in top shape to treat and prevent sinus problems.
Using a natural nasal spray with salt and baking soda has helped a lot. The recipe for this home remedy is: ½ cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of baking soda. Be sure to use very clean bottled water or filtered water or you may make the situation worse. Shake the mixture well and put it in a clean nasal spray. It is also a great home remedy for allergies. You can use this nasal spray several times a day; it is surprisingly effective and inexpensive!
Vitamins and Food as Home Remedies to Treat and Prevent Sinus Infections
Vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are excellent remedies for sinus infections and, of course, they also help prevent them. I am sure you know that vitamin C is good, but it is even more important to get some vitamin C from fresh food. A recent study found that natural vitamin C from food has a much greater effect on maintaining the immune system than synthetic vitamin C (almost all the vitamin C you buy as a supplement at the store is synthesized).
Some high C foods to prevent and treat sinus infections are citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons), kiwi fruit, cabbage, broccoli, and berries. Vitamin C is a good natural decongestant and helps to dry out nasal passages inflamed by colds and sinus infections. I eat a whole peeled orange every day during the winter to prevent colds and sinus infections. The white part and the pulp are very good for you, better than orange juice.
Does your vitamin C supplement contain bioflavonoids? This is another type of nutrient that is important for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and restoring your immune system. You can find supplements in your health food store or get them naturally in the white part of citrus fruit as well as in the pulp.
Another very important supplement is vitamin A (not beta-carotene). It helps keep your skin and mucous membranes healthy. Do not take more than 5,000 IU every other day, as high doses of A can cause problems. Be sure to buy a supplement that is derived from a natural source (usually fish oil, synthetic vitamin A is not recommended). Natural vitamin A is found in eggs, dairy products, liver, and some fish.
Do you take a daily mixed carotene supplement from a natural source? Beta-carotene is no longer sufficient. Several other carotenoids (lutein, alpha carotene, lycopene) are as important or more important than beta. Above all, you want to make sure you get the natural versions of these supplements, not the synthetic ones. Recent research shows that synthetic carotenes may not be very useful and may even be bad for you. Just make sure that the label mentions the natural sources of the supplement (such as the fruits of the palm tree). Carrots, yams and colorful fruits and vegetables such as all berries, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, winter squash and tomatoes are rich in carotene.
