Home treatments, such as steam, aromatherapy, saline sprays, and drinking herbal teas are all effective, and natural, ways to combat the discomforts of sinusitis. There is, however, something to be said for the benefits of modern medicine. Pain relievers, antihistamines, and decongestants can all be helpful for stuffy noses and allergy attacks when used correctly.
Homeopathic Remedies for Sinusitis:
If you have a sinus headache, a runny nose or stuffed-up head, consider using one of these homeopathic remedies.
- Aromatherapy Steam Treatments: Steam and aromatherapy are sinus congestion remedies that are very effective when used together. Place a few drops of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or rosemary oil, into a bowl of very hot water to create an aromatherapy bath. Then, place a large cloth, or a towel, over your head, lean over the bowl, and allow the edges of the towel to drape over the edges of the bowl. The cloth holds in the steam, which is saturated with the essential oils. You breathe in the vapors, and inhale the combination of essential oil and steam.
- Saline Spray for Sinus Congestion: Saline spray is effective in the loosening and liquefying of sinus congestion, which can reverse the symptoms of a stuffy nose. Floating the bottle of sinus spray in a bowl of hot water until the temperature evens out will make the sinus spray closer to body temperature. Warm sinus spray, rather than cold, makes the procedure of sinus irrigation more comfortable.
- Herbal Tea for Sinus Headaches and Congestion: Drinking herbal tea offers two sinus congestion remedies in one cup. First, the herbs used in ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea have properties that improve sinus function, and reduce sinus congestion. Secondly, drinking herbal tea, or any other hot beverage, provides a mini steam bath, available at a moment's notice. Just hold the cup up to your nose, and inhale the steam while drinking the tea, for extra relief.
Sinus Headache Medicine
Sinus headache medicine can take many forms, from pain relievers to antihistamines and decongestants. Each has benefits, but most should only be used for a limited time, due to the possibility of dependence, and additional complications.
- Sinus Headache Pain Medicine: Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol, ibuprofen, which is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin, and aspirin. These medicines do not combat the congestion that causes pain and pressure, but they can all be effective as pain relievers. Relief from the pain associated with sinusitis can help you, as a sinus sufferer, to function more effectively, while pursuing sinus congestion remedies that address the underlying problem.
- Antihistamines and Decongestants: Antihistamines work with decongestants to combat both the cause and effect of allergy-related sinusitis. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, antihistamines basically stop the nasal passages from producing more mucus, which prevents future congestion. Decongestants work to get rid of the congestion that already exists. Between the two types of sinus medicine, congestion that causes sinus pain and pressure is reduced.
Sinus Relief at Home
Sinus infections in children or adults can become severe, so don't hesitate to consult a doctor for treatment. Make sure that you read the labels on any medication, so that you won't exceed the maximum dose. This article is not intended as medical advice, consult a physician before attempting to diagnose or treat any illness.
References:
U.S. National Library of Medicine; Sinusitis; Retrieved May 21, 2010.
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Element Books. 1995.
Updated: March, 2011
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
Join the Conversation