Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion

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I’ve decided to create this page to list most of our home remedies for sinus congestion on our website. Homemade remedies are always a great thing because they are typically inexpensive and easy to try – and since the majority of sinus infections are not caused by bacteria (see why antibiotics don’t work for sinus infection), then you pretty much are stuck with only using the natural and more holistic/homeopathic approaches to getting rid of that stuffy and runny nose.

So, as I add new ideas and treatments for treating sinus infections at home, I am going to keep them here.  Here are some ideas to try:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar, also known as the “cure all to everything” can sometimes help clear congestion – many people use it as an alternative to cough syrup. The best thing to do is mix a tablespoon of it a cup of water and gulp it straight up, but since that’s tough, then you might want to try mixing it with a little honey to sweeten it. (Bee Pollen and Raw Honey supposedly has some help with allergies, too). You can find it at most grocery stores from anywhere from $1 to $4 if you want to go for the organic version.

Hot Water Compresses and Steam: Sinus pressure and pain is due to mucous blockage. When you apply warm compresses or inhale steam it can be quite helpful in causing it to loosen and drain. It can also be soothing as well. Just be careful not to burn yourself!

Nasal Irrigation: While it might sound funny to pour water through your nose, it’s actually quite easy to do and can help clear out the sinuses quite well. Most Ear, Nose, Throat Doctors recommend it and you can choose from $8 neti pots to more expensive pulsating systems for a more thorough rinse. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections or persistent allergies, it’s a must. Learn More About Nasal Irrigation Here.

Saline Solution: You can make your own homeopathic nasal spray solution by mixing water and table salt together to loosen mucous and congestion. It can be used with nasal irrigation systems or just as a nasal spray.

Avoid Dairy Products: When you are congested, dairy products can make it all the much more worse because it causes mucous to thicken. My children have not had a single ear or sinus infection since removing milk from their diet! (They do get the occasional cold, but no longer does it escalate to the infection)

Here are some other resources on our site you might find useful:

If you have any home remedies for sinus congestion you find useful, please feel free to share it with us here – we’d love to hear what worked for you and include it on our site!

Please remember this site does not replace professional medical advice – if you think you should see a doctor, you probably should! Getting a professional diagnosis can help you make sure there are no serious problems that could be present.

Nasal Irrigation to Prevent Sinus Infections

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Nasal irrigation is becoming increasingly more and more popular as Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists have begun recommending it to their patients as a way to prevent and treat recurring sinus infections. If you suffer from sinus infection after sinus infection, learning about nasal irrigation and choosing the right system for you may greatly help relieve the pressure and pain so you can get back to enjoying your life again. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and in just three minutes you may feel better than you’ve felt in a long time!

First things first: What is Nasal Irrigation?

Many doctors compare it to brushing your teeth. Just like you brush your teeth on a regular basis, more and more doctors are believing it is helpful to rinse out your nasal passages on a regular basis. Nasal irrigation is basically running water through your nasal cavities in order to help loosen congestion and to prevent blockages that cause sinus infections.

How Do I Do It?

It’s not painful to rinse out your sinuses, but it may seem a bit awkward or strange at first. Most of us are not too keen on having water up our nose, but it usually only lasts for about 30 seconds or so when done properly with the right type of system. Depending on which method you decide to use, it generally consists of using a water or saline solution and either tipping back your head a bit and letting the water run through your nose. It feels funny at first, but it’s not painful and you’ll get used to it after the first few times. When you can breathe afterward for the first time in what seems like ages, you’ll be glad you tried it!

What type of nasal irrigation system is best?

There is no one size fits all answer to the best nasal irrigation system, as everyone will likely have their own personal preferences.  The different systems range from very simple and cost effective (less than what you may pay for over the counter medications!) to more advanced systems. We will go over the most common types below to give you an idea of what options are available to you for you to try to help you find sinus relief fast!

Nasaline Nasal Irrigator: This is one of the most afforadable and easy to use systems out there. At around only $11, it is less expensive than most over the counter decongestants, so if you’re on the fence about whether or not to try nasal irrigation, this is a low cost solution to use to get started. It’s practical, highly reviewed (over 44 5-star reviews!), and simple. Another nice advantage is that you can control how much water goes through, which can be hard to manage with some other systems. The manufacturer recommends that you use Nasaline Salt Packets for convenient measuring and mixing, but you can also make your own saline solution as well. Even if you decide to go with a more advanced system in the long run, these are still great to have in addition if you travel frequently and don’t want to lug a machine around. Click Here to Learn More and Order.

The Neti Pot: The Neti Pot is the original method used for rinsing out the sinuses. Basically, you use a specially designed pot and fill it with water or saline solution, tilt your head back, and allow it to flow through. It takes a bit of practice, but some people still prefer this simple and tried and true way the best. Be prepared to dump water all over yourself the first time, but after some practice it will all get much easier! We recommend going with the best, which is the Himalayan Institute Original Neti Pot. It only costs $8 and is available in ceramic or plastic, so definitely a very low cost solution to consider that works. They’re the ones who first introduced sinus rinsing, so it’s a good place to start.

SinuPulse Pulsating Irrigation System: For those with severe allergies or sinus congestion, another good option to look into is a pulsating nasal irrigation system. While it is certainly more complex than using a neti pot and does come with a higher price of $79 retail, the relief it gives is money well spent compared to the dollars you’ve likely wasted on medications, doctor visits, and time off work. Because it is motorized, it is actually very easy to use and delivers pulsating water to help clear the nasal passages. With over 62 5-star reviews, it is one to look into. Click Here for the SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System

Sanvic Family Nasal Irrigation System: It is likely that in your household is not just one allergy sufferer but many. Most machines only come with one tip and no place to really store it, but the Sanvic family model comes with three additional tips, which is handy even if you don’t intend on using the machine for other members of your household. They are also the only machine we are aware of that has a tip available to order separately for children aged 4-10. It gives three different settings for water flow and while more expensive, does have some nice features for those with children who need it or will be sharing with a spouse or other family member. While it is pricier, it is still less expensive than buying two machines for one household. Learn More About the Sanvic Pulsatle Nasal/Sinus Irrigator

Choosing the right nasal irrigation system for you is a personal choice, whether you choose the easy but simple methods such as using a neti pot, or invest in a pulsating system instead. Many people choose to use both, especially those who travel frequently and want something effective for at home but something convenient while away. No matter which one you decide on, you’ll likely be amazed at the results you see and feel in your health – and be thankful the days of waiting at the doctors office with sinus congestion are gone.

Remember to check with your doctor prior to using a nasal irrigation system or sinus rinse. If congestion is severe, you should wait until it lessens first and then use it as a preventative measure.

How To Get Rid of an Earache

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Ear pain is no fun, and so if you find yourself with an ear ache you may be wondering what you can do to get rid of it.

While ear aches and ear infections are most common amongst children because the passages in their respiratory system are smaller and thus more likely to become blocked, nearly anyone can find themselves with pain.

The first thing to do is to ask yourself what may be causing the pain. If you swim a lot for example, you may be suffering from Swimmer’s Ear, which is an infection caused by trapped water in the ears. If you have had a sinus infection or the usual common cold and flu symptoms, then that may also be contributing to your ear pain, as it could signal that your earache is caused by an infection.

It is important that if you are experiencing any pain, especially if accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, or other unexplained symptoms that you see a doctor. The only way you will be able to permanently stop it from hurting is to determine the cause and then fix the problem that is causing it. Letting it go or ignoring it could cause your problems to become much, much worse, or even damage your hearing, so it’s a good idea to not wait.

After you’ve seen the doctor and treatment has been discussed, there are a few options you can do to help relieve the pain.

Pain Relievers: There are a number of over the counter pain relievers that by now I am sure most people are familiar with, such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. While these will help relieve the aching temporarily, they are not to be used for long term use, since both types of pain relievers can cause problems when used for an extended period of time. Never give children aspirin either, as this can also cause severe health problems.

Over the Counter Drops: Visit any pharmacy or drug store and most likely you will be able to find some over the counter drops you can try to see if they help relieve your pain. While these offer some relief, again they cannot replace an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a medical doctor, especially if there is an infection that requires a prescription medication. Sweet oil, usually made from olive oil or almond oil can often help with pain and ear infections, but do so only after you have seen a doctor, since they can make it difficult for the doctor to see the ear drum.

Blow on Your Pillow: When I was younger, something my Dad would do anytime we had an ear infection was to have us blow on our pillow so it would be nice and warm and then lay our ear down on it. This isn’t a fix that lasts a long time, but it can help when you’ve already taken a pain killer medicine and are struggling to fall asleep.

Warm Towel: A towel run under hot water and then held up next to your ear can also sometimes help, especially if earwax is a problem for you, since this can help loosen it.

Relieve Sinus Pressure: Doing any of our home remedies for sinus infection can also be helpful if you think the pain is related to sinus congestion.

EFT, Shiatsu, and More: There are also a number of homeopathic methods that can sometimes work for relieving pain in the body, though it is hard to prove their scientific basis. However, these things can work, and so that may be another option to consider.

Avoid Dairy: For small children especially, recurring ear infections and ear pain can often be a result of eating dairy foods which cause mucous to thicken and the tube in their ear to become blocked or clogged.

If you suffer from ear pain and are looking for ways to get rid of ear infections for good, make sure you talk with your doctor about all of your concerns. You may also be interested in our article Could sinus problems Cause Hearing Loss?

Deviated Septum & Sinus Surgery

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Deviated septum surgery and sinus surgery are two options that many people with chronic sinus infections often face after they’ve tried everything else with their doctors with no success. However, most patients often are concerned about whether it is really the last available option for them or if it is really necessary. Those concerned about the benefits, the risks, and whether it will even actually work all have valid concerns.

There are many different types of sinus surgery, and if you’re wondering what endoscopic sinus surgery and sphenoid sinus surgery even mean, or are concerned about what the possible complications of sinus surgery could be, there’s likely good news for you: You probably don’t really need surgery.

If sinus problems are caused by a tumor, or growth, then in those special circumstances surgery is likely unavoidable. But if you’re someone who is just battling chronic sinus infections that never seem to go away, there are plenty of homeopathic things you can that will make the problems disappear for good – without needing surgery at all!

While it is true having narrow nasal passages may make it more difficult for mucous to drain – have you thought to wonder what is causing all of that mucous? For some it can be an unlucky case of a viral or yeast infection – but for others it is often due to undiagnosed allergies. Sometimes it can be a dust mite allergy, pet dander allergy – or sometimes it can be due to the foods you eat.

My children frequently suffered from sinus and ear infections. Anytime they had a cold, it seemed like it never really ever went away. Over and over again we went to the doctors, were prescribed antibiotics, and I was stuck with sick crabby kids, which is never fun for me or them!

Then I learned about two simple diet changes, and they have made an enormous difference – Since removing two foods from their diets, my kids have not had a single ear or sinus infection since

So, you’re probably wondering what these foods are, right? You’ll likely be sad when I tell you what they are: Milk and Gluten containing grains.

Milk you’re probably familiar with – you know, all those yummy things like cheese and ice cream. Gluten you may not have heard of before, it is actually a protein found in the grains wheat, barley, and rye.

Now, most people think I am crazy when I tell them to try going without these foods. (My own husband included) – but it does make a drastic difference when you stop if you are sensitive to them and they could be causing your sinus issues. Since most people eat either milk, wheat, or usually both at least once a day, if not multiple times a day – most people never really realize that it may be the actual trigger behind all of their problems.

You can ask your doctor to test you for these things prior to giving them up if you like (but not after you stop eating them, as tests will no longer be as accurate). Not all testing is accurate however, especially because there is not always a way to measure intolerance. Gluten should be avoided for at least 60 days in order to tell if it makes a difference, because it takes the body much longer to process and heal from it. Milk however does not take nearly as long – most people can tell just after a week or so without milk and then adding it back into their diet to see if it makes a difference.

It can be tough at first however, you need be very diligent in reading labels. But, once you do realize that this really might be the cause to a lot of your health problems, it becomes much easier to find things you can eat – and avoiding the foods that make you sick is well worth it. I don’t really miss cheese or wheat at all, and there are plenty of other things we can eat that we enjoy just as much.

If you are nervous about your doctor suggesting surgery, and you’re not really sure about what to do, you owe it to yourself to first try every homeopathic and natural remedy available out there first before going through the pain, not to mention the expense and the cost of sinus surgery.

I strongly recommend giving up wheat and milk, as well as regularly rinsing your sinuses. You can also learn many different and often more effect treatments instead of surgical procedures in the book Natural Sinus Remedies That Work.

Sinus Headache Symptoms & Treatment

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Sinus headache symptoms are typically pretty uncomfortable and finding a good treatment for sinus headache relief can sometimes be difficult.

Do you know the symptoms of a sinus headache? Here are some of the ones to look out for:

Pain in the front of the face, around the nose, and/or cheek bones
Nasal Discharge
Nasal Congestion
Fever
Face Swelling

It can be difficult to know for sure if your headaches are caused by sinus problems or another cause. If your headaches are frequent and severe, or accompanied by nausea, then you should consult with your doctor because pain could be caused by a more serious condition, such as a tumor or other concern. If headaches are chronic and persistent, and your doctor has already outruled the possibility of an infection, or it has not responded to antibiotics, a doctor may decide to do a CAT scan to ensure there are not any other serious underlying problems.

In the case of most infections, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections. However, before accepting this as a treatment it is VERY important that you request your doctor ensure that the infection is actually due to bacteria. Many people are shocked to find out that the congestion they are experiencing may actually be from allergies or yeast or a viral infection. In these cases, antibiotics will usually only make it worse, since they only dry up the mucous – not get rid of the actual cause!

For bacterial infections, it is best to consult with a doctor, but since most conditions are not actually caused by bacteria (your doctor can verify this) – then you may instead want to try some natural treatment options instead of reaching over for the usual over the counter medications and their side effects.

Natural Remedies Here: I have been getting some great feedback on the different remedies found in the book Natural Sinus Remedies That Work so while I wouldn’t feel right sharing them all here, you can check it out for yourself to see if any of those options work for you.

Warm & Hot Compress: Taking a washcloth and running it under hot water can often help relieve some of the pressure related to sinus headaches. I typically will do this for 10-20 minutes at a time, making sure the cloth stays warm.

Steam: A hot shower, or sometimes holding your head above a steamy cup of water can sometimes also help. Be sure that you are careful with boiling water – steam CAN burn you if you are not watchful!

Eat Warm Foods: A warm bowl of soup (such as a broth with vegetables) can really help with sinus headaches also.

Honey: Some have said a warm cup of tea with a big heaping spoonful of real, raw, unprocessed honey can sometimes help or prevent them when sinus headaches are due to allergies. However, this is not tested or proven.

As always, it is never a bad idea to consult with a professional – ideally one who specializes in holistic healing so you are not unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics that would not be helpful in alleviating your sinus headache symptoms.

Lactose, Casein, and Dairy Allergy/Intolerance and Sinus Problems

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milkIf you suffer from chronic sinus problems and infections, you may want to also consider whether or not dairy foods may be causing your suffering. You may have a milk allergy or be intolerant of lactose or casein and not even realize it!

Just as we wrote about gluten intolerance being a common underlying cause of sinus problems, milk can also be a trigger for many people. Why this is has not been researched enough, but there are many different theories.

Some believe that when you have an intolerance to dairy foods you develop what is called a “leaky gut”, which can cause toxins to permeate the intestines and be absorbed into the blood stream. Others suggest that the body constantly fighting foods you are eating can greatly weaken the immune system, making you more likely to catch viruses and colds that can result in chronic sinus infections.

It’s important to understand exactly what types of sensitivities exist to dairy and milk based products. A milk allergy typically results in very obvious effects, and may include hives, rash, difficulty breathing, as well as congestion or stomach cramps. Lactose intolerance is when you cannot digest the lactose found in milk and other dairy foods, which can result in what’s called a “leaky gut” or other stomach problems.  Casein is a protein found in milk, and while it’s thought to be rare, many people if tested are surprised to find their body may be producing antibodies against this protein.

Diagnosing a milk allergy or intolerance is easier than many other foods. A true allergy can easily be tested with a skin test by your doctor. Blood tests can sometimes reveal antibodies being produced against casein as well. For others, following an elimination diet of no dairy foods for two weeks and then drinking a small glass of milk can sometimes be all you need to do to know whether you may need to restrict milk from your diet.

Many chronic sinus sufferers have reported that by cutting out dairy foods their problems have significantly improved, and some have even found they go away all together. Why this is still needs more scientific based research, but if it works and it helps, it is certainly worth researching further.

If you’ve suffered nonstop from chronic congestion, even after trying many of the natural sinus cures discussed on this site, then doing a trial elimination diet is the way to go. You will need to not only stop eating all obvious sources of dairy, such as milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese, but you’ll also need to be very careful about foods that contain dairy. A bag of cheese flavored potato chips or even your favorite salad dressing may have dairy lurking in it.

After you successfully go two weeks with no dairy, you’ll want to consume a very small glass of milk. (Or heck, if this is the last time you have dairy, why not  go all out and have some ice cream?) Having a small amount is important, because after two weeks if you are intolerant of it your symptoms may be severe by just that small amount. If you notice also after those two weeks that you see an improvement in your sinuses and have not tried anything else new, it is also likely that dairy foods could play a role in your constant suffering.

Eliminating dairy from your diet is not guaranteed to work or cure any disease, and if you need medical attention you should certainly talk to your doctor. If everything else you’ve tried has been unsuccessful, talking to your doctor about dairy intolerance may be a step in the right direction in finding the reason why you are feeling sick all of the time.

How to Get Rid of Dust Mites

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dust-mite-clean-upMany people are allergic to dust mites, which is why learning how to get rid of dust mites can greatly help with your allergies and in turn improve your nasal and sinus problems.

First, it’s important to know what a dust mite is. While many people think a dust mite is a particle of dust, it’s actually a living organism – a microscopic bug, closely related to spiders, as they also have 8 legs. Gross as it seems, they eat dead skin cells – and they love living in mattresses, stuffed animals, pillows, carpeting, and more. Your bed especially is a favorite place for them, since most of us spend at least 6 hours there a day. This for many people can cause a lot of problems, especially when they lay down to fall asleep only to find they are coughing and sneezing too much.

Getting rid of dust mites is no easy task – even if your home is spotless you may still have problems because of them! Unfortunately, dust is impossible to keep out of your house completely – and even if your home isn’t infested with them, there’s still a chance that there are enough to cause some allergy problems, especially because they can hide in places you can’t even see or regularly clean, such as inside a mattress or an air duct for your heater or air conditioner.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to kill dust mites, as well as minimize your exposure to them.

Wash Bedding in HOT Water: Having your water thermostat set around 130 degrees (provided it would not be a safety hazard) and washing all bedding, stuffed, animals, drapery, and others in hot water at least once a week will help kill dust mites that are thriving in these areas. While it will not likely kill all of them, it can help.

Protect Your Mattress: Your Mattress is like a tropical resort with a full buffet to these bugs. If you can, a latex mattress may be one solution (though some people do have sensitivity to latex) – you can also cover your bed with a hypoallergenic dust cover that can be washed regularly and help minimize the amount of dust mites you are exposed to.

Wipe Dust Off With Water: When something is dusty, you should wipe it off with hot water and a paper towel. This makes it much easier to clean, and also makes sure you’re not just dusting the dust mites somewhere else temporarily.

Switch to Hardwood Floors: Carpeting definitely has many advantages, especially if you have kids who drop things and often fall and trip constantly. But if you do not have kids, or you feel that the dust mite allergy is a bigger threat than any benefit carpet would have, switching to hardwood flooring can definitely help with allergies as long as you clean it frequently. If you do have carpet, you should steam clean it once a week.

Consider Some Cleaners: You have to be really careful about cleaning things and what cleaning products you use. Nobody wants to use cleaners that are loaded with toxins, especially if the goal is to have a healthier environment for you. There are however, some 100% natural solutions you can try, such as Kleen Free Naturally, a cleaning solution that uses all natural enzymes to get rid of bugs and other dirt.

Change Your Air Filters: Your furnace, your vacuum, maybe even a dehumidifier or air purifier all come with filters – and these filters are designed to help trap all these microscopic organisms that cause us allergy problems. But if you don’t change and replace them frequently, guess what? You’re just spreading it around more!

Now that you know how to get rid of dust mites, you’ll be able to prevent much of the allergic reaction you may experience because of them. Sinus and nasal problems can be often aggravated by dust mites. If you do all these things and still have sinus problems, then you may also want to check out some Natural Remedies for Sinus Problems.

Could Gluten Intolerance Cause Sinus Problems?

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gluten-sinusOne very interesting thing to consider if you have chronic sinus problems is a possible intolerance to foods that contain wheat, rye, and barely, also know as gluten intolerance. Wheat, rye, and barley all contain a substance called gluten which can cause a wide range of different symptoms in many people who cannot digest it properly.  Because the body cannot digest gluten properly, it often leads to other essential nutrients to not being absorbed which can result in many other health problems.

Often times, the symptoms of gluten intolerance are instead diagnosed as separate conditions and many doctors do not make a link between having a sensitivity to gluten versus individual conditions such as chronic sinus problems, digestive problems, or rashes. One of the biggest downfalls in modern medicine is doctors do not typically look at the whole patient, but only the part of the body that is having symptoms or problems.

While not everyone is gluten intolerant or have what is known as Celiac disease, millions of people go undiagnosed for years, often not realizing they have had symptoms all along.

Gluten intolerance comes in a wide variety of forms, from people who simply cannot digest it and therefore have many common problems arising from it – others have what is known as Celiac disease, in which parts of the intestines are actually damaged from consuming foods that contain gluten.

A gluten free diet for sinus problems can often help many people, but it is not easy to follow. Unfortunately, for this reason many people do not ever bother to even try it, because it seems too hard to give up wheat and related foods. The instant reaction is what? No bread? No cookies? No cake? This is where many people go wrong because they may not be having severe problems – and so can’t justify trying a life without gluten.

Others may try a gluten free diet and not see any results. Unfortunately, this does not always mean you are not gluten insensitive either – you could have further allergies to foods such as milk – or you could potentially have consumed many foods that do contain hidden gluten or have been contaminated by gluten. It also takes anywhere from several weeks to several months of going purely gluten free to truly know for sure whether or not it may be what is causing you problems – and many people simply give up only to continue suffering with their chronic symptoms over and over again.

Determining whether you have gluten intolerance is not easy to do either, as many tests are either often false or very invasive and not done by doctors unless a serious need is present. Someone also needs to eat a lot of gluten for most tests to show any signs of gluten intolerance – so if you cut out bread already before getting tested the result could be a false negative test.

If you suspect that gluten is part of the problem for your health and diet, then you need to consider if you have any of these other symptoms in conjunction with chronic sinus problems:

Digestive problems, including but not limited to abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea and constipation

Skin Rashes: Many skin problems are also common, ranging from mild to severe acne to more serious problems such as recurring red, itchy rashes, boils and cysts, psoriasis, or eczema.

Other Symptoms: Other things that may indicate a gluten intolerance include recurring yeast infections, headaches, mental “fog”, depression, vitamin deficiencies, failure to lose/gain weight even with proper nutrition and exercise and others.

Fortunately, if you have a gluten intolerance, you simply need to avoid gluten. While it can be tough to do initially, it is actually not nearly that difficult, especially as more and more people are becoming aware of gluten intolerance and just how many millions of people are effected by it. Fortunately, there are many gluten free recipes to help you get started.

Taking charge of your health and getting rid of sinus problems for good is a daunting task, but it is important to do. If you want to get control of your life back, and you have already tried most natural sinus remedies without seeing results or have a combination of the symptoms listed above of gluten intolerance, it may be time to consider making the lifestyle change to be gluten free. Finding a caring and diligent health professional can help you determine whether or not gluten free living is right for you – many people, even those who do not have Celiac disease, have seen dramatic improvement from eliminating gluten from their diet. (Myself included)

Homeopathic Nasal Spray: How to Make Your Own Saline Solution

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Many people have come to find that making their own homeopathic nasal spray can greatly help in reducing costs in relieving cold and flu symptoms as well as be just as equally if not more beneficial than those available commercially to buy. While it might seem like it would be hard to learn how to make your own saline solution for a homemade nasal spray, it’s actually quite easy. The ingredients are all common household ones (assuming you have salt and water!) and it can really help reduce the cost of expensive sprays and solutions.

The safest nasal spray for all people to use is one that comprises of saline, a mixture of salt and water. It is safe for all ages and all people – even those who are nursing, pregnant, have heart conditions, or taking other medications.

You may also occasionally find a recipe for nasal sprays which may contain other ingredients such as Capceium, a type of pepper, Eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and many others. While these herbs and spices are typically considered just as equally safe/risky as medicines, it’s important to consider if you have any special needs, allergies, or sensitivities. You should stick to a homemade nasal spray made solely of salt and water if you have any concerns about possible side effects of using other ingredients.

If you have salt and water in your home, you are ready to make your own solution. The mixture of salt and water, called Saline can be either dropped into each nostril a few times, or you can use it in a nasal irrigation system as a sinus rinse.

If you do not want to make your own, there are also a wide variety of commercial homeopathic nasal sprays available. However, be prepared to spend an arm and a leg – some bottles may cost more than $10 each. And to think they only have salt and water in most of them!

The most important thing is making sure you get the right ratio of salt and water in your saline solution – too much salt and it will burn, not enough salt and it will not really help at all. Children and adults can usually use the same amounts, though adults may want to try experimenting by carefully measuring and slowly adding tiny increments of more salt to determine the best ration of ingredients for them.

If you find that you like to use homemade nasal spray, there are also a number of other natural sinus treatments you may want to consider trying. Not only can you help get rid of your sinus problems for good – but it will also save you a lot of money in the long run from having to buy expensive supplies and medications.

Click Here for All Natural Sinus Remedies

How Do I Keep From Getting Sinus Infections?

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Many people ask the question of how do I keep from getting sinus infections – most people do not just get once as a rare occurrence but instead find that they get them frequently – constantly living day to day in a fog and with head congestion that leads to headaches and later possibly even a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.

First, it helps to understand how sinus infections happen. Identifying the causes of sinus infections can greatly help you learn what lifestyle changes as well as what best practices can help in treating them to make sure they go away. For most people a sinus infection occurs when too much mucous gets stuck in the sinus cavities. You sinuses are pretty much just hollow spaces in your head, and so when mucous gets trapped there it can cause a lot of pain and pressure. Although most sinus infections are caused by viruses, sometimes these infections can turn into a bacterial problem, which requires a visit to your doctor for antibiotics before more serious complications occur.

If you’ve been suffering from sinus problems and congestion non stop and it seems like you never get better, there’s a number of things you can do:

1. Use Natural Remedies to treat the Congestion: Most antibiotics actually make sinus infections worse, especially if it is not bacterial in nature. Doctors should do a simple swab of your nose to find out if your infection is caused by a virus or bacteria before prescribing antibiotics. Using antibiotics is only necessary if the infection is indeed bacterial – if it’s not, then the antibiotics only provide temporary relief by drying out your mucous and you’re going to keep getting the same problems over and over again. See Here for the Best Natural Remedies.

2. Eliminate Allergy Triggers: Chronic allergies can also lead to a lot of sinus problems. Many people do not even realize what they are allergic to, especially food allergies that can cause constant runny nose or watery eyes. Seeing an allergist can be a great step in the right direction to determine if you do indeed have allergies that could be putting you at greater risk for sinus infection problems. Making changes so your home is dust free, avoiding foods that you may be allergic to, and others are all steps in the right direction.

3. Use a Nasal Rinse: Many people have found a lot of success with regularly rinsing out their sinuses and nasal passages using a painless procedure that can easily be done at home. This helps prevent too much mucous from being trapped and can often help with preventing infections from recurring over and over again.

4. Boost Your Immunity: Your immune system is what will help prevent you from getting sick and catching every cold or flu virus out there that leads to sinus infections. There are a number of foods that boost your immune system to eat as well as different supplements you can take. Generally you want lots of antioxidants (found in mostly fruits and veggies) as well as many others.

5. Wash Your Hands: Hand washing to a near obsessive compulsive level can be a big help in keeping flu and cold viruses away. You can also use hand sanitizer. You should always wash your hands for about 15-20 seconds especially after using the restroom, before preparing food, after cleaning, etc. Getting in the habit of washing your hands at least 6-8 times a day depending on your activities can greatly help reduce the spread of germs that keep making everybody sick.

6. Clean the House: A clean house is also important in keeping germs away. Wash sheets, blankets, get new pillows, wash sinks, tubs, clear away dust, etc. etc. Using an all natural disinfectant spray may or may not help, but it won’t likely hurt.

7. Rule Out Underlying Causes: Let’s say you try all of the natural sinus remedies, are taking supplements to help boost your immunity, eat a really healthy diet, exercise, have a sparkling clean house, and the allergist couldn’t find anything wrong with you but you’re still getting sinus infections…well, then you may have something else causing your problems and you’re going to have to be a bit of a detective to figure out what that is exactly. Most of you will likely feel better after steps 1-3 – but sometimes no matter what you do you can’t seem to figure out the cause. The only thing you can do in this case is to find a doctor who is not just going to prescribe you drugs but actually have several tests done to determine what could be causing your problems.

You don’t have to suffer with sinus problems for the rest of your life – even if it does seem that way. There are things you can do that will start making a difference. What are you waiting for?