Category Archives: Natural Treatments

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?

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 & Sinus Rinses

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Nasal irrigation and sinus rinses are something a lot of people don’t really know even exist – let alone could greatly help prevent them from getting sinus infections and without surgery.

Basically, all it does is help rinse out your sinus cavaties from mucous that gets trapped and causes all of your congestion and becomes a happy breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Once the mucous is cleared it is much easier for you to breathe and it becomes much less likely for you to get an infection.

There are a number of sinus rinse kits available at your local drug store or of course you can also choose from a wider selection and order one online.

Most people who are new to these types of things immediately have two questions: Are sinus rinses safe? Is nasal irrigation dangerous?

When done properly, there is not any unusual or major risk for danger. If done improperly, you may get some of the water stuck in your ear, and then you need to get that water out of your ear – leaving the water in your ear would obviously cause bigger problems.

You have to put whether or not it is dangerous into perspective. Riding in a car, a box made of metal and glass, at 65 miles per hour around other boxes of metal and glass going at the same speed is probably a lot more dangerous than using a sinus rinse or a neti pot. Yet we do it every single day. Millions of people die in car accidents each year – I have yet to hear of a death caused by a sinus rinse.

There are also a number of dangers associated with taking over the counter medications and even prescription drugs – and yet, most people don’t even think twice before popping a few pills in the hopes that they’ll solve the problem. So if you’re afraid of putting a little water in your nose and the risk you think outweighs the benefits, then by all means don’t do it. But, if you’re like millions of people who get in a car everyday or take medications, then you really need to think about this in perspective!

Now, there are a lot of things you need to know about sinus rinses and nasal irrigation systems before you get started, because there are a lot of things to consider.

The first thing to think about is the way you plan on rinsing out your nose. There are a number of kits, pots, gadgets, and more to help you put water through your nose. (Aren’t we so lucky?) Here’s a little overview of the different types and kinds:

The Traditional Neti Pot: The first type of system to use is the Neti Pot, which is basically just a pretty little pot, it kind of looks like a cross between a watering can and a gravy boat. Some people love this ancient method because it is simple – you fill the pot with your rinse, lean over a sink, and pour it through your nose. Others find it’s hard to control their breathing to ensure that the water goes up the right way. See all neti pots and read reviews.

Sinus Rinse Kits: These kits typically consist of a saline based solution in something that looks very similar to a nasal spray canister. Some believe this is slightly easier to use than a Neti pot, because basically you use it straight out of the bottle. Most kits range in price between $12-$27 in this range for a single use. See More Sinus Rinse Kits & Read Reviews

The Nasal Irrigation System: Technology has made it possible to use systems which regulate how much and how fast water goes through your nose. Many people find that this is a lot easier and more foolproof – basically you just place the wand up to your nose, press a button, wait about 15 seconds and you’re done. (Of course it’s a little more involved than that, but that’s the basics) This is the most expensive of options, ranging from $27 to $110. However, if you are someone with chronic allergies or sinus congestion and find that this is a comfortable solution for you, then this may be one of the better choices for you to use. See All Nasal Irrigation Systems & Read Reviews

The next important factor is what type of rinse will you use? Some swear by just plain water, others mix water with saline, others use premixed solutions such as the Himalayan Institute Neti Wash Plus. It’s all a matter of personal preference. Everybody likes different things, so it’s really hard to say this one or that one is the best. For most, it’s a matter of experimentation to decide which one they like and find the most effective.

Here’s my advice: If you haven’t tried using a nasal rinse or sinus irrigation system before, you might as well try it and decide for yourself if you should do it on a regular basis or not. You just might be surprised and find out that it works! And if it keeps you out of the doctor’s office, getting yet another prescription, and spending money on expensive over the counter drugs, you may find it’s well worth it, no matter how strange it may seem.

Olive Oil for Sinus Infection Problems

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oliveoilA natural remedy that some have tried included using olive oil for sinus infection problems. There are two different ways of using olive oil for your sinus problems, both of which we’ll outline below.

Olive oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. Commonly grown in the Mediterranean, olive oil and olives is a huge industry and contributes as a major export for many of the countries located there. Olive oil is made by first harvesting the olives from the tree and then ground into a paste. This paste is then put under pressure which separates the oil from water. The oil is then bottled.

Olive oil is known for many health benefits, especially in regards to it being high in antioxidants as well as its content of monounsaturated fatty acids. Many people recommend it for better health and being used to substitute other fats and oils in the diet, especially because it can help with cholesterol levels in some individuals. Other claims of health benefits and healing properties include colon cancer prevention, better resistance to infection, warding off infections, moisturizing properties, inflammation, arthritis, improved memory, and many others. Warmed olive oil is sometimes used as drops for ear pain (though it will not resolve an ear infection on its own and should never be used if there is drainage from the ears)

If you are using olive oil for sinus problems, there are two things you can try:

Mixing Olive Oil With Essential Oils/Herbs

There are a number of essential oils and herbs that can be mixed with olive oil that can help alleviate sinus pain and pressure. As most herbs and natural remedies are not FDA approved, it’s important to know that there is no research on how well they work and in some cases they may present side effects – so always research carefully and/or consult with your physician before trying these remedies.

Some of the popular herbs to be mixed with olive oil are these:

Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Tea Tree Oil

In general, you should only mix very small amounts and then using a cotton swab gently apply it to the inside of your nose. Be careful not to insert the cotton swab in too far. Too much of the herbs will likely cause burning!

Massage With Olive Oil

Some believe that applying olive oil (with or without herbs) to your skin where your sinuses are located can help with draining them better. This is easy to do as well, you simply need to take about a teaspoon or two of olive oil and gently massage into your face where your sinuses are located – which includes your upper cheekbone, the sides of your nose, between your nose, and your forehead. (Basically wherever you are feeling the sinus pressure!) If you have sensitive skin however you may want to do this one with caution, as it could cause the skin to be more oily and result in breakouts or potentially cause irritation if you are using different herbs or essential oils.

With the ease of these remedies and the wide availability of olive oil, this is a very simple remedy to try.

For more natural remedies in curing sinus infections and problems, you’ll also want to read the guide Natural Sinus Remedies That Work.

Mangosteen for Sinus Problems

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mangosteenAnother popular natural remedy is using the herb Mangosteen for sinus problems.  When so many people suffer from chronic problems and traditional medications and nasal sprays seem to no longer be effective or cause conditions to seem as if they worsen, trying a natural herbal remedy for some is very appealing.

Mangosteen is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the Sunda Islands and Indonesia. The plant produces a purple and green colored fruit which is pictured above. (photo credit) This fruit is high in antioxidants and is believed to help boost the immune system making your body less likely to catch colds and illnesses which could result in sinus infections.

There are a multitude of ways to enjoy and use Mangosteen for treating sinus problems. The most effective thing to do is to enjoy the fruit either in its natural state or drinking it as a juice since all of its natural properties remain intact this way. However, depending on where you live it can be difficult to get this, especially because the plant requires tropical conditions to grow. (For example it would not survive well if grown in Canada and most parts of the United States, Europe, and Russia)

You can also often find many juices made from concentrate or in powdered form available to buy online. This is a much easier option to consider as you can then enjoy the juice regardless of your location or the availability of imported tropical fruits.

More recently, Mangosteen has also been sold in tablet and soft gel form to take as a dietary supplement. For some this is a better solution, especially if they do not like the taste of the fruit or the juice and it is also more economical for shipping since tablets and capsules do not weigh the same as liquid juices do. However it is important to realize that it is very difficult to keep the natural properties intact when turning it into a dietary supplement so in most cases finding it in its most purest form is the best.

There are a few precautions to consider when eating or drinking Mangosteen, and that is to remember that doing anything in excess is typically not good for you. Use any products you purchase as directed and remember that in the case of a severe sinus infection you should always seek the advice of a qualified professional. Drinking Mangosteen is not going to cause instant relief or results, though it may be helpful as a preventative measure for some who chronically suffer from sinus problems.

Where Can I Get Mangosteen?

If you’d like to try it, there a number of things you can try and do. If you want to try the 100% Juice, not from concentrate, we found the best price for it to be at Amazon.com – Click Here for 100% Pure Undiluted Juice ~ 30,000 mg Pure Fruit Pulp Per Serving!

You can also try the supplements, also available from Amazon.com. See All Mangosteen Products at Amazon

Sinus Pressure Points and Massage

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Sinus Pressure Points are the places in your face and forehead where you can massage them in the hopes of helping relieve pressure and loosen blockages which are causing your problems and how infections begin developing. If you’ve been exposed to an environment that has a lot of common allergy triggers (pet hair, smoke, dust, etc.) it is believed that this can also help relieve congestion so you don’t get sick. While it won’t treat a sinus infection from happening entirely, it can help with prevention or with dealing with congestion after being exposed to common allergy irritants.

Using sinus pressure points for massage is something that comes of the practice of Shiatsu, an ancient Japanese holistic therapy using pressure points in the body. To relieve sinus pressure, most of these pressure points are located in the face area.

In general, it helps if you have some experience and background in doing pressure point therapy and Shiatsu, because without knowing what you are doing at best you will not see any results and at worst you may actually end up hurting yourself or someone else if you’re not careful. (While you want to apply firm pressure, you certainly would not want to apply enough pressure to break someone’s nose for example!) You can always check your local area to see if there are any locally available Shiatsu practitioners who could either teach you to do it yourself for the first time or allow you to watch a demonstration to have a better understanding of how to do it properly. However, there are some basic things you can try at home on your own without really any experience.

The sinus pressure points are basically all located where your sinuses are. Remember, your sinuses are not really anything more than empty space (a cavity) between the bones and tissues in your face and behind the eyes.

Your upper cheek bone is where you generally have two sinus cavities, right below the eyes and to the side of the nose. Here you can take your index finger and gently massage this area moving your fingers in a circular motion while apply a small amount of pressure.

The other thing you can do is to massage the area directly between your eyes and nose, though you will want to exercise care to not apply too much pressure. You can then massage your forehead, again using your fingers in a circular motion right above and between the eyebrows.

Below is a video of a Shiatsu specialist explaining some of the things you can do at home to help alleviate sinus pressure and promote drainage:

Again, this should not be done as a sole treatment if an infection is present, but it can help you alleviate sinus pressure after consulting with your doctor or as a preventive measurement to take when you have been exposed to trigger environments that cause your sinus problems top worsen.

If you want to learn more about pressure point therapy or Shiatsu, I definitely recommend finding someone locally near you who can teach you more about it, since this is the best way to learn the art of acupressure. Now that you know the sinus pressure points, you’ll be able to give yourself or a friend a massage anytime they need one!