Top 12 Home Remedies For Sinus Infection, Pressure, And Pain

Sinusitis, though rarely a serious condition, can be very uncomfortable to deal with for the stuffiness, post-nasal drip, and the pain it may cause. Thankfully, there are a few effective home remedies for sinusitis that you can apply to get rid of the symptoms and help your recovery.

Allergies or infections are often responsible for causing acute or chronic sinusitis. Although antibiotics and antihistaminesⁱ  A class of medications that help relieve or prevent symptoms of allergies, especially seasonal ones like hay fever. are readily prescribed, not everyone wants to resort to medication as they come with possible side effects. Herbs, teas, spices, and essential oils are alternative herbal remedies to manage the condition. Read on to learn more about these. You can also find a deeper understanding of sinusitis and the answers to some commonly asked questions about this condition in this article.

What Is Sinusitis?

Whether it is acute (lasting for less than four weeks) or chronic (lasting for more than four weeks), sinusitis means an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The skeletal system has air pockets, or sinus cavities lined by mucus membranes, in many places of the body. The facial bones have three pairs of sinuses. Why? Because if your facial bones were solid, your head might be too heavy to hold up!

When these sinuses are dry, they are completely unnoticeable. If, for some reason, they become filled with liquid and bacteria, viruses or fungi, the build up in pressure results in a painful attack of sinusitis (1).

As per a report published by CDC, 28.9 million individuals (11.6%) are diagnosed with sinusitis while 2.7 million individuals visit the physician with chronic sinusitis every year. Further, 234,00 individuals visit the emergency department with chronic sinusitis every year.

All in all, this is a very agonizing and uncomfortable infection that anyone would be glad to get rid of as soon as possible. Most doctors treat a sinusitis infection with antibiotics, antihistamines, painkillers, and antipyretics (for fever). They may also prescribe steam therapy and bed rest. In rare cases, where sinusitis has become extreme, the doctor surgically drains the sinuses of any built-up fluid. Or they recommend surgery if you have a deviated septum.

What Causes A Sinus Infection?

Sinusitis or sinus infection can be caused due to the following reasons:

• When the cilia ( small hair cells ) that line the sinuses do not eliminate enough mucus from these spaces, causing blockages
• Due to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Colds
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Health conditions like deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps (1, 2).

Now that you know the causes of sinusitis, you must be wondering, “what kills a sinus infection naturally?” Scroll down to the next section to take a look at simple remedies that can help combat symptoms of sinus infection.

Home Remedies For Sinus Pain, Pressure, And Infection

Though doctors can prescribe good OTC medications for sinusitis infections, you too can take palliative measures and engage in natural remedies to help you combat this nasty infection. It is wise to see a doctor if your symptoms persist even after a week of trying these sinusitis home remedies.

Get Rid Of Sinusitis With These Remedies

1. Essential Oils
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Herbal Tea
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
5. Grapefruit Seed Extract
6. Honey
7. Horseradish
8. Detox Bath
9. Steam
10. Nasal Lubrication
11. Coconut Oil Pulling For Sinuses
12. Neti Pot With Tea Tree Oil

1. Essential Oils For Sinus

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops eucalyptus oil
• 3-4 drops lavender oil
• 3-4 drops lemon essential oil
• 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the oils and pour a drop or two of this mixture on your fingertips.
2. Massage it on your face, forehead, temples, and back of the neck with your fingers.
3. Breathe deeply to inhale the vapors of these oils.

How Often You Should Do This

Reapply every few hours for maximum benefit.

Why This Works

Using essential oils for a sinus infection is an age-old home remedy. Essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon help reduce pressure headaches and act as natural decongestantsⁱ  A type of medication that helps clear blocked or stuffy nose as well as obstruction in the respiratory tract. agents.

Eucalyptus oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, while lavender oil is soothing for the mind and body (3, 4). Lemon oil is an antifungal agent and also an analgesic (5, 6). Menthol in peppermint oil fights bacteria and acts as a decongestant.

You may also use these essential oils in detox baths. Shannon, a lifestyle blogger, wrote about how eucalyptus oil was effective for her sinuses. She said, “I use eucalyptus oil in hot baths and diffuse it sometimes when I’m experiencing terrible sinus infections as I often do. It opens up my sinuses and helps with chest congestion, as well (i).”

2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Sinusitis

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 6 ounces lukewarm water

What You Have To Do

Mix the ACV in the water and drink this. You can also gargle with this mixture for added benefits.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink twice a day.

Why This Works

The vitamins and minerals present in ACV minimize the symptoms of allergy. Vitamin C treats sinusitis. It balances the pH in the nasal sinuses and clears out the excess mucus that has built up. It antibacterial and antifungal properties treat the infection that is causing the sinusitis (7, 8).

3. Herbal Tea For Sinus Infection

(a) Cayenne Pepper Tea

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 small lemon wedge
• A cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Add all the ingredients to the hot water and mix them well.
2. Sip this tea while it is warm for instant relief from sinus symptoms.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink two to three cups of this herbal tea in a day.

Why This Works

Cayenne pepper

is a spicy decongestant and clears out your sinuses quickly (9). The honey and lemon balance out the spiciness of the cayenne in the tea.

Trivia

Cayenne pepper is known as the “wonder medicine”. The Native Americans first used it to relieve asthma and chronic bronchitis.

(b) Ginger Tea

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger
• A cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the ginger to the hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and sip this tea. You can add a dash of honey for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

Have three cups of ginger tea in a day.

Why This Works

The high level of antioxidant activity demonstrated by ginger makes it an effective home remedy to treat sinus infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the swelling and irritation in the nasal passages. It is also antimicrobial in nature and hence, will clear out the sinus infection (10).

(c) Green Tea

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons green tea leaves or green tea bag
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the green tea in the hot water for a few minutes.
2. Strain and have this tea while it is still warm.

Honey and lemon are good additions to enhance the flavor of this herbal tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink three to four cups of green tea in a day.

Why This Works

Green tea is touted as one of the best herbal teas. Its high antioxidant content and healing powers make it a go-to home remedy for most ailments. It is also effective when it comes to treating sinusitis (11).

Note: Green tea does contain caffeine but only 1/3rd to ½ of that in regular tea.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Sinus

You Will Need

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Small mist spray bottle

What You Have To Do

1. Pour the hydrogen peroxide into the spray bottle.
2. Bend over a sink so that you are looking to the side with your ear facing the sink and in this position, spray the hydrogen peroxide into one nostril, change sides and repeat. Do this a few times.
3. Take deep breaths so that the peroxide solution reaches your nasal sinuses.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat after a few hours, if required.

Why This Works

Hydrogen peroxide is an astringentⁱ  A substance or chemical agent that helps shrink tissues and dry up skin secretions to tighten skin pores. and an antiseptic and will kill the microbes that are growing in your nasal passages and blocking them (12).

5. Grapefruit Seed Extract For Sinus

You Will Need

• A few drops of grapefruit seed extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

What You Have To Do

Add the grapefruit seed extract to the water and inhale it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat twice a day.

Why This Works

This unusual extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties that will treat the underlying infection causing sinusitis (13).

Note: You can do the same with another antifungal, tea tree oil.

6. Honey For Sinus

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Mix both the ingredients and warm up the mixture for a few seconds.
2. Consume this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Ingest this two times daily to prevent sinus.

Why This Works

Honey is an antimicrobial agent against many bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It soothes the nasal passages and the throat that are inflamed during a sinus infection (14).

7. Horseradish For Sinus Relief

You Will Need

½ – 1 teaspoon grated horseradish

What You Have To Do

Freshly grate the horseradish and take the above-mentioned amount of it.

How Often You Should Do This

Take this thrice a day.

Why This Works

Horseradish is an antimicrobial agent that will eliminate the bacteria or fungus causing the sinus infection (15).

Caution

Do not ingest more than the recommended quantity as excess horseradish can cause stomachache and vomiting.

8. Detox Bath For Sinus Infection

You Will Need

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 6-8 drops Tea tree oil
• Warm water
• A bath tub

What You Have To Do

1. Add all the ingredients to the warm water in the bathtub. Give it a stir or two.
2. Soak in this relaxing bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Soak once every day for a calming and detoxifying experience.

Why This Works

Epsom salt pulls out all the toxins from your body and relaxes your muscles (16). Baking soda, being an antibacterial agent, will kill infection-causing microbes on your skin (17). Tea tree oil is also an effective antimicrobial agent that will help clear out the infection in your sinuses as you are inhaling the steam from your bath (18).

9. Steam For Sinus Pressure

You Will Need

• A large bowl/utensil
• Hot water
• Few drops of essential oil (optional)
• A big towel

What You Have To Do

1. Fill hot water in the utensil and add your favorite essential oil to it. Eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, geranium, and lavender work really well for sinus congestion.
2. Cover your head and torso over the pan with the towel so that it makes a sort of ‘tent’.
3. Next, bask in the glorious steam, inhale and exhale deeply from the nose (this might be difficult to do with a stuffy nose; it will become possible as the steam opens up the passages.).
4. Inhale the steam for about five to eight minutes, taking care not to blow your nose too strongly into a tissue. Rather, wipe away any discharge with a tissue to avoid aggravating the infected sinuses.
5. When you finish, don’t uncover the face and chest immediately. Lie down for about 10 minutes, wrapping the same sheet or towel around your head and chest like a shawl.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a day to clear your sinuses.

Why This Works

For mild sinus infections, nothing works better than a few minutes of warm, moist, wonderful steam. You will feel like a new person each time you take steam inhalation. This is the perfect home remedy for sinus cold, pain, headache, and all other sinusitis symptoms (19).

10. Nasal Lubrication

You Will Need

Saline nasal spray or rinse

What You Have To Do

Close one nostril and place nasal spray bottle below the other nostril. Press the bottle and inhale the spray. Repeat the same with the other nostril.

How Often You Should Do This

Whenever your nose feels dry.

Why This Works

Sinus infection is caused when your nose becomes too dry and mucus doesn’t flow. Saline solution nasal sprays and rinses restore hydration in the nasal passages and sinuses and prevent inflammation of the mucus membranes.

Trivia

Nasal lubrication or ‘Nasya Karma’ is one of the five distinct therapies mentioned in Ayurveda to treat sinus infections.

11. Coconut Oil Pulling For Sinuses

You Will Need

1 tablespoon coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Melt the coconut oil and swish it around your mouth like mouthwash.
2. Keep swishing for at least five minutes. You can continue swishing for about 20 minutes.
3. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day untill your sinuses clear out.

Why This Works

Oil pulling has been used in Ayurveda to draw out the toxins from the oral cavity (20). This process also increases the flow of lymph in your sinuses and clears the congestion and mucus build-up (21).

Start using these home remedies before the pain gets unbearable. Clear out your nasal passages easily and breathe in relief.

Listed below are a few frequently asked questions regarding sinusitis.

12. Neti Pot With Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

• 4-5 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• A neti pot

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the warm water, sea salt, and tea tree oil. Mix well.
2. Pour this solution into a neti pot.
3. Tilt your head over the sink to a 45-degree angle. Place the spout of the neti pot in the top nostril and pour the solution into that nostril. The solution will come out through the other nostril. Blow your nose, refill the neti pot, and repeat on the other side.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily.

Why This Works

The neti pot thins the mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passage. Tea tree oil opens up the sinuses and relieves sinus pressure and nasal congestion.

These home remedies and preventive measures do not guarantee a 100% cure from sinusitis for life, but they can give you relief from your current infection. Make sure you take proper measures to protect yourself from burns while taking steam inhalation as too much direct contact with steam can and will cause severe burns. With all the above-mentioned home remedies, taking ample rest and a lot of fluids is a constant. Certain allergies, nasal growths like polyps, and fungal infections can lead to recurrent sinus infections and need medical attention to prevent complications. We hope you will definitely find the home remedy for sinusitis that works best for you.
Caution – Acupuncture should be administered by certified professionals only. Do not attempt this without supervision.

If the symptoms of your sinus infection do not go away even after using these remedies, it is best to consult a doctor. Here is how the condition is typically reated.

Medical Treatment For Sinus Infection

Most patients with sinus infections do not need any special treatment. Over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines, may also help manage the symptoms. Decongestants help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe, especially if you have a blocked nose. Antihistamines, on the other hand, are helpful when allergies are a contributing factor, as they can reduce sneezing and a runny nose (22). These medications can be useful for short-term relief, but it is important to use them as directed and avoid prolonged use to prevent side effects.

If symptoms persist or worsen despite using these treatments, it’s important to seek medical advice for further evaluation. For acute rhinosinusitis, doctors usually prescribe analgesics for symptomatic relief (23). However, if your infection lasts more than 12 weeks, it may lead to chronic rhinosinusitis. The treatment method for this begins with topical nasal steroids. Further, for sinus infections with allergies, doctors may also prescribe oral steroids. If the symptoms do not improve even after three months of medical treatment, they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Surgery for a sinus infection is only recommended if maximal drug treatment fails (23).

Infographic: When You Should See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection

Sinus infections usually go away on their own. However, if self-care does not work, you should contact your doctor for sinus infection therapy. If your sinusitis symptoms persist for over a week, return multiple times within a year, or the infection worsens, you should visit a doctor immediately. Check the infographic below to know when the condition needs professional care.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you manually drain your sinuses?

Inhaling steam from a warm pot may help drain sinuses fast. You can also place a warm, damp cloth on your nose and allow it to sit until the heat is gone. It may help loosen the secretion and drain the sinuses.

How long will a sinus infection last?

Sinus infections may last from a week to 2 months, depending on the symptoms and severity of the condition. In chronic cases, it may even last longer.

Will a sinus infection go away by itself?

Yes. The sinus infection may go away in a week or two. However, medications or home remedies may help get relief faster.

What sleeping position is best for sinus drainage?

Sleep on your back with your head elevated above your chest. You may use a few pillows. It may help relieve congestion.

How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?

Symptoms like fever, swelling or redness around your eyes, severe headache, stiff neck, and vision issues indicate the infection is serious. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Tips To Avoid Sinus Pain

Follow these tips to prevent suffering from sinusitis pain:
• Know Your Triggers – Different factors can trigger a sinus infection in different people. It may be a change in seasons, exposure to the sun, a cold, hay fever, allergies, too much sugar and dairy in your diet, etc. If you see a pattern of triggers that always brings you down with a sinus infection, avoid them. As with every other illness, prevention is better than cure.
• Humidify – Sinusitis becomes aggravated by dry air. Make sure you sleep and rest in a room with enough humidity. Too much humidity, again, can actually make the infection worse by giving the microorganisms a breeding ground. If you use a humidifier, place it close to your bed. If you normally use a vaporizer, ensure that you use it at least three to four times a day to keep the nasal passages comfortably moist.
• Stay Cool – It’s not rocket science that exposure to too much heat will dry up the nasal passages and sinuses. Dryness of the sinuses and nose aggravates and/or triggers a sinus infection. Steer clear of the sun in hot, dry weather. During colder weather, do not overheat your home, especially your bedroom. It is better to keep the room temperature a little low and put on woollens rather than keeping it at 28 degrees C (82 F) and wearing just a T-shirt.
• Ventilation – If you live in a permanently air-conditioned and shuttered up house, there are many other infections that can set in besides sinusitis. Never ignore the benefits of fresh air. Open the windows and doors on days that are warm, even if it is for just 30 minutes. Allow all the stale air to be eliminated. If you work in a 24/7 air-conditioned office, you can’t open the windows. Instead, you can go out during breaks to get that much-needed fresh air or purchase a small air purifier for your office or desk.
• Detox Your Surroundings – Many times, it is not just the weather that triggers a sinus infection. Household chemicals may also be the reason for your sinus woes. Find out if irritants like passive (or active) cigarette smoke, household cleaners, deodorants, hairsprays, and pet hair are aggravating your sinusitis. Try to eliminate the irritant and replace it with something organic.
• Stay Hydrated – We can never say enough about the many benefits of water. Stay hydrated to avoid dryness from within. Have your daily recommended eight to 10 glasses of (non-cold) water, drink hot fluids like tea and soups, and take hot showers or steam baths. Water is good for your sinus infection in any of these forms. Avoid alcohol and coffee as they are both dehydrating and will cause the throat and nasal passages to dry up and cause a lot of discomfort.
• Warm compression with damp, warm towels around the nasofacial area can help in relieving facial pain and clearing the nasal passages.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection?

The main symptoms of sinusitis are-
• Pain in the face (around the eyes, forehead, and the cheekbones), the location of the sinuses.
• Sneezing fits
• Nasal discharge and congestion (yellowish-green)
• Loss of the sense of smell (and subsequently, sense of taste)
• Cough
• Low-grade fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness and watering of the eyes
• Dental pain (sometimes) (1, 2)

What Foods Are Good For A Sinus Infection?

There are many power foods that you can include in your diet to fasten the healing process of the sinus infection.
• Include anti-inflammatory foods like pineapple, berries, cherries, beetroot, broccoli, tomatoes, salmon, tuna, herring, etc.
• Include antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, onions, and limes.
• Include plenty of hot fluids like herbal teas and clear soups.
• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help loosen mucus and relieve sinus pressure when used in combination with ginger and hot tea.

What Foods Can Irritate Your Sinuses?

If you are allergic to certain foods, then these, when ingested, may trigger a sinus infection as well. Be aware of which foods are your trigger foods and stay away from them.

When suffering from sinusitis, it is advisable to not avoid dairy and its products, eggs, refined vegetable oils, and sugary foods as these can increase mucus production and thicken mucus in the body.

Acupuncture For Sinuses Pain – Does It Work?

Another simple remedy for sinusitis is to use acupuncture at the points recommended for the sinuses. This ancient Chinese technique is said to enhance the circulation of body fluids, decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system and help the body to heal itself. Studies have proven that acupuncture can improve symptoms of nasal sinus congestion (24, 25).

Illustration: Home Remedies For Sinus Infection Pressure And Pain

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to treat sinus infections with simple home remedies. Watch this insightful video to get tips on how to relieve congestion, reduce headaches, and more.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Bhakti KapseMBBS

 

Dr. Bhakti Kapse is a General Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in family medicine. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) from Government Medical College, Nagpur. She is skilled in diagnosis and treatment of asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases and is well-known for patient service and clinical skills.

Read full bio of Dr. Bhakti Kapse

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma