Natural Remedies for Sinus Infection Relief: What Works and What Doesn’t (2024)

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, affect about 35 million Americans every year. The uncomfortable symptoms of a sinus infection may include facial pain and pressure, headaches, congestion, and a stuffy nose. Many doctors recommend decongestants, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and pain medications to lessen these symptoms. They may also prescribe antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections or recommend minimally invasive surgery to treat chronic sinus problems.

If you wish to take a more natural approach, try these eight home remedies. After a week or two, assess whether the remedies are working and decide if you should visit a doctor.

8 Home Remedies for Sinus Infection

1. Inhale steam: Warm moisture is the key to loosening mucus and relieving sinus congestion. Boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat, and lean over the pot with a towel over your head to trap the steam.
2. Sleep with a humidifier: Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps alleviate your symptoms for a better night’s sleep.
3. Rinse your sinuses: Nasal irrigation flushes out mucus and trapped allergens from your nasal passages. Rinse your sinuses multiple times a day using a neti pot and saline solution.
4. Do yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as downward dog and supported bridge, can improve circulation and alleviate congestion.
5. Drink ginger tea: Hot tea in any form can alleviate sinus symptoms, but ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that further reduce swelling. Brew a cup several times a day for maximum benefit.
6. Eliminate dairy products: Casein and whey proteins in dairy products may trigger excess mucus production and exacerbate sinus infections. Try cutting dairy out of your diet to see if it helps.
7. Take oil of oregano: This essential oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight off sinus infections. Place a few drops under your tongue twice daily or add oregano oil to a bowl of recently boiled water to enhance your steam inhalation treatment.
8. Take vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps fight infections. Take supplements or eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens.

How to Tell If Natural Remedies for Sinus Congestion are Working

Unlike antibiotics that take effect rather quickly, natural sinus infection remedies may take longer to work. Stick with your chosen treatments for a week or two. If you eventually notice less congestion, fewer headaches, and improved breathing, your natural remedies are likely working. If you see no change, it may be worth trying something else or visiting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for more conventional treatment.

Seek Sinus Infection Treatment in Scottsdale

Natural remedies effectively alleviate symptoms and promote sinus healing in many people. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional sinus infection treatment at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Franklyn Gergits and his ENT team offer comprehensive sinus care, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Call us at 480-525-8999 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.