The Best Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can leave you feeling miserable, with a constellation of symptoms including a runny nose, facial pain, headaches, and general fatigue. While antibiotics can help with bacterial infections, they're useless against viral ones—and many sinus infections are caused by viruses.

Fortunately, there are several effective, science-backed home remedies that can provide relief and help your body fight the infection naturally. This article will cover some of the best natural treatments for a sinus infection, from steam inhalation to powerful herbal remedies.

Inhalation and Nasal Irrigation

1. Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam is one of the quickest ways to relieve a stuffy nose and soothe irritated sinuses. The warm, moist air helps to thin mucus and can provide immediate relief from congestion. You can amplify the effects by adding natural, therapeutic ingredients.

• Garlic: Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves to a pot of boiling water. Garlic is a potent natural antibiotic and antiviral that can help fight the infection.

• Tea Tree or Eucalyptus Oil: Add a few drops of either oil to a bowl of steaming water. These essential oils are well-known for their decongestant properties and can help clear nasal passages.

How to do it: Boil water, pour it into a bowl, and add your chosen ingredient. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel to trap the steam, and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.

2. Sinus Irrigation (Neti Pot)

Using a neti pot or a similar saline rinse bottle is an effective way to flush out your nasal passages, reduce mucus buildup, and soothe inflammation.

• Solution: Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt with 16 ounces (2 cups) of warm, previously boiled water. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to balance the pH.

• How to do it: Tilt your head over a sink at a 45-degree angle. Place the spout of the neti pot in your top nostril and gently pour the saline solution in. It will flow through your nasal cavity and exit through the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.

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Powerful Oral Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

This classic combination can be a powerful remedy for a sinus infection. Apple cider vinegar helps to thin mucus, while raw honey is a magnificent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent that also boosts the immune system.

• How to do it: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of raw honey in a glass of warm water. Drink this concoction 2-3 times a day.

2. Elderberry

Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections. Research has shown that elderberry extract can help reduce inflammation and prevent viral infections in the respiratory system.

• How to make an infusion: Steep 1 heaped teaspoon of dried elderberry flowers in a cup of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea.

3. Horseradish

This pungent root is a natural antibiotic and decongestant. Its strong properties can help clear upper respiratory passages and provide relief from sinus pressure. You can eat a small amount of freshly grated horseradish, mix it with honey, or add it to a salad.

4. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibiotic with potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can take it in a capsule or liquid form mixed with water. For a more direct approach, you can mix a few drops with saline water and use it to irrigate your nasal passages.