If you’re anything like 37 million other Americans, you may be suffering from sinus irritations around this time of year. Sinuses are the internal hollow spaces behind the eyebrows, in the cheekbones, behind the nose, and between the eyes. The function of sinuses is to condition inhaled air with mucous and other natural secretions before it reaches your lungs. Acute sinus irritations, which are usually caused by viral respiratory infections, go away after a week or two on their own or after treatment with antibiotics or decongestants.
Common Sinus Irritation Triggers
- Allergies
- Cold and flu viral infections
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Weather changes
Chronic sinusitis occurs after sinus openings are blocked for extended periods of time. The most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include chronic coughing, recurrent ear infections, postnasal drip and discharge. However, they are a serious condition because bacteria becomes so entrenched in the nasal cavities that antibiotics don’t stand a chance.
Although chronic cases of sinusitis usually require professional medical attention, you can often treat cases of acute sinus irritation at home with natural remedies. As you can see most natural home remedies are more about healthy practices than taking medication.
Natural Remedies for Sinus Irritation
- Gently press the sides of your nose for 15 second to improve blood flow
- Wash the nose out with salt water
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water to stay hydrated
- Avoid household irritants like cleaning products and smoke
- Use a room humidifier if your home has very dry air
- Pour boiling water in a large bowl and breathe steam out of it
- Eat 2-3 cloves of raw garlic daily, as garlic is a natural antibiotic
- Keep your head elevated with a couple of pillows when you sleep at night
- Sip herbal teas made with peppermint and sage to help drain sinus passages
If you frequently suffer from sinus irritations or even the common cold, try our 100% natural Olive Leaf Nasal Spray. Our homeopathic treatment provides relief for these symptoms with all-natural ingredients of olive leaf extract, baptisia, and grapefruit seed extract. We recommend using 1-3 sprays in each nostril every 2-4 hours for adults, and half that dosage for children.
Always consult a physician if your sinus condition lasts for a long time or recur on a frequent basis. Other symptoms to watch out for include severe headache, neck stiffness, forehead swelling, vision difficulties, and breathing problems. And because the strength of your immune system affects your likelihood of developing a sinus condition, make sure that your regular diet includes plenty of vitamin A and antioxidants from organic fruits and vegetables.