Table of Contents

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
STEAMING
SUGAR WATER
TEA, GARLIC, CAYENNE, GINSENG, ROYAL JELLY
TOBASCO SAUCE
TOMATO TEA
URINE THERAPY
VICKS
WATER PULLING
1...
7




Sinus Congestion Remedies

Updated: 05/21/2012

rss feed

DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.




STEAMING

Ratings:
9
YEA
1
WARNING!

[YEA]  11/25/2006: Millie from New York, NY: "i have been suffering from a cold/sinus infection this entire week. it put a damper on my 4-day thanksgiving weekend. i cannot take over the counter cold remedies because they make my heart race, so i've been overdosing on vitamin c and echinacea, but to no avail. finally today, after not being able to breathe and having a bowling ball headache for four days, i went online to seek out a natural remedy and found your site and talk about acv. i had forgotten about it and actually pulled out a book i have from years ago and started reading. i was feeling so awful today that i had no intentions of walking out the door, still in my pajamas and looking sick, so i called my local health food store and begged them to deliver me a bottle of acv. i drank an acv/water mixture and also tried boiling a mixture in a pot and breathing in the stream. i can't believe that i've been breathing now for over an hour (i sure hope it lasts). i had to write because this is really terrific. thanks for reminding me of the benefits of acv. now that i dusted off the book, it's staying out where i can keep on reading."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  07/25/2005: Hana from Bayonne: "Remedy #2: Steaming Hot Towels: IS A BLESSING! THANKS TO WHO EVER WROTE THAT!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  03/23/2005: Lisa from Plaistow: "i find that it works well to take a hot shower and let the bathroom steam up. Just relax and take deep breaths and be sure to blows your nose right away when down before everything hardens up again! also drink a warm cup of tee w/ some honey."

Replies
08/25/2011: Rosa from Monterey, Ca replies: "After reading this, I took a long, hot shower and I can already feel the difference. I am a Soldier so NOT going to work is NOT an option. I've been trying for 3 days to find relief from this severe congestion. Thanks!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  Ray from New York City: "When I get sinus pains and stuffiness in my nose I usually fill my sink halfway with hot tap water and i make sure its steaming. Then I drop a small towel in it for about a minute and then I put the towel on my face until it gets cool. I put it over my forehead, eyes, cheeks and mouth. I breathe in the hot vapors through the nose. I usually put the hot towel on my face around 5 or six times in one sitting. Usually twice a day, one in the morning and one at night. After about a day or 2 the pains are gone. All that disgusting stuff drips out."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  Lloyd from Tulsa: "I have found that bringing an equal amount of Apple Cider Vinegar and water to boil, then inhaling the fumes as it starts to boil, quickly relieves sinus conjestion/infections. Just a warning though, close your eyes and mouth when doing this...the vapors are hard to deal with."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  Angel : "I found that just taking a HOT cup of coffee, tea, water, etc.. And puting a towel over your head and breathing the hot vapour in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relieves Breathing difficulties as well as a stuffy or runny nose"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[WARNING!]  Molly from Madison, USA: "Be very careful about inhaling steam in the bathroom.

So many people have turned down the temperature on their water heaters to save on energy, that it can be very dangerous because the water is not hot enough to kill various bacteria. For instance, Legionellosis can occurred when individuals inhale aerosols contaminated with the bacteria, but evidentally doesn't happen if the water is super HOT-hot in the water heater.

And there is a recent news article about a DANGEROUS bacteria which is a "cousin" of tuberculosis being found in many people who have serious sinus infections.

Here's the url to the news article:

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6046064

The germ is called atypical mycobacterium, a first cousin of the tuberculosis germ, which isn't killed by the chlorine used for tap water by water treatment plants. They advise people to only use sterile water for nasal rinsing.

I've read online that ONLY distilled water is free from ALL bacteria, so MAYBE boiling tap water is not enough to ensure it is safe for nasal rinses. I don't know, I haven't researched this enough yet...."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




SUGAR WATER

Ratings:
1
YEA

09/24/2009: Vanessa from Brisbane, Queensland Australia: "sugar water, sinus

Try a teaspoon of sugar in half a coffee cup of water, a few drops in the nostrils at a time works. Would someone please comment on whether this is good to do or not. I do know that it works rather quickly and seems far less harmful than medication all the time."

EC: Is this a remedy for sinus congestion, sinusitus, or sinus infections? Please clarify for us! Thanks.

Replies
09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "If this remedy works, it has nothing to do with the sugar, and everything to do with the coffee. Coffee contains a form of theophyllin, which is an anti-histamine."

EC: No coffee used in Vanessa's remedy, just a coffee cup filled with water!

09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "Oooops...sorry for the mis-read! You can't see it, but I'm blushing with embarrasment :0"
[YEA]  06/09/2011: Iris from Nyc, Ny replies: "well sugar water helps with my bronchitis attacks better than any cough syrup I've ever used and my boyfriend has severley clogged sinuses and right now the only thing helping, oddly enough, is drinking soda. I believe the sugar is somehow unclogging them, or maybe the carbonation?"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




TEA, GARLIC, CAYENNE, GINSENG, ROYAL JELLY

Ratings:
1
YEA

[YEA]  02/03/2007: Ken from Arlington, VA: "Simple remedy that is working for me to assist in ridding your body of sinus issues and assisting in the reduction of sore throat is just this.... 1 cup of litely presweetened tea, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 vile of ginseng and royal jelly. Heat in the cup for about 2 minutes, let set for another couple of minutes and slowly drink. You will start to feel the sore throat go away while your sinuses drainage. It also appears to help me relax. Always remember to discard of any excess mucus in order to get rid of the bacteria that has collected in your sinus cavities during the time of mucus build up. Good luck to everyone."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




TOBASCO SAUCE

Ratings:
1
YEA

[YEA]  08/01/2009: Pat from Hoschton, Ga: "I have been a chronic sinus sufferer for years. when I get bad and have to clear up in a hurry. I find a shot of tobasco sause opens sinuses as soon as you drink it. but I wouldnt advise it if you have an stomach ulcer. works every time for me."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




TOMATO TEA

Ratings:
3
YEA

[YEA]  04/15/2012: Holly from Fresno, Ca: "I honestly can't believe this WORKED! I have had a terrible cold with a sore throat and the worst sinus congestion for four days straight. Fearing a sinus infection, I was preparing to head to the Dr. in another day. I had tried everything I could think of, Sudafed, Dayquil, and even Nasal Spray (which only worked for a couple of hours, not 12 like the label promised). Desperate, I went online to try a "natural" remedy. I was willing to try just about anything. And what do you know? It WORKED. Within 20 minutes my congestion felt less "throbbing" and one more cup and 2 hours later - my sinuses are TOTALLY CLEAR! My throat is starting to feel better too! I am definately going to use this remedy again if I ever feel a cold coming on. One thing, I added a little honey and I crushed my garlic with a garlic press. It seems to have helped get the garlic to juice out a bit more. THANK YOU so much for this amazing recipe!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  03/15/2012: Jennifer from Sunrise, Fl, Usa: "I can't believe how well this works. I'm still in shock!

2 days ago, I started to become sick with the flu when I was on a 18-hour flight. On came the chills and fever, and then my nose kept running non-stop. To make it worse, the changing cabin pressure on the descent gave me excruciating sinus pain and made my ears clogged to the point where I couldn't hear out of both ears anymore. I can't take cold medicine because I have thyroid disease, and I am slow to recover because my metabolism is very slow.

Yesterday my sinuses and fever got worse. I remembered reading about this remedy on Earth Clinic and I was eager to try it. Luckily I had all the ingredients on hand. I used V8 Spicy Hot juice, lemon juice (bottled), minced garlic, a lot of tabasco sauce (as much as I could stand) and a dash of celery salt for taste. I heated it in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes and then sipped and inhaled the fumes as directed. About 10 minutes after I started to sip it I noticed an increase of nasal discharge. I had to keep blowing my nose over and over again, but this time when I blew my nose I actually felt like I was clearing it out, instead of the feeling of blowing your nose and feeling like it gets clogged up again 5 minutes later. The pressure in my ears released about 60% and I regained most of my hearing. My fever increased and for a few hours I felt pretty rotten, even though my nasal passages had cleared. But in a few hours I felt at least 60% better, which is amazing considering that it usually takes me 3 weeks to recover from a cold! I slept all through the night with no problem.

This morning I made another tomato tea. While drinking it, I felt my left ear "pop" and the pressure released. I now have full hearing in my left ear and a 70% improvement in my right ear. I then took a hot shower afterwards (the steam helps to open the sinus passages) and kept blowing my nose. My nasal congestion is about 85% gone, I don't have a fever or chills anymore, I got most of my hearing back and I don't feel groggy anymore!

It doesn't seem so crazy why this works when you do some research on capsaicin. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient of pepper spray. Capsaicin is an irritant, and when you inhale pepper spray, your body pushes it out by forcing your sinuses to clear themselves and making your nose run uncontrollably. Have you ever eaten a really spicy dish and had your nose start to run?That's the capsaicin at work.

I have Vietnamese friends who swear by a similar remedy that works in the same way as the tomato tea. They swear by eating pho (a hot fish/noodle soup) when you are sick. They put a lot of Sriracha (Vietnamese hot pepper sauce) in the soup and breathe in the hot fumes. The steam and pepper helps open and clear the sinuses.

I have also been drinking echinacea tea with a tbs of coconut oil and I've also been drinking some ACV throughout the day. (I don't take the ACV too close to the tomato tea though, because ACV is alkaline while the tomato tea is very acidic).

Thank you, thank you, thank you Earth Clinic for this wonderful remedy! I can celebrate my 30th birthday this weekend without feeling miserable :)"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  12/19/2011: Kaelyn from Rockport, Tx: "I did not have any V8 on hand, but I used a can of Amy's organic tomato bisque soup, I added 5-6 cloves of finely chopped garlic, fresh squeezed lemon. I only had taco bell hot sauce packets so I used those and added extra cayenne pepper. I did add a little worcestershire sauce for added flavor. I heated it on the stove as to not kill any of the nutrients by using the microwave. IT WAS DELICIOUS. Really spice but sooo good. I could breathe freely through my sinuses within the first five bites!!! I have been eating garlic for days to help my immune system but this cold has finally caught up to me. Thank you earth clinic! I love you!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




URINE THERAPY

Ratings:
1
YEA

[YEA]  08/25/2008: Dianna from Austin, TX: "hello! i wanted to write that when i read about urine therapy someone it made sense to me and i tried it. at first i just tried putting morning pee on my hands and face and i could really tell the difference - my skin looks way younger when i do this and i do not get pimples unless i stop! i am 48 and just starting menopause and was having terrible acne for the first time in years and this really helped. then i got a sore throat and decided to try the universal remedy after other remedies didn't seem to be helping. well, when i put 4 drops of the universal remedy under my tongue - within a few minutes my throat felt better! also i found that if i sniffed a couple of drops of fresh urine in my nose that my stuffed up nose would clear up almost immediately! this works folks! i am amazed!
i even have my boyfriend peeing on his feet when he has foot fungus now. he was skeptical - but it worked for him too!
also i put a drop in my eyes when they are red and/or itchy and get relief.
try it! it is free and it won't hurt you - it is yours.
dianna"

EC: Read more about Urine Therapy here.

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




VICKS

Ratings:
4
YEA

[YEA]  12/06/2007: Tanya from Orlando, Florida: "I was suffering about five minutes ago from one of the worst sinus infections I've ever had. I put some Vick's vapor rub in a pot of boiling water. I stood over the pot with a towel over my head. In less than three minutes, my sinuses opened. For the first time in two days I am breathing through my nose!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  09/23/2007: Cindy from BELLMORE, NY: "An old remedy but a good one. I have a nasty sinus infection - they only thing that can penetrate the all the mucus is boiling a hot pot of water - add Vicks Vapor rub - a small amount will do - let the water cool down for a minute of two. Take a towel and put your head over the pot breath in through your nose the best you can. Do this up to tens minutes if you can. It is very strong. Vicks vapor rub has all natural ingredients- directions for this is on the bottle."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  05/01/2007: Amanda from Coats, NC: "I found that putting a table spoon full of vicks vapor rub in a pot of hot water and bringing it to a boil when the pot comes to a boil turn it down to low and hang your head at a safe didtange from the pot and put a towl over your head and breath in breathe deeply with your nose. it will be difficult to breathe in at first but it gets easier with each inhelation of your nose. HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top



[YEA]  12/05/2006: Veronica from Reseda, CA: "I just recently started to have really bad sinusitis, and so I was talking to my friend and she said to try Vick's Vapor rub and put it around the vaporizer holes and put it around my nose and so I did it worked! try it!!!! just take vapor rub and any random vaporizer put the vapor rub around your nose and around the inside of the vaporizer, put your face in it and keep it there for 10-15 minutes it REALLY does help!"

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top




WATER PULLING

Ratings:
1
YEA

[YEA]  08/14/2011: Maria from Newmarket, Ontario: "This remedy was told by my mom, and she was told by her gradndma, if you have a nasal congestion, press your right nostril by your hand and pull up the warm salt water from your left nostril, and then press your left nostril with your finger and pull up the water from the right nostril and breath inside, this will open the blockage in your nose, and its really very effective, this is the same idea when the infants get congested the doctors always prescribe saline water drops to put in the nose, I tried by myself and it really works wonderful and you should pull the water from glass from your nostril that the water should come in your throat."

Reply to this Feedback Reply to this Thread Email this Feedback Email Print this Feedback Print Back to Top Back to Top






   
7