Cure a Sinus Infection
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.
SALINE RINSE
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[YEA] 07/24/2009: Darren from Dunstable, Bedfordshire England UK writes: "Hello..just wanted to say a big thank you to Earth Clinic,I have been suffering from sinusitis for approx 2 months now following a cold & bronchitis. I,ve never had sinus problems before, that i was aware of, after reading about the salt water sinus rinse i gave it a try last night aronnd 6pm and again before bed at 11pm. the result was amazing and almost instant! I made up a solution of a tea mug of warm pre boiled water, 1 teaspoon of ordinary table salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. the 1st session was just with salt & after reading more added the baking powder later. I had a good sleep for the first night in ages and this morning woke to a virtually clear nose and head and feel great!! The method i used was simply to pour the solution into a handy small plastic bottle, and while over the sink tipped my head back and poured it up my nose until it came out my mouth and spat into sink/ while there blowing residue out my nose, result is instant. I have been on 2 courses of anti biotics recently to no effect. also my chesty cough has almost gone too, maybe due to no post nasal drip im guessing. Really hope this helps someoone else.. many thanks."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/30/2009: Jason from Fort Lauderdale, FL writes: "Hi, I tried using coconut oil in my nasal rinse by mixing a 1/8 of a tsp of coconut oil into 16 oz of water mixed with one of those salt & baking soda mixes. I was hoping this would help my with my chronic sinusitis. I do not recommend doing this because now my nasal passages have been even more blocked then before and I am losing sleep over it. Please let me know if there are any suggestions how to counter this unexpected development from the coconut oil? Thanks! Again, do not try mixing coconut oil with your nasal rinse solution. Coconut oil works well on the outside of your body and with food but not in your nose."
Replies06/30/2009: Moniluv from Orlando, FL replies: "Jason - use some peroxide and water. 50/50 in a nette pot, and that should clear up your sinus."
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[YEA] 06/11/2009: Sheena from Glasgow, Scotland writes: "I wasn't sure whether I had a cold or it was seasonal allergies, but I've had a sore throat & congested nose for a few days and then my ears became blocked. Without a Neti Pot I tried a saline rinse using a straw and it did produce a lot of snot and with it some relief. I bought a small water bottle with a spout small enough to fit up your nose, performed a proper saline rinse (same method as with the Neti Pot) and voila - I can hear again. This works - it may be a little icky but worth it. I used 500mls warm water and roughly a tsp of ____ Salt. Thanks folks."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/18/2010: Tanya from New Delhi, India replies: "did saline wash for 4-5 times and suddenly the pressure in the ear increased. what to do now?"
04/18/2010: Thenewguyintown from Westwood, New Jersey, Usa replies: "Sounds like a perfectly normal response to me. You may want to consider using H202 in your ears. Check this site for further info"
06/05/2010: Lisa from Spokane, Wa replies: "You may have pressure in your ears from blowing your nose too hard after rinsing with the saline wash. I did the same thing and was told that I pushed some of the water from my nose into my ears. Try blowing your nose very lightly without closing either nostril after using the saline rinse. Hopefully that will eliminate pressure from forming in your ear(s). It worked for me."
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[YEA] 01/04/2009: Cindy from Alb, NM writes: "Wow!!! After 8 weeks of pain from a sinus infection, 3 doctor visits, 4 prescriptions of antibiotics and 2 bottles of narcotics, I found something that finally worked! I was up in the middle of the night desperate to find something to curb the most excruciating pain I've ever felt. This was the website that did it for me. I went to the pharmacy and purchased saline water. Bought the seasalt in pressured can but I'm sure any would work. I immediately felt relief and by the next morning was beginning to truly feel better. Used the spray 4 times a day for 4 days and am now using it night and day. No more meds flowing through my body! I am so grateful for this website. I have already spread the word!! Thank you for all the info!"
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[YEA] 12/10/2008: Betty from Saskatoon, Sask., Canada writes: "How to use nasal irrigation:
I have had problems with sinus infections for many years mostly because of a deviated septum. Antibiotics greatly disturb my digestive system so I avoid them. I use the salt/baking soda solution rinse regularly, but the infection I have now is more resistant to the nasal rinse. I am going to try adding Hydrogen Peroxide to the rinse.
If you don't own a rinsing kit, use a small ladle. Mix your solution,( I use 1/2 tsp. salt and soda each to 1 cup warm water), fill ladle, dip nose in ladle while holding one nostril closed and inhale until you taste it in the back of mouth. DO NOT swallow. Hold solution in nose as long as possible. Let drain. Repeat with other nostril, then blow. You may want to use a paper towel. Repeat at least twice a day. Avoid use rinse less than 1 hour bed going to bed to avoid swallowing salty solution. Works well, and won't damage sensitive nasal tissues like a forceful spray may do."
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[WARNING!] 12/10/2008: Betty from Saskatoon, Sask., Canada writes: "I have no medical training. However, I would strongly recommend NOT using these remedies for young children. They would likely swallow the solution. The sodium content is too high for anyone to swallow. Also there is the likelihood and danger of children choking, or inhaling the solution into their lungs causing further infections. Use a nasal spray to gently draw the mucus out instead."
Replies12/12/2008: Jimmy from Beverly Hills, Ca, USA replies: "There is no need to worry about the sodium content of saline solution. It is used on small children all the time to clear congestion. If they do swallow some, it is in such a small quantity there is no need for concern. This is a ridiculous warning."
12/13/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Betty, If the saline you are afraid to use is called Normal Saline solution, throw all your fears away, because normal saline is isotonic (saline in normal saline is the same as in our blood) and not very likely to cause harm to you or your little ones. However I do recommend that you continue to give them water to drink, not normal saline."
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[YEA] 11/07/2008: Cynthia from Clarksburg, MD, US writes: "Sniffing warm salt water helped my sinus infection. I gargle with it for a sore throat but never thought about my sinuses. I suffer from large sinus cavities, so large that every dentist/hygienist I see remarks about them on my x-rays and always warn that I would have major pain when I get a sinus infection. I had just used an anti-biotic to cure one infection about 3 months ago and did not want to get any more. Found this site after the pain got so bad and the fastest fix was to try sniffing warm salt water. Tried it first last night, then again this morning. The pain is less and the swelling is going down. Tonight I will try the Apple Cider Vinegar steam therapy and see what happens.
Thanks soooo much to everyone who contributes to this website!!!"
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[YEA] 09/25/2008: Sharon from Milton, USA writes: "Saline water has long been a remedy from doctors, but I have improved upon the method of SNUFFING! I bought the cheap generic brand of saline and quickly used it then refilled it with a new solution of water and a pinch of salt. USE it frequently and liberally. Plus, an ice pack applied to the forehead helps. Don't let it stay too long but move it around. NO FROST BITE, PLEASE!"
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[YEA] 07/06/2008: Bob from Melbourne, Florida writes: "Salt rinse cures my sinus flare ups: I never had problems with sinus until recently when I was diagnosed with allergies from all outdoor things. I was taking shots but, had no luck. I moved and they wanted to start the damn shots over again from the weakest dosage. What a scam!!! So, I decided to do as I was always told. Spray the nose pathage with salt water. I first bought the solution from the drugstore and now, make my own and place in the bottle I bought. I spray up my nostrils in the shower, pinch my nose, shake and blow the crap out. Boy, the next few days I felt great. Now, I only use it as a monthly or so routine. If I sense I have an allergic affect or sinus flare up then, a spray or two a few days or a week or so will solve the problem. I've been sinus ache free and medicine free for a four years now. Darn glad I found your site to tell others and to learn how to take care of myself without a prescription (otherwise known as a low dosage poison). Thanks for the time, Bob!!!"
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[YEA] 06/13/2008: Carlisa from Studio City, CA writes: "I have has a stuffy head for 3 years. Due to lack of exercise and working indoors in air conditioning and pollution. I have even become VERY allergic to cigarette smoke and I used to SMOKE!I Live in Los Angeles but was visiting Miami and got a horrible sinus infection BACTERIAL with green boogers and sore throat etc. I used this mixture and felt relief in 20 minutes and have used it for 2 days and am draining everything and have lost all pain from the infection:
buy saline nasal spray- $2 usually. I pulled the top off and added one cap full if HYDROGEN peroxide (store brand) and 4 drops of oil of oregano and 2 drops of baby shampoo. 2 squirts per nostril. leave it in there then blow out your nose. Use this throughout the day. I also oil pulled because of this infection and had a very messed up scratchy throat- that helped my voice sound more normal- and then before bed drank a hot cup of water with a whole clove of garlic cut in half with cayenne pepper. Its nasty if I could taste it! But by morning my coughs were effective and mucus is coming out! I am feeling much better. Don't forget your ACV and Vitamin C -- I get chewables I feel it also helps my sinuses pretty immediately.
Hope this help you all with SINUS issues and SINUS Infections. I also do Hydrogen inhalation and love it. THANK YOU EARTHCLINIC."
06/18/2008: Charlotte from Johannesburg, South Africa replies: "I read about adding baby shampoo into saline spray to cure sinus infections. What i want to find out is, Does it also work for infants or its only for the adults only. Why I am asking is because my nephew who is 6months old seems to be suffering from symptoms of a sinus infection."
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[YEA] 03/05/2008: Beth from Greeneville, TN writes: "I have chronic sinus problems. About a month ago, I developed a cold, which of course turned into a sinus infection. I did one round of antibiotics to no avail. Yesterday I started searching the internet for natural remedies and came across this site. First I tried the apple cider vinegar remedy (2 tablespoons in 8 oz. of water), which didn't seem to help. Throughout the day, I started feeling worse and worse -- achy all over with the chills, a bad headache, and of course, sinus pressure and a sore throat from the post nasal drip. Then I tried the saline rinse method. I didn't have a netti pot, so I mixed 1 cup of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and added a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. I put this mixture into a plastic squirt bottle (the kind used for condiments -- with the pointy top). I tilted my head to the side, squirted the mixture up one nostril, rolled my head around, let it wash through my sinuses then tipped my head forward and let it run out the other nostril. I did this several times on both sides, and repeated it a few hours later before I went to bed. All day and all night I felt HORRIBLE -- chills and sweats alternately, achy, etc. When I woke up this morning, my head felt better, but my nose was stopped up. I went into the bathroom and blew my nose, and a GIANT wad of blood, mucous, and pus came out -- which was the first time I'd had something like that in a while -- previously I had been using Dayquil and Nyquil, and these kept me pretty dry, but it just left all that stuff up in there and hardened it, I guess, leading to pressure and headaches constantly. Well, the rinse cleaned ALL of that stuff out, and today is the first day I haven't had a headache in WEEKS. The chills and achiness are gone too. My throat is still a little sore (raw from the constant post nasal drip over the last few weeks), but I plan to continue using this remedy for the next few days... hopefully my throat will clear up too. I HIGHLY recommend this remedy."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 08/18/2008: Vanya from Pretoria, South Africa replies: "I have discovered that I have a hiatal hernia in Feb of this year, and from May onwards I have consistent sinusitus, at least once a week my nose got blocked. Becasue I am allergic to Penicilin, my Doctor indicated that it will take from 6 - 12 months to recover. I am trying the normal rising routine with hot water in a bowl and breathing it and gargling with hot salt water.
I have tried the olbass and the hot salt water breathing in the steam, but it hurt my nostrils too much and made me hyped up to the point that i needed relaxants to go to sleep at night.
HELP! I have had a terrible reaction to most of the mediciation becos of the hernia. But still took them regardless."
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[YEA] 01/28/2008: George from Naples, Florida writes: "BAKING SODA NASAL RINSE I used baking soda and warm water and have not had a sinus problems in two months also used cayenne pepper to lower my blood pressure"
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[YEA] 01/08/2008: George from Naples, Florida writes: "baking soda nasal rinse -- I mixed baking soda and warm water and did a nasal rinse and I have not taken any sinus meds in over a month and I use to use take them every day. After the rinse for about 1/2 hour you keep blowing stuff out your nose but then its like magic. THANK GOD."
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[YEA] 01/06/2008: Steve from Santa Cruz, CA writes: "I have been suffering from a hefty nasal infection and found your website. I tried a variation of the neti pot alternative that was mentioned here on this forum. I emptied a nasal spray bottle and filled it with the warm salt water combo and sprayed all i could into the nasal passages. I was surprised how much gunk came out. Another nice surprise was that I am now feeling sooo much better!! The salt works it's magic fast - I had instant relief from the burning and the constant nasal drip. Next time I come across a neti pot, I think I'll pick it up! Hope you find relief from this remedy!!"
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[YEA] 10/13/2007: Abraham from Atlanta, GA writes: "IT REALLY WORKS!
Upside down Sinus Flooding treatments have cured my Sinus infection problems.
My chronic Sinus infection ( sinusitis ) problems were cured by flooding my nasal passages with peroxide, baking soda and kosher salt after first using antibiotics to get rid of my Sinus infection. I don't believe that flooding is effective against established infection, but it is effective against the germs that cause infections.
Mixture:
*'3% Hydrogen peroxide: One part.
* Baking soda: One or two pinches.
* Kosher salt or sea salt: One pinch.
I buy a cheap, salt and pepper set. I use a drill to widen the holes in the tops, and I use them to add the baking soda and kosher salt to the mixture.
* Filtered water: Ten to forty times as much water as peroxide.
The Sinus Flooding process:
* I place a towel and a tissue nearby.
* I stand over my sink and point my forehead down into my sink.
* I forcefully spray the mixture into each nostril to force the antiseptic mixture around any swollen turbinates or polyps.
After my Nasal Passages fill up, additional spraying may cause the mixture to come out the other nostril.
I make sure that the container tip is firmly implanted in my nose so that it's difficult for the liquid to come back out of that nostril.
* If it stings, I wait for the stinging to subside and then repeat the forceful spraying, into each nostril, until the sprayer is empty.
* I keep my head down for a few minutes to let the mixture seep into all areas.
A lot of the mixture can foam out of my nostrils, down my forehead, and into the sink. A little messy. I keep my eyes closed so that it doesn't drain into my eyes.
* I lift and tilt my head upwards, while it's over the sink, and let my nose drain.
The discharge can look pretty bloody, foamy and nasty. Since my nasal membranes have healed, there is much less foam and NO blood.
* I then stand up and use the tissue to clean my forehead of foam and discharge.
* I don't blow my nose for a few minutes.
This allows the mixture a little longer to do its job with my head in an upright position.
VISIT: http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=258015&ck=
for more..."
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[YEA] 03/18/2007: Li from Wooster, OH writes: "About 1/2 way through a cold when I get stopped up and/or notice nasal secretions no longer clear, I know it is the start of sinus infection. Instead of ATB I have had much success with 1/2 to 1 cup warm tap or distilled water and 1 tsp salt (whatever dilution you feel you can tolerate). Using a clean baby nose syringe, I put head back and gently instill the saline water. It will drain through your sinuses and down throat. After everything loose I blow my nose and voila! No sinus infection brewing. And no ATB to mess up my belly. It is not the most pleasant thing but works terrific to avoid sinus infection. Hope you get the same success!"
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[YEA] 03/18/2007: Kate from Port McNeill, Canada writes: "Salt water snizzzle is what its called. Boil water , add 1/2 tsp of salt to 1 cup water. Sniff it up your nose by using a teaspoon. Three times a day. It works wonders, you can also add a bit of baking soda if you like."
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[YEA] 03/16/2007: Jen from Somersville, CT writes: "I had terrible sinus pain for two days, so bad it hurt my face, nose, and into my teeth. Nothing would touch it! After reading about salt water, I mixed some table salt with warm water in the palm of my hand and sniffed it. It didn't hurt, helped clear my sinuses, and by the next day I was pain free!!!!"
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[YEA] 03/12/2007: Rodney J from Kaysville, Utah writes: "Rod here again. Here is one that is really amazing! If you have a sinus irrigation system like the Grosann system, to 500 ml of saline solution, add 1 tsp of h202 to the mix and run in through your sinus. It is somewhat uncomfortable if you have a bad sinus infection, but the end results are incredible! I do this when I get a bad cold and it usually cuts 2 days off the duration off the cold."
Replies04/18/2011: Terri from Bruner, Missouri replies: "Here's instructions I just got from my doctor today, and already I'm feeling much better!------------------------------
1 quart water
1 Tbsp sea salt (non-iodized)
Pinch of baking soda
Betadine to color like weak tea - when infected.
Use daily 4-5 times per day when infected.
Use once daily when not infected w/o betadine.
USE BLUE BULB SYRINGE TO IRRIGATE WITH."
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[YEA] 03/07/2007: Aghper from Montreal, Canada writes: "I just want to let you know I had a sinus/cold infection for two weeks, I was in a similar situation a month ago and the doctor prescribed me antibiotic even though I had no fever/ headache,. I took it for 10 days. This time I was desperate I did not want to take antibiotics again so started reading earthclinic. I bought a NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit and tried their formula but did not help(it was to light the salt content).I took One tsp of salt(no iodine) and rinsed using neti pot technique.In two days my mucous was back to regular color. I have paid 18$ for the kit,you don't have to buy it as long as you can find a plastic bottle will do it. Thanks earthclinic for making this site available."
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[YEA] 02/24/2007: Deb from Mesa, Idaho writes: "I've been suffering with sinus infections since my thirties, (I'm 47 now)and the only remedy that works for me is saline solution spray often, daily."
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[YEA] 02/14/2007: Chuck from Seattle, WA writes: "At 54 and having broke my nose years ago I have battled sinus problems for years. being very active I hated how my bouts with sinus issues would completely wear me out. One year ago I was diagnosed with adult activity induced asthma. I have had to learn when i can and can't do long runs and then do more hikes. last year after being on 40 days of antibiotics really left me wore out. What has helped is using a nasal flush system with sea salt and warm water. I prefer a soft plastic bottle that allows for full gentle spray that flushes the sinus. Right now am at tail end of cold and through out was able to keep sinus open. did also use ACV and Hydrogen peroxide so far works great"
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[YEA] 01/07/2007: A.C from Atlanta, GA writes: "I had a cold for about a week and a half. It finally developed into one of the worst sinus infections I have ever had---to top it off, I am 6 months pregnant. After 2 days of pure misery, I went to the doctor. He gave me an rx for an antibiotic. After 2 days of taking it and pseudo ephedrine round the clock, I was still miserable. My head pounded, my nose was totally clogged on both sides, and my head felt like it was going to explode. Desperate to try anything, I went to Walgreens and purchased "SinuCleanse"--a product complete with a neti pot and saline packets. I used it every 2 hours for the first day, along with drinking the ACV/water mixture 2x's/day, and by the second day, I had relief. I could breathe and could tell my head was starting to clear up! By far the best thing that I had tried! Thanks for your website! It has helped tremendously!"
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[YEA] 01/02/2007: Elizabeth from Sioux Falls, SD writes: "Sinus infections have plagued me for years. With the last two infections I got on it right away. I went to the natural foods store and bought a Neti Pot (a small pot made specifically to irrigate the sinuses). This pot uses regular table salt - NOT sea salt because it is too harsh - with water. I also used SilverBiotic. I am not sure which cured the infection but it lasted only two days. Usually it lasts several days. I was thrilled."
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[YEA] 10/05/2006: Aunt Ida from Tahlequah, OK writes: "I used to get frequent sinus infections, requiring high doses of antibiotics until about 1987, when my old aunt Ida told me to try sniffing warm salt water up my nostrils from a teaspoon. She said, "Just put some salt in the bottom of the spoon and cover it up with warm water. Stir it with your finger and sniff. Then hang your head over the bed and let it run into your sinus cavity"
The first time I tried this, I had way too much salt in the teaspoon: WOW did it HURT! Later I got it down to an art, about 1/4 a pinch of salt in the bottom of the spoon is usually plenty strong. I vary the dosage according to the symptoms. At first, sniffing water up my nose was very difficult to accomplish. The natural fear of drowning prevents this from being a pleasant experience. Now when I'm getting a sinus infection I place the spoon under my nose and sniff just about as hard as I can without hesitation. I've never had to use antibiotics again.
Thanks, Aunt Ida"
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