Natural Remedies for Chronic Sinusitis Relief

WARNING!

Ok here is my story: I have had chronic sinusitis for years due to a rare blood disorder in short I do not have any gamuglobulin and am susceptible to upper respiratory problems. I rarely have problems with anything else except the sinusitis. I took 18 days of Amoxicilin about 3 wks ago and still have the infection.

I had read about Apple Cider Vinegar with garlic a long time ago and even had a jar full but did not use it because I could not get the lid off. I finally got the lid off, started taking it once a day for about two weeks and then stopped a week ago Sat. I saw my specialist last Fri and still have the infection she decided to give me a different antibiotic Levofloxacin. She did say that I should not do any extreme exercise while taking it because it could cause tendon problems. I let her know I was increasing my walking and had a hike planned on Sunday so she agreed to let me start today.

I picked up the Levofloxacin and consulted with the pharmacist which was useless then read the WARNING when I left. Levofloxacin is associated with a breakage of tendons! The list goes on........... I then looked it up on the internet and saw many blogs that some people had this problem from day one to several months after taking it. To their credit some people did not have any side effects and think it is great. There are many law suits taking place and the FDA place a black box WARNING (that is what I read) on the medicine (AKA: poison).

I am letting my Dr. know that it is not worth the risk. I have other chronic health problems and I do not need to add another that can effect my entire life. So I just drank my first cup of ACV with raw organic honey while I wrote this and plan on doing more during the day along with nasal salt washes, olive oil eucalyptus massage on nose and sinuses (only at night), acupressure and what ever else natural may find it's way to my limited knowledge. I will see what takes place in 2 weeks when I have a CT scan of my sinuses (I found out that this in controversial because the imaging can give false negative results). Oh well, who knows? Here's to sipping ACV! Good luck to all.

I've been suffering from sinusitis for like a month now... I went to the doctor but unfortunately all the medicine prescribed wasn't able to help relieve my sinusitis... As I found this site, I immediately ask my helper to buy me ACV, and now I've started using the organic ACV with small amount of honey.. Hoping for the best!!!

I need to share the miracle of my husband's recovery from years of chronic sinusitis. For years he has been using antibiotics, Nazenex, Beconaze, Vicks Vaporizer and anything else you care to name, all to no avail.

Four days ago I came upon this site in a desperate search for a cure for him. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Cayenne and nasal flushing seemed to be popular so we began a new regime.

We made up a batch of ACV and after drinking it he felt a slight improvement. We then up a saline solution which he used to flush out the nasal cavities. However, since he works on a remote minesite, with only a central kitchen, it was going to nearly impossible for him to mix up batches of the saline solution.

Our next step was down to the local shopping centre where we purchased two bottles of Otrivin Saline Plus. We purchased it from a supermarket not a pharmacist and it only cost AUD$6.95. He didn't use it as directed, instead he gave himself five recommended doses in a twenty minute period, 4 times a day.

He has now used the Otrivin for three days and feels like a new man. He can't remember when he was able to breathe so freely and can never remember when he didn't have sinus pressure. He is still drinking the ACV mixture as well.

He is looking wonderful, his continuous coughing has ceased and he feels great. Good luck to you all you sufferers.

Before you try anything for sinusitis PULL ALL CARPETS FROM YOUR HOME AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PETS IN THE HOUSE! These 2 things may be causing your sinus problems.

Cayenne worked for me. Cayenne (1tsp) with the Apple Cider Vinegar (1 to 2Tbsp) and manuka honey (1Tbsp), mix with 2Tbsp of hot water. Slightly modified recipe from the original which was from another reader. Sip slowly. It has definately helped me as ear pain stopped in both ears and sore throat gone with in 2 days - be prepared for loose stools!! But I still have muffled hearing as sinuses infection still congested. Also, try the garlic tea.

Just drank a cup of ACV 2T, 3T local honey, 8 T hot water. I am desperate for a cure from chronic sinusitis. Currently on 3 antibiotics, decongestant, zyrtec, nasal steroid.... And still I have incredible pain in L sinus/feels like tooth pain.... Exaustion.... Pain in L side of face and head that I awake from sleep. The drink was not too bad... Added extra honey cause it's supossed to be healing too, and it made the drink easier to drink..... I will see how I sleep tonight

Thank you for this site!! I am deseperate to try natural things since medicine has run it's course with me, and no longer works. ACV has antibiotic properties, so I am very hopeful that this will work for me. Thank you all for your comments and input too.

I have suffered sinus problems for most of my life. A few years ago I awoke to a badly swollen face, it was painful to touch. I seldom go to the Dr. but this was serious. The medical assistant said I had a sinus infection and the best cure was to irrigate my sinuses, she suggested I use a Neti pot and warm salt water. I took her advice and a few hours later the swelling was down, my ability to breathe was enhanced and I have never had a serious problem since. I use salt water most days but if the problem is more pronounced I use Cayenne, ACV or H202. The wonderful thing about sinus irrigation is how rapidly it works, for me it's a matter of minutes. You don't want to use a large dose of Cayenne, just a hint will do the job.

What cured my sinusitis was wearing a warm knitted cap on my head day and night. I have not had problems with sinusitis so far for over 2 weeks! I'm not taking any benadryl or anything. Try keeping your head warm like I did.

First time in years that I feel normal again. For some reason cold starts my sinuses running and the horrible post nasal drip? I also am not spitting out mucus! Keep your head warm especially during the night.

DianeC Los Angeles 1/31/11

Could you tell me what is this orange sugar from and where is possible to get it? I know only regular white one, and brown sugar. Thanks in advance, AnnaZ.

Hey Bob, what is the solution you used to mix the salt rinse. I have tried the store bought rinse but it does not work at all. Thx in advance.

Relieve for Sinus: 300 grammes for Ginger from Indonesia

- pound it loose and put in Container with half cup of water.
-Add 2 tablespoon of orange colour sugar.
-break one egg on top of the orange sugar.
-Put this container with cover into a larger pot with water,
-then Double boil this contain for 3 hours.

Drink the water extract slowly as the ginger taste is strong. Do no take ice cold drinks or beer for 6 months.

Take the extract once a month, if Sinus is relieved, no need to take anymore. Contributed by Mr. Lim whom had suffered from Sinus since young and was relieved from Sinus now. Mr Lim love planting orangic herb and vegetable in Tampines Street 82 Singapore. Go to google Map you can view the herb garden near block 840. There's many tip to share from Mr. Lim, he exercise in the morning and will come to tend the garden from 5:00am to 9:30am.

I'd like to offer a remedy for chronic and/or repeated sinusitis sufferers - Rosemary Oil, Green Tea, and Himalayan Sea Salt nasal rinse. I'm going to go into a fair amount of detail regarding the history of my condition and treatments I've tried over the years in case some of you find similarities. My chronic sinus problems date back to 1994 when I was underprescribed antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection that then became antibiotic resistant. Since that time,I've always had a chronic level on inflammation in my R sinuses, usually getting infected and requiring antibiotics at least once a year. By 2007, my ENT specialist recommended surgery due to recurrent infections over a period of a year - repeated antibiotics along with standard daily nasal rinsing was not preventing new infections.

A point of interest here - I had a CT scan done when I was not currently infected, and it came back showing my sinuses were clear - no obvious physical malformations. I tried acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine as opposed to surgery, which did work well to stop infections from taking hold once they started, but was very expensive and never stopped infections from beginning in the first place.

I then did my own web research and tried a host of nasal rinse with essential oil combinations. Grapefruit seed extract, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Oregano, Lavender, and/or Hydrogen Peroxide - just throwing the kitchen sink at it. A nasal rinse with a few drops of GSE and/or a capful of Hydrogen Peroxide did stop infections, but never seemed to address the underlying nasal inflammation (in fact, you can see an old write-up of mine under the "Grapefruit Seed Extract" portion of this site). I've been antibiotic-free going on a year and a half, but still not symptom free by any means.

In my case, there are two distinct processes going on: 1. ) Chronic Inflammation; 2. ) Infection. While it seems I can stop an infection early, I haven't found a remedy to reduce the inflammation and prevent infections from beginning. In my case, I believe my problems start with my sinuses becoming inflamed with some environmental allergen, and as the inflammation progresses, bacteria gets trapped and then starts a new infection. I got the following remedy from a Health Food store in Sedona, Arizona - a gentleman there who was apparently very familiar with aromatherapy treatments was recommended to me by a friend. He is a fellow sinus-sufferer, though not quite to my level. He recommended aromatherapy Rosemary oil specifically for it's anti-inflammatory properties, weak Green Tea (anti-microbial), and himalayan sea salt in a neti pot for a sinus rinse.

Brew up a quart of green tea and let it fully steep with one green tea bag. The himalayan sea salt is prepared as follows: whether in rock or crushed form, place a large amount (maybe a quarter-cup) of salt in a mason jar and fill it with water (tap, in my case), and let it sit for several hours. The idea (and research this on the web if you like) is that the water will dissolve the salt up to a maximum saturation of 26% salt in a liquid solution. Basically, it becomes a salt-water brine. Add 1 drop of rosemary oil (2 if particularly congested), 2 tablespoons of the salt brine to a neti pot and then fill it with the weak green tea. Adjust the amount of salt brine in the rinse get it to a concentration that is comfortable for your sinuses - I find that a bit on the salty side is more comfortable. Rinse as you would normally, but at least twice a day. I've been on this regimen for a week after getting my tell-tale sign of a new infection - blood-tinged yellow mucus. The bleeding stopped within a day, the mucus is now clear, and the inflammation I'm typically used to is well below what is typical. My sense is that if I can find a method to get the inflammation under control, I'll be on my way to fully healing my sinuses. I'll report back in the coming weeks with my observations.

I have treated my post nasal drip for over 30 years by gargling with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (about 1 tablespoon to 8 or 12 ounces of water). A stronger solution will have a stronger astringent pull from your sinuses. With a sinus infection you may have to gargle a long time until the mucus is thin and clear. Once the mucus is thin, drink a large glass of water. Bee pollen tablets also help with PND. Just ask at the health food store. I just take one and it helps for quite a while. Avoid sugar during bouts of PND - mucus is much worse after sweets and high carbs. Also, depending on the cause of acid reflux or IBS, drinking the same ACV solution helps greatly for stomach distress. Make a mild solution, add ice and it's quite pleasant.

P.S. Regarding my feedback about Sinusitis: I believe I forgot to add that ICE PACKS on my eyes and eyebrows also helps my sinus problem.

Regards, DianeC

Dear Earth Clinic I am excited and would like to share my cure with other sinusitis sufferers!

I have suffered from Sinusitis for close to 10 years. I had never had any allergies to anything except Figs (they cause my throat to itch) so I avoid them. About 9 years ago I began to have extreme post nasal drip and this caused me pain in the throat down to my stomach. This became so bad that I stopped hiking and walking. I gained an awful amount of weight in 9 years. About 30 pounds! Before the problem I used to hike up to 12 miles with a 10 minute break! I was slim and in great shape for a woman of 48. Then came this health problem.

After trying everything over the counter and also prescriptions nothing worked. Medications only gave me some relief. I must have spent hundreds on medications. I was getting worse everyday.

I suddenly remembered that massage therapy works on many medical problems so I begin pressing out my sinus area. I usually lie down and place my thumbs on the area across the eyebrow near the nose and press down hard as I can stand it. (Works better if someone else does this)The area was in so much pain! I also irrigate my nasal passages with a teaspoon of sea salt and a teaspoon of baking soda with hot water as I can stand. When I irrigate I try to suck in the liquid deep in my sinus passages. Both sides. Then I press down not only the eyebrows but the orbits of my eyes and near the nose. (If you have problems with glare this might be the cause of the problem. I believe the computer screen can cause problems with the eyes and sinuses. This problem started 2 years after I bought my first computer. I actually wear sunglasses when using the computer or you can dim the screen. Or buy a screen shade of some type.)

I believe my eyes were the cause of my sinusitis. I believe the nerves of my eyes were inflamed with the light and glare. I use sun glasses at all time out of doors. Since I began pressing my sinus area the painful post nasal drip has stopped! And I am almost back to normal.

I still have a slight problem but I only started this treatment a week ago! I pressed out my sinuses before I went to bed last night and irrigated my sinuses with hot water with sea salt and baking soda and I also took a hot shower and allowed the hot water to hit my sinus area! This morning I woke up with extremely thick Flem from my sinuses that was like chewing gum! It was difficult to take off my hand it was so gooey! That is what was in my sinuses and who knows for how long? Anyway I would like to share this treatment with others. And I pray it helps others!

Thank you
DianeC

The best cure for sinusitis that I have found is to use a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in a personal steamer/inhaler. Works like a charm after 2-3 10 minute treatments.The eucalyptus oil can be found at most pharmacies and is usually just a couple of dollars for a bottle.

You could all be writing my story - I call it tonsil mucous. I don't always feel the "postnasal drip" only sometimes. Because I work with people on a one-to-one basis I end up having to swallow this awful stuff. It sits in the airway and I have to cough it up later so that it does'nt get into my lungs. My lungs are always clear when I get them checked yet I can have the most awful wheeze which I can feel in my throat.

3 years ago I went to a specialist whe put the camera through me. He could see nothing wrong with my sinus or tonsils but could see the build up of mucus and a bubbly fluid at the tonsils, just no reason for it. So as a long shot he prescribed an ant-acid as excesssive acid can cause mucus in the body. When I finished the course - which made no difference to the mucus - I then started to suffer heartburn. Desperatly looking for a cure for this new painful ailment I found this site.

To the person who said it is probobly a food allergy. Mine certainly isn't because I do an elimination/detox diet which takes me a total of 2 1/2 months every two years for health reasons and it never makes an ounce of difference to the mucous

I have tried the 1 tablespoon ACV and 1 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz water which worked wonderfully for the heartburn but not the mucus.

Tried 2 tablesppons of ACV in 8 oz water (no Baking soda) slight difference but not enough to continue.

Next I purchased a Neti pot and added
- a) sea salt
- b) grapefruit seed extract 1 drop
- c) peroxide.
Not all together obviously. But I did conclude that it wouldn't work for me cos it makes me gag too much.

I tried gargling with a 50/50 peroxide/water - useless

Tonight, at about 7 o'clock, I bit into a wild oreagno capsule(tried but couldn't get the liquid form) and "oh boy". It's about three hours now and I feel a big difference. Now I must say I felt like this with the ACV and water and it didn't last. So I'll talk to you again in a couple of days. If this doesn't work my next try will be peroxide inhalation.

By the way, just cos some of the above didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you. I have had great results from this site on heartburn, rosacea, broken capillaries and hubby's fungal feet.

The answers are out there - we have to look for them.

I just read, with interest, the problem you are experiencing with your sinuses. I don't exactly have a cure but am trying the Turmeric (1 heaping spoonful in a glass of water twice a day) and will report my progress - or not - after I've done it a few days. I wanted, mainly, to let you know that I have been experiencing a very similar problem for about 5 years now, and yes it is very annoying. My problem is that I have a lot of phlegm in my throat. Sometimes I have difficulty swallowing as well. I am constantly attempting to clear my throat of this bothersome "stuff", and it's very annoying (and embarrassing), especially when it comes to the surface and I have to spit it out. I keep Kleenex with me for when this happens. Yes, it is a very "ugly" subject to write home about, or even approach it on the internet. You have my utmost appreciation for your bravery in writing about your symptoms, and I felt compelled to reply, mainly, to let you know there are others out there suffering from the same thing. Let's hope we can get to the bottom of what causes this very uncomfortable problem (I have been told the name of it is post nasal drip - but hey, what's in a name?). I just know it's very uncomfortable in a lot of way.

I have the same thing down the back of my throat, and have had it for years. It's "post nasal drip," just a title that describes the symptoms. You have mucus from your sinuses running down the back of your throat. This is your sinuses cleaning themselves, but over a lifetime it is not good for you because it carries bacteria into your stomach and your system, and is known to cause bacterial infections elsewhere in the body, such as the urinary tract. It's a reaction to something you ate due to allergy or food intolerance, such as dairy. Sometimes it can get so thick you feel you will suffocate. Gargle with warm salt water to clear it out, or just warm water period. Hot tea is good, too. Then treat with other things such as diluted vinegar or grapefruit seed extract or other remedy. You may have a sinus infection if you have yellow discharge from your nose when you blow.

I started apple cider vinegar when I found this site, my allergies are gone...can't believe after all these years- I can wake up with a clear head..I was also taking iodine for my thyroid..but these are the only two things that I did..so I am crediting both.

Hi Dewillac, I think it's best to take ACV that is , unfiltered, raw, organic if possible. The "mother" is the stringy stuff you see in unfiltered ACV. You should be able to find some easily at your local health food store. There's well-known brand - not expensive - that is available all over the US and I don't think you'll have any trouble finding it in Washington. As far as how much to take, I would advise reading postings here and experimenting and observing what seems to work best for you. Other readers may have better advice for your specific condition. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for having your web site available when I needed to find you. I detest going to the dentist because of the pain they inflict on my already sore teeth and gums. However, about five years ago, I had no choice but to visit one. Glad I did because he was very, very good and fixed my problem. Unfortunately, I've since developed what I believe is a sinus problem I've never had in the past and I don't if it's related to the dental work. I'll do my best to describe my symptoms - a constant liquid drip down the back of my throat which sometimes feels like it either coats my throat and I can't swallow, or it stops at the top of the back of my throat and feels like there is a blockage and I can't swallow. I have to inhale and snort hard to try to dislodge everything and get the liquid moving again just to swallow. Lately, I've begun drooling while sleeping and awake. While awake, I'm aware of the drool when I feel it on my face. When sleeping, I've begun keeping Kleenx under my pillow to absorb the liquid. I either drool like a normal person or, lately, wake myself up when I discharge a fair amount of liquid (it literally pours out of my mouth). I don't know how else to describe what's happening.

Two days ago, I had some vinegar potato chips for the first time in my life. For the first time in five years, I did not snort and no liquid was going down my throat or out of my mouth. My sister mentioned ACV to me and, while researching it, found your website. Can you help me? What do I have and is it related to my sinuses? I've never had allergies before and don't know what to do. If ACV will help me, what kind would you recommend I take? I've been reading about regular, diluted, undiluted, organic, and filtered. If this will work for me, can you narrow it down? Thank you so much for your patience while I vent and try to describe something that.....well, how do you describe the sound of trying to clear your nose and throat? Kind of difficult. Thanks for any help you can provide. If this posting goes out to the public, then thank you ahead of time to the public for any help.

Chronic sinusistis is often fungal/yeast as stated above. Fungus/yeasts attach themselves to heavy metals so if you have mercury fillings this could be contributing to sinus problems. After fillings are removed and chelations are done, sinus probems most often disappear. Consult a wise holistic doctor and forget about taking those awful drugs from ENTs.

Also, very important - wheat and dairy are often culprits. Get a good blood food allergy test from a holistic doctor.

What kind of salt did the person use for the salt rinse? Thank you.

Sinusitis: I was just reading about Apple Cider Vinegar with water as a daily tonic. I have an infection now and gulped the 2Tbs ACV with 8 oz water and am sipping on a 16 oz with ACV but in your suggestion of using it as a daily tonic you don't give a formula. Can you help?

Thanks, Sandy

Does ACV with cayenne pepper bring down cholesterol?

Relating to something different, postnasal drip, chew on Romaine lettuce. Very effective. Rachel

Unbelievable! I just tried organic (mother) apple cider vinegar (2 Tbsp) and honey (1 Tbsp) in an 8 oz glass of warm water about 30 minutes ago. The honey made it very palatable. After drinking that down and waiting for about 15 minutes I decided to have some lunch. I haven't actually TASTED food like I tasted it today for a LONG time! It was cashew chicken and brown rice, and I tasted every spice and flavoring in it! What a difference! My sinuses started clearing immediately, but the big surprise was how much better my throat felt right away. This may be from the honey coating my throat, but who cares what's doing it when it works this well? This drink will be part of my daily routine from now on. Thank you to Earth Clinic & everyone for all the positive comments!

Hello! just wanted to let you know the acv seems to be working for clearing up my sinus's. just been using 2teaspoons in water w/honey and cinnamon sugar (the taste is a little strong) also gave my cats some for flea's and overall health. my sinus's had been blocked and infected for the last 6 months. antibiotics dont cure everything. and in only 2 days my sinus has dried up! thankyou for posting such wonderful news about helping people! so many cures that i never knew existed!

Hey Folks, just a follow-up on my GSE treatment and how I've adapted it...

I actually lapsed on the GSE spray in April while out of the country and got infected again unfortunately. For the last 3 months I've been using a neti pot, salt (equivalent to a NeilMed packet), about 1 tsp of Hydrogen Persoxide, and just two drops of GSE. While i haven't gotten reinfected, I've come close, in which case i bump up the amount of H2O2 and GSE, and that seems to keep it at bay.

However, I still have significant nasal inflammation in the area (and have for years), and if it closes up, infection typically follows. The GSE rinses and sprays don't seem to help with the inflammation.

As i have been on antibiotics so frequently in the last 2 years, I began to suspect a yeast and/or fungal infection was playing a role. To that end, I've limited my dairy and wheat intake, am taking a broad-spectrum probiotic, and really examine my foods for high-fructose corn syrup (aside from feeding the yeast in the belly, HFCS stimulates a major insulin response, not healthy for various reasons).

I've actually switched my GSE nasal rinse regimen and began trying colloidal silver spray and nasal rinse. From what I've studied, the colloidal silver basically interrupts the process of fungus/yeast from being able to take in O2, and dies off. I simply bought 250ppm colloidal silver solution, put about 10 drops into a nasal spray bottle, and added about 1/4 of plain tap water (er, distilled is best of course), and also about 1 tsp of colloidal silver in about 2oz tap water in a neti pot, keeping my head tilted to the side for about a minute to let it fully irrigate the sinus. From what I've read, do not put salt into the solution - it turns the colloidal silver into silver chloride, and it's the colloid form that interrupts the yeast/fungus oxygen intake. The spray is very gentle, however the rinse is uncomfortable due to being hypotonic, but that goes away within a few minutes. An alternative to salt may be to add xylitol to make the solution isotonic (equal to the particulate concentration in blood). However, there are ready-made colloidal sinus sprays available commercially.

I'm on my third day of this particular regimen. When i wake up in the morning, it is typical for me to feel stuffed up and swollen inside my nose. However, this morning i could feel my R-sinus "popping" which for me means the swollen areas are shrinking. For certain, I can tell that the inflammation is much less than normal, much more open, and I'm greatly encouraged.

Seems to me sinus maladies and treatments are very specific to the person, that there is no single bulls-eye remedy for everyone, but in my particular case this seems to be working for now. I'll report back in time and let you know what's happening.

I am inquiring to the last paragrafh of your e-mail. I have been suffering with sinusitis for 5 days now I went to the doctor two days ago and she put me on 500mg Amoxicillin which sorry to say doesn't seem to be helping I tried the baking soda, sea salt with the water this morning and immediately noticed a difference in my being able to breathe better. After you tried this did you have any further complications that I should be aware of?