Sinus Infections
Natural Remedies

Find Relief from Sinus Infections Naturally

| Modified on Oct 11, 2024
Borax Solution in Neti Pot
Posted by Shelley (Indiana) on 05/08/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I put 1-2 tsp Borax in my 16 oz nasal wash bottle along with 1/2 my regular tsp of salt/soda/xylitol mix (because borax has sodium in it and too much sodium can burn). On the 2nd day and for the first time, ever, my clogged side of my sinuses is open and my other side is not as open (which is normal for them to switch, in healthy sinuses, but mine never do). I noticed right away my sense of smell was so much better and can't wait to see more improvement over time! I suspect a fungal sinus infection which my doctors never cared to properly diagnose and being over-prescribed antibiotics which lets fungus grow in the body like crazy, so also taking a good probiotic. That's always a must!!!


Hydrogen Peroxide in Ears
Posted by Love Detox (Us) on 08/30/2017
★★★★★

I've made so much progress in my detox and anti-aging. But one thing kept weighing me down: my sinuses. If I'm around anyone with a cold, I can feel it in my sinuses.

I don't get sick, but I feel stuffy.

Because I've been into heavy detox with h2o2, I've been researching it as a refresher.

I've read before that you can use diluted hydrogen peroxide in your ears to make a cold go away, especially at the beginning of the cold. No one understands how it works, but that it does.

First time I read that, it just seemed unbelievable.

Long time ago, I read that people who use earplugs have many more times the bacteria in their ears than those who don't. (I wear earplugs.)

Specialists know that ears, sinuses and throat are usually treated together.

I decided to try the cold cure, to see if the extra bacteria might be what's causing my sinuses to have issues.

Sure enough! I officially have NO MORE SINUS PROBLEMS! I've been on antibiotics as a child often for ear infections, then had a runny nose for my entire life

I'm not saying that bacteria in your ear canal can go into your sinuses. If it did, it would easily go into your brain.

What I am saying is: whatever way h2o2 cures a cold, it also cured my chronic sinus infection.

I'm not going to give you a dosage here, because you need to do your own research on how to dilute it. 30% food grade h2o2 will burn your skin! So it's plenty diluted to put in your ear.

This will speed up my detox even more, because no more energy is being used to fight infection!

What an amazing thing to happen for me!


Vibration for Sinus Drainage
Posted by Morninglaurie (Michigan) on 02/27/2023
★★★★★

I discovered this by accident…washing my face in the shower with an oscillating face brush. I had a terrible sinus infection, nothing was helping. I tried almost all of the other things posted here…2 weeks flat on my back. So after running hot water over my face, used the face brush, and accidentally crushed the bristles so that the backer was against the corner of my nose and felt the urge to sneeze as it vibrated. Interesting. So I crushed the bristles under my cheekbones and just let it vibrate. Moved it around..a little at a time, letting it vibrate each time for maybe 30 seconds. Didn't realize it because I was already wet, but my nose started running. When I discovered it, I reached out of shower for a Kleenex, and blew….infection.

Oh my gosh it was finally moving. And my head no longer felt like it was ready to explode. So after that every few hours, I wrapped the bristles in a cloth so as not to scratch, and after heating my face with a warm rice pack, I would vibrate my sinus cavities. Every time I was able to blow out infection.

Now, I am still using the neti pot also with povidone iodine, Grapefruit seed extract and xylitol and now that is helping to rinse out mucous (hadn't touched it before). Still draining a few days later, but I am not coughing after sleeping where the drainage settles in my airway, and am feeling almost human again. Will be ordering a silicone face cleaner/massager that vibrates so the bristles wont be an issue.

I have tried almost everything, including pressure points and massage, cayenne pepper drinks, honey, cider vinegar, sage tea, peroxide, povidone iodine, GSE, xylitol in the neti pot, etc. with no success. I used to be able to forestall an infection if I used the neti pot as soon as I could feel one coming on, but that no longer stops an infection for me. I don't see a lot of research out there….wondering if I do this on a regular basis will it keep sinuses open?

I hope this helps someone out there..

Ayurvedic Method with Oregano Oil, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Kiara (Los Angeles) on 06/10/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Ancient Ayurvedic method for Sinus Infections

I did my 7 doctor rounds for my sinus infections no luck... So, I did research and cured my sinus infection naturally and so fast. I was amazed by it! I think the magic is in the tea tree and oregano oil.

Directions:

Get 1 clean sterilized glass quart jar fill it with four cups ( 4 cups makes one quart) of distilled or filtered water. I boil the water for ten minutes to sterilize then you MUST let if cool down to room temperature.

Then add

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Then add only one drop of Oregano Oil and add one drop of Tea Tree oil. These two oils are strong so one drop of each is all you need.

Pour the cooled solution into neti pot. I used this solution a couple times during the day and then again right before bed.

Here is the key:

When I pour this solution into my sinuses using my neti pot, I stand over the sink and I tilt my head slightly downward in the sink and then I take a deep breath in using my nose while pouring the solution into my sinuses. Then I hung my head upside down for 15 minutes and moved my head side to side and back to get the solution deep into my sinuses. Keep a towel handy in case it begins spilling out.

After 15 minutes I release the solution into the sink and spray the sink with disinfectant. I truly hope this helps someone as much as it has me.


Air Conditioners and Sinus Infections
Posted by Patrice (Nashua, Nhl) on 02/09/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I Just had to add my two cents re Air Conditioning filters. My mother lived in this very expensive, assisted living facility in Florida for 5 years. I only saw them change filters once and it was disgusting all the debris. As a result she was sick constantly with frequent URIs and ended up in the ER 3 times. Moved her to another facility less expensive without all the entertainment frills etc. But filters were mandatorily changed every 3 months. It has been 4 years and she has not been sick once since she has moved there and she will be 90 this April. So this was certainly an eye opening experience for me. Check those AC filters often!!!!


Baby Shampoo
Posted by Alex (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/01/2008
★★★★★

I got a nasty sinus infection during the first week of January 2008. I went to my doctor a couple of weeks later and over the next few months I was given a variety of antibiotics, nasal sprays, singular, Claritin and a neti pot. I tried the silver spray and even used grape seed oil, oil pulling and apple cider vinegar but nothing worked until last week when my doctor gave me this simple advice.

She said: "Add two drops of BABY SHAMPOO to your saline nasal spray twice a day." I started that three days ago and I feel a thousand times better!!!!!!!! I am sending her a thank you note next week. Spread the word, use 2 DROPS OF BABY SHAMPOO IN YOUR NASAL SPRAY!

Baby Shampoo
Posted by Ria (Seattle, Wa--usa) on 02/22/2017
★★★★★

I'm in shock. I'm so glad I found this thread. I've had the most stubborn flu this year. I'm a regular sinus rinser...I use NeilMed's packets and squeeze bottle. After my first round of flu taking 11 days to heal, a friend (I could kill him! ) kissed me without permission when he was just starting to get sick...and I got sick again. It was settled into my sinuses for another week, so I start looking for ideas.

Using the 1/4 tsp baby shampoo to 1 c. warm water recipe worked for me immediately! Wish I'd sought more knowledge sooner, but grateful to know this now!


Goldenseal
Posted by Beth (Roseville, MN) on 08/26/2006
★★★★★

For sinus problems use goldenseal power mixed with water to make a paste. Put it up your nose with Q-tip. Repeat until symptoms disappear. I have tried EVERYTHING else and THIS WORKS!


Goldenseal
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 08/27/2023
★★★★★

GOLDENSEAL ROOT NASAL SPRAY for CHRONIC FUNGAL SINUS INFECTION

I had a client come to me with chronic sinusitis. She has been to the doctors many times over the past 6 months and has been prescribed different antibiotics and nasal sprays (Fluticasone) with no relief.

Since she was not responding to any anti-biotic treatment made me suspect she had a fungal infection and these lame doctors are not treating the underlying problem. Plus, researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that sinusitis, an inflammatory disease, is caused by yeast 96% of the time and cured by anti-fungals. Fungi are the major cause of a chronic sinus infection. Individuals with weak immunity are more susceptible to such infections.

According to research, chronic sinusitis (there is also acute sinusitis) is a consequence of an immune disorder triggered by fungus. Back in 1999, a research team discovered that there were fungal organisms present in the mucus of 96 percent of patients who underwent chronic sinusitis surgery. Namely, fungus and mold spores are in the air all the time and therefore, we inhale them and they stay in the sinuses' mucus lining. Since yeast are opportunistic organisms that flourish as immune function declines, it becomes obvious why these diseases are seen more. People who are more prone to chronic sinusitis will experience an immune response to the fungi, which will further cause sinusitis signs. This is why antifungals will be much more effective than antibiotics in treating the problem. Antibiotics do nothing to kill fungal infections and I believe they make things worse.

Results

She said she could see results after the 3rd spray. In less than one week, she is 90% better.

About Goldenseal Root

Goldenseal Root (Parts Used: primarily the root, to a lesser extent leaves) is widely used in many herbal salves and ointments as a disinfectant. Goldenseal root contains berberine and hydrastine which have a broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral action. Goldenseal root was used by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Iroquois, as a yellow dye and for health conditions.

The herb's primary value is as an infection fighter for upper respiratory congestion and sinus infections as well as a topical antibiotic in skin infections, staph infections of the skin, cuts, wounds, sore throats, mouth ulcers, athlete's foot, ringworm, bronchitis, colds, whooping cough, pneumonia, gastritis ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, constipation, acne, thrush, recurrent ear infections, vaginitis, urinary tract infections, and eye infections (such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis).

How to make a Goldenseal Root Tincture Sinus Spray for Chronic Fungal Sinusitis

Material needed:

* 30ml empty clean nasal spray bottle

* Distilled water

* Goldenseal Root Tincture 1oz (must be alcohol-based ~ Not Glycerin based)

Recipe:

1. Add 15ml Goldenseal tincture to an empty nasal spray bottle. (1:1 ~ v tincture to water)

2. Top off bottle with distilled water.

How to use:

1. Use this spray twice in each nostril 2-5 times daily for a few weeks to resolve sinus infection.

Note: It stings a little for about 15 seconds but after that you're good to go.

Iodine
Posted by Daniel K. (Freeport, Ny) on 04/18/2018
★★★★★

Sinusitis: Russians snort liquid iodine into their nasal cavities when they are sick, and also Germans put 10 drops of liquid iodine into their coffee or tea as a cure-all.

I tried it in my coffee and swear it cut my cold in half, I just don't have the guts to snort 7% iodine!!

Nostrovia


Hydrogen Peroxide, Salt and Baking Soda
Posted by Kristin (Pdx) on 05/26/2015
★★★★★

Saw six ENT doctors, not cured. I was looking for fast, effective natural sinus cure. I spoke to an well know health expert who told me, "Nothing can survive in hydrogen peroxide after 20 minutes" An idea was born! This is fastest, easiest natural way that cured my bad sinus infection. I put sterilized water in neti pot, with a one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, some sea salt, and little bit of baking soda. I flooded my sinuses with this solution and then I hang upside down on my inversion board, for 20 minutes this is the key. I move my head from side to side to get the solution deep into my sinuses, I keep a cotton towel close by. I did this everyday for few days and I was cured. If you don't have an inversion board you can hang off the side of the couch. There is correct way of using neti pot so you get the solution into your maxillary sinuses. Please research it. I did.

Air Conditioners and Sinus Infections
Posted by Marsh57 (Denver) on 05/16/2018
★★★★★

Thanks Michael, you're right on target. I used to suffer horribly from the same when staying at hotels/motels. After speaking with an Indoor Air Quality professional, he explained molds/bacteria/nasty stuff is being recirculated over and over. I now stay in home rentals (haven't caught an infection while on vacation since! ). After the segment on national tv showing the germs on bedspreads, blankets, carpet under black lights in hotels/motels, that did it for me. Disgusting, scary and creepy.


Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 11/24/2020
★★★★★

Thank you for your post, Faye.

According to Dr. Ivker, fungal sinusitis is the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. In fact, Dr. Ivker has seen this in 92% of his patients over the last 20 years. “It's become quite common because of widespread use of antibiotics, and the S.A.D. diet (Standard American Diet), which fuels this fungal infection, ”.

A 2003 study examined tea tree oil as a treatment for the common yeast infection strain Candida albicans, including 14 drug-resistant derivatives. During lab testing, they found that the oil was effective against all strains.

A follow-up test on rats confirmed these results. The oil cleared drug-resistant infections in rats after three weeks of treatment. Untreated rats or those treated with common yeast infection drug (fluconazole) remained infected at the conclusion of the study.

The main benefit of using tea tree oil to relieve headache/fever/sinus symptoms caused by infection. An alternative to antibiotics and chemical treatments. Tea tree oil contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an ideal remedy. Tea tree oil helps in sinus headaches by getting to the root of the problem—microbial infection. It also reduces the severity of inflammation of the sinuses so that the mucus can be drained more efficiently. The anti inflammatory property of tea tree oil reduces the inflammation which causes the pain of a migraine. Various studies show that tea tree oil is indeed a potent fighter of inflammation, helping in a wide array of inflammatory diseases [7, 8, 9].

When my sinus get ready bad, I use a nasal sprayer re-purposed for tea tree oil.

Here is a good recipe:

Material needed:

*Saline Nasal Squeeze Bottle (New with saline water inside purchase from any thrift store for $2)

*Tea tree oil

1. Remove nasal tip from Saline Nasal Squeeze Bottle with needle nose pliers and a piece of paper towel around the nasal tip to prevent scaring the tip.

2. Add 1 to 20 drops tea tree oil depending on your tolerance. (20 drops in 1.5oz saline solution = around 2.5% dilution)

3. Re-cap nasal tip to bottle. Shake bottle well every time because saline/water and oil don't really want to mix together and spray up each nostril at least 3-4x/daily.

4. If you are having chronic sinusitis issues, plan on doing this remedy for at least 3 weeks to fully resolve your problem.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Manuka Honey, H2O2
Posted by Len Cicio (Nyc) on 04/05/2017
★★★★★

I went through 3 operations for severe nasal polyps that were so bad, I started developing rings under my eyes. Very hard to focus and concentrate and feeling very tired like I had a bowling ball in my head! After a year or 2 they kept coming back and you have to imagine your worst congestion 100 X magnified.

I had my last operation 3 years ago and about this past early February it started coming back with a vengeance. I started taking 1 teaspoon of apple cider mixed in a hot glass of water. On top of that I bought New Zealand Manuka honey (400g) Cup of hot water with a heaping teaspoon of this and a teaspoon of organic cinnamon. Once in the morning and once at night.

Finally took Hydrogen peroxide 3% dipped in a q tip till very saturated and for 1 minute on each side of the nose, slowly worked it through each nasal passage all the way back. I'm a new person and my sense of smell is returning. Feel like I did right after my operation. I do this consistently every day. It works! Good health to everyone! Len


Air Conditioners and Sinus Infections
Posted by Americana (California) on 10/07/2013
★★★★★

For those of you who don't believe the A/C is the cause of the sinusitis, have you considered what lives inside your ductwork? It's not necessarily the air conditioner causing the problem, it's the mold, dust, and bacteria living in the ducts. These are easily cleaned. In my region, I call a local carpet cleaning company who also cleans ductwork with their steam equipment. Works beautifully to clean them.


Betadine
Posted by Daisy (Jacksonville, Florida) on 03/28/2012 8 posts
★★★★★

Oh, wow. The povodine idoine post might be the best tip on the whole site.

I have been using salt/baking soda sinus rinse for years, but never with the "miraculous" success others reported. There was even a couple of times when I felt like the rinse helped push the infection further up and further in. To combat this I have at separate times added either tincture of iodine or Lugol's in it -- very, very little because it has a nuclear sting -- which seemed to work and has helped in severe infections, but still nothing spectacular.

Over the last two or three days I have been building up to a full-blown sinus infection and came here to study the recommendations again when I came across this tip and realized that even though I have tried iodine, I have never tried *povidone* iodine, which is much less irritating to tissue and widely used in wound healing preparations.

I don't actually have any Betadine on hand except for some prepackaged surgical wipes a friend gave me (like wet wipes for your hands, but with betadine instead) but since I'd only need a few drops to try I figured that was enough. I knew the very first snort would tell me all I needed to know. So today when praparing the rinse I was going to do anyway, I tipped a few drops of water into the wipe packet, and then tipped the diluted betadine from the wipe packet into my sinus rinse bottle, added the water and salt/baking soda mix as usual, and had at it.

Oh. My. Gosh. It didn't sting a bit. And what's more, the building inflammation and congestion I'd had when I started was entirely gone by the time I mixed the second rinse only minutes later. (I usually do two rinses at a time. ) When I did the second rinse, instead of meeting the usual resistance from all the inflammation, the water ran out as fast as it ran in! And now, twenty minutes later, the relief is lasting just fine.

This is definitely a keeper, and not just because of povidone iodine's ease on the tissues and nasal mucosa. I have long had troubles with yeastiness, and am convinced that a lot of my sinus troubles are due to yeast... And as it happens, povidone iodine is active against fungi as well as bacteria. (I don't know about viruses, sorry. ) And if I had to place a bet, I'd say the near miraculous relief I got today was because it hit the yeast as well as whatever bacteria was trying to get a hold up in there.

Thank you so much for posting this little tip. The only thing I would add is that whoever tries it needs to make sure that they are using POVIDONE iodine (Betadine solution or its generic equivalent) and not tincture of iodine, or even a Betadine lotion/cream/cleanser/scrub, because it's not the same thing and there are a lot of products labeled Betadine. The ingredients in Betadine Solution are Povidone-Iodine 10%, Pareth 25-9, Purified Water, and Sodium Hydroxide, and that's it. If you put some other form of iodine in your nasal rinse, I'm going to bet that you come away sincerely wishing you hadn't, because I've tried them all and never found one that didn't sting like a mother until this.

Thank you again for posting this!!!


Betadine
Posted by B14a3w3 (Stewartstown, Pa) on 03/20/2011
★★★★★

For 2 years I have been using a capful of peroxide, premeasured NeilMed salt, 1 cup of warm water and 3 drops of Betadine once a day to prevent allergy sinus infections. I use a NeilMed squirt bottle to shoot the solution into one nasal passage and it comes out the other... Like a netipot would do. Instead of 2-3 infections a year, I have none. It has also prevented cracked skin over the cartilidge on the inside of my nose from post nasal drip irritation. My doctor said it was safe and to keep doing it since it helps. I have had infections for at least 20 years prior to trying this solution.

Hydrogen Peroxide, Salt and Baking Soda
Posted by Kerstin (San Francisco, CA)
★★★★★

I can't tell you how grateful I am for coming across this web site!! Last night I mixed Peroxide / Salt / Baking Soda with water and in a dropper put it in my nose while hanging upside down with my head and for the first time I feel hope! Today for the first time in many many months I woke up WITHOUT being totally clogged up and it seems like the constant flow of gross, horrible smelling stuff dripping down the back of my mouth is gone!! I actually feel like a person again! I can't believe this!! The last 3 months have been absolutely miserable and I have had no success what so ever getting rid of my sinus infection.Amoxocillin does nothing neither does Augmentin 850. My sinus problems started about 15 years ago when I ended up with a deviated septum as a result of years of snorting drugs and I have had major major sinus problems ever since! I am going to repeat this wonder cure a couple of times just in case. Thanks again!



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