What is a person to do when the symptoms of a sinus infection - headaches, sinus pressure, congestion in the head, and possibly fever and malaise, continue on for weeks, or even months in spite of treatment? Many Earth Clinic readers have shared the tried and true natural treatments they have found to cure chronic sinusitis.
Cures for chronic sinus infections include apple cider, herbs, coconut oil, and vitamin supplements. It is also important to use remedies that will reduce inflammation in the body to help heal inflammation in the sinus cavities. Remedies to strengthen an immune system that has been overworked for weeks or months are also important.
If you go by personal experience of Earth Clinic readers, Apple Cider Vinegar is the most popular treatment for Chronic Sinusitis. It can be used in the nose or taken internally, or both! The best way to take it internally is to mix 2 Tablespoons of raw apple cider vinger with 2 Tablespoons or Raw Honey with 1 cup of almost boiling water in a mug. A hot drink helps the sinuses to drain. If you prefer a cold drink, add 1 - 2 Tablespoons of vinegar to a tall glass of water and sip over the course of an hour. To make an apple cider nasal rinse, add 1/2 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of boiled cooled water (or use distilled water.) Put some of the solution in your cupped hand and snort up into the sinuses. Alternately, use the solution in a netti pot.
Extra virgin coconut oil is another popular and effective treatment that can be used internally and externally. Coconut Oil is an amazing antiviral. To use it in the nose, melt a small amount and drop a few drops into each nostril. This should also be soothing to the nasal passages. The recommended dosage for adults is 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil three times a day. It may be best to start with 1 teaspoon three times daily to make sure the remedy suits you.
Cayenne pepper, garlic, eucalyptus, and mullein are some of the many herbs that can be used to treat chronic sinusitis. Some even put some cayenne pepper into the nose, but be prepared - that treatment is not for the faint of heart! Dip the tip of a q-tip into a bit of cayenne pepper and use that to get some cayenne up into each nostril. Be prepared for some discomfort and then some drainage! The herb mullein is great to thin mucous to help the sinuses to drain. Mullein can be taken as a tea. Garlic is a wonderful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-biotic. Take one clove 3 - 4 times each day. The clove can be minced and taken in a spoon with raw honey, or spread with coconut oil onto toast.
Eucalyptus essential oil is a great addition to a healing bath. Fill a tub with water as hot as you like. Add 1 cup of baking soda or Epsom Salt and 4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. Soak for 20 minutes or so. To get an extra steamy bath, fill the tub with very hot water from the shower with the bathroom door closed. This will put more steam into the air to help moisten and drain the sinuses while you soak.
If your body is dealing with a chronic infection, likely your immune system needs some support. 1,000 mg of Vitamin C several times a day will be a help. Elderberry syrup or astragalus root (as a tea, in capsules or in a tincture) are two herbal supplements to help the immune system. Keep dairy products, sugar and processed foods to a minimum to help the immune system work better and keep mucous production down.
Many of the above mentioned remedies are anti-inflammatory in nature, including the garlic, vinegar and coconut oil. If you have been dealing with chronic sinusitis, your body has had an extended time of inflammation. Whatever you decide to use to treat your condition, continue treatment for at least several days, or even weeks, after you feel better. Your body needs some extra care and nourishment to get back to full health. The above remedies are all safe for long term use for most people.
Please scroll down this page to see what Earth Clinic readers have found helpful for their chronic sinusitis! You'll find an extensive list of remedies that you can sort by date or by remedies, including the number of people who have been cured by a particular remedy. If you have dealt with a chronic sinus infection, please share your experiences with us!
Additional Pages of Interest:
Sinus Infection Remedies
Allergy Remedies
Sinus Headache Relief from Folk Cures
Apple Cider Vinegar Cures
