The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 04/15/2011:
Six months ago I had a sinus infection with flu-like symptoms. I used the standard apple cider vinegar (ACV)-water mixture to dose myself for relief. It helped me considerably, and cut the progress of the infection and flu short. I whole-heartedly believe that the ACV did the trick. My sinuses were clearing up and the mucus thinned so that my breathing was easy and not painful.
I also believe the ACV 'kick-started' my menstrual cycle at the same time I was sick with the sinus infection -- I was miserable, but thankfully not for long, and the ACV helped with reducing the usual menstrual symptoms I had suffered in the past; missed cycles, heavy flow, cramping, bloating, achiness, grouchiness.
After that month, 6 months ago, I haven't had a sinus infection. There was a time I felt an inkling of an infection coming on, and one dose of ACV did the trick, no onset of infection. Six months ago was also the last time I had a menstrual cycle -- thought I was going premenopausal since I'm only in my early 40s, also, I developed a chalazion (doctor confirmed) on my lower eyelash line a few weeks after I recovered from my sinus infection, and stopping use of ACV. The chalazion has been with me ever since.
Since developing the chalazion, I've used a rue fennel eyewash, tea compresses, Similsan eye drops; nothing worked, until I searched on Earthclinic for a remedy -- castor oil. (I also have pingueculae on both of my eyes, started about 7 years ago after lasik surgery and dryness.)
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Geez, I sound like a mess, don't I?
When I read more on castor oil for my chalazion, I crossed my fingers hoping for more benefits, like ridding myself of the pingueculae.
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Now, after starting ACV again, but for maintenance purposes (I read D. C. Jarvis's "Folk Medicine"), my period miraculously re-started and my chalazion has shrunk down, and my eye is looking more normal. I was using castor oil with a warm compress or a steam on the chalazion for about 15 days prior to starting ACV. I did see results from the castor oil on my chalazion, but I think with using both the ACV and castor oil, they speeded up healing the chalazion.
My benefits from ACV and Earthclinic are three-fold: a remedy for sinus infection/flu; menstrual symptom relief (and re-start); reduction to almost no chalazion! I'm going to keep going with a one-dose-a-day of ACV to keep my menstruation cycle regular, but for now continue the ACV and castor oil treatment to see if I can completely heal the chalazion. I will update this when the chalazion is gone.
(Oh yes! Can't forget: the castor oil has given me the best nights' (plural) sleep in a very long time.)
A friend told me about this site because I was suffering from a sinus infection (an annual spring issue for me). I tried apple cider vinegar and snorting cayenne pepper for a few days. Result: the sinus infection is no better, my nose burns and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Going to the doctor tomorrow to get some real medication.
I have suffered from sinus problems for 25 years. Cannot even take any medication for relief. Had allergy shots for 1 1/2 years. No relief. I bought 5 allegra tablets and took 2. Could not stand the side affects. Out of desperation I asked the internet and found Apple Cider Vinegar as a possible cure. I went to the store and got Apple Cider Vinegar and honey. Went home and mixed it up. I no longer feel I am going to choke and die in the morning. I am 54 and it was just getting worse. My third day and I feel great. I can breath through my nose again and have a lot more energy and sleep good at night and wake up with clear unconjested sinus's.
Also use to suffer from canker sores 45 years. The internet saved me again. After suffering with canker sores that would sap my energy and cause severe pain and loss of appetite due to the pain while eating. Well this is what has cured me toms tooth paste that is SLS free. They put detergrant in toothpaste and this aggravated any injuries to your mouth and would cause canker sores. I would get at least 15 to 25 a year. They would be tough ones and last 7 to 10 days and hurt. Lot of pain that I do not experience any more. I still get about 2 a year but I notice them and they are gone without any pain. They heal fast and I can eat without pain and they no longer bother me. They heal as fast as I notice them. I have not had 1 yet that has caused me discomfort. 3 years I have used tom's non SLS free toothpaste. just like apple cider vinager it works.
I just wanted to say the ACV made me breathe easier within 2-3 minutes... Totally amazing! Now I just need to keep it on the counter so I remember to take it every day 3x a day!
I did want to mention that I do get sinus infections and they started when we moved into our house- we suspect mold but are afraid to rip open the walls until we can do any removal properly. That was 9 years ago. We ripped up the carpets 7 years ago because my daughter coughed on and off for 3 months. (she is doing it again now despite every holistic remedy in the book) I get about 1 or more sinus infections a year but always after a cold.... the whole shebang, teeth, cheek bones, head pain you name it.
Anyhow, I wanted to mention that I don't consume milk of any kind, yogurt or cheese, and haven't eaten ice cream in over 15 years LOL I also don't have air conditioning in my house and it broke in my car years ago- it makes me feel yukky and tired too so I don't like it on. I live on 100 acres secluded and our woodstove is now OUTSIDE... although we do live 2 km from a 4 lane highway.
We eat a holistic allergy free diet (no wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, refined sugar) and we sprout, eat high raw foods, grow and juice wheatgrass etc.
From what I have read about mold... sounds like that could be the root cause of most peoples sinus issues and can stay in the sinuses for years.
My girlfriend has 4 children. In their old house (where they did have to deal with mold and mice) they had a horrible time. The kids were always seeming to get sick, her one son was snoring and a mouth breather, lots of coughing, she has seasonal allergies etc. Since they moved to their new house they are doing wayyyy better!!! |Wish I could do the same!
I do however look forward to moving out of our house in a few weeks and into our trailer to see if I no longer wake up stuffy and brain fogged in the morning and hopefully this head cold will be gone by then!
My son (6 years old) has been using apple cider vinegar to treat his chronic sinus infection. I learned it from a web-site(couldn't remember which one) which recommended adult to take it the minute the sinus infection start w/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar w/a bit of honey 3x a day for at least 3 days or more. I think that's the key, the minute you felt you come down w/stuffy nose you should start the treatment right away, don't delay.
In my son case, he took 1 tbsp 3x a day w/1/2 tbsp Manuka honey. Manuka honey apparently has property stronger than antibiotic that can cures many ailments, among them is sinus infection, that's what the researcher claim. Anyway, the combination of these two treatments have been working great for my son. Usually he would get round of antibiotic from his doctor but no more. We've been able to avoid going to the doctor ever since we started this treatment. I've noticed that if I forgot to give him his apple cider vinegar treatment(before he goes to bed at night) then he has trouble sleeping due to stuffy nose, etc. w/apple cider vinegar and manuka honey treatment, he slept good at night and able to get rid the sinus infection w/in few days. I hope this information help.
Apple Cider Vinegar really helped. I have been suffering from a sinus infection for a few days. First I tried the 2 tablespoons ACV and 2 tablespoons water and heated it and inhaled the steam. It made my eyes water a little. I felt a bit of relief, then after about 1/2 an hour I tried 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 ounces of warm water and drank it. I started to feel better in about 20 minutes. What a relief!
I can't believe this! took one glass of 8 oz water with 2 tbls of ACV and my painful sinus went away in less than 12 hours! one glass! I was in such pain, couldn't bend my head down, pain when pressing on the sinus area, stuffed nose... All cleared! relief in 20 min or so after drinking straight up in the evening and full clearance of symptoms when I woke up next morning! wow! thank you earth clinic and contributors of feedback!
I have been having about three sinus infections each year for the past three years. I am 62 and found this very hard to take. Having just had another infection and another round of anti-biotics and anti histmine as per the doctors instruction. Two weeks later same again in desperation went online and asked for natural cures for sinus.
Thanks to God I was put onto this website could not belive a simple cure would work?Went to local store and purchace the apple cider vinegar, basic filtered stuff with no emzines or organic. Anyway within three days I could breath and within one week completly cured, It was if a light was switched on all these years doctors vists chemist antibiotics anti histamine costs? Have been on the organic for three months been educted about aspartime, great site, lost eight kilos With exercise. Its as if a light had been turned on. Feel like 50 again Thank for a great website.
After reading a few things about using apple cider vinigar, I decided to make some changes and use it more directly. I put 2 tablespoons of vinigar and 2 tablespoons of water into a coffee cup, heat the mixture for 40 seconds, after expelling as much mucus as possible, breathe in the steam through nose and mouth, reheat as often as you can. I do it all day. It's stinky, but it seems to really work.
After attempting to literally run my sinus infection out of me, I had given up until I read about ACV. I only started this today but I am already feeling more clear headed and my headache is better. I am eager to see how I feel in 2 more days and a several more doses. Does anyone know if I can overdose on ACV?
Well, I was skeptical about this at first. I have used cayenne to gargle with for a sore throat and thought it would be hell to put up your nose, but that crap works wonders! I mixed a cup of filtered water, lukewarm, with a neti pot packet, 5 drops of ACV, and a tiny dash of cayenne (the tail end of the tip of a knife). It made me have to blow my nose for about 5 minutes straight, but an hr and a half later, I am clear as a bell. A sinus infection set in 2 days ago and yesterday I started oil of oregano pills and nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract. I felt better when I got up today, but the cayenne/ACV rinse has really done the trick. Thanks Earth Clinic.
I love this site and have come here many times to naturally treat several ailments. After reading everything you had on Sinus treatments I made my own. My two children (at the time 2 and 5) had awful sinus stuff... On allergy medicines and nose sprays that made their noses bleed. They had inherited my bad sinuses and were never without a stuffed up nose or ear infection. I tried the ACV drink and it did help, but there was no way I was getting a 1 year old and a 4 year old to drink ACV!
I made my own solution and put it in an old nose spray bottle and I do two squirts per side on the oldest and myself and 1 squirt for the youngest. They do not like to leave it up there too long and prefer to blow it out. It still helps even though they blow it out. When I do it, I try to leave it up there as long as I can. It is good to blow after though, you get out a lot of gunk. I've reduced my sinus infection doctor visits from 1 per month to 1 per season and the boys have visited the doctor only for strep throat, not sinus or ear infections and they are now 4 and 7 years old! They re off all medicines (allergy and sprays). My doctor and my husband think I'm crazy and it's all in my head. But I know better and I think the pediatrician is starting to believe me!
Here's my recipe... (all measurements are approximate. I don't usually measure, just "eye-ball" it, but I tried to make it as close to what I do as possible. Also, I err on the side of more mild than strong as the boys don't like the "sting") 1/2 cup warm water About a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt About 1 teaspoon of ACV (organic, with "the mother") About 50-60 DROPS of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
I mix it up in a measuring cup and pour it into the mist-er nose spray bottle. If it's too strong, I add salt water. If it's not strong enough, I add a bit more ACV and GSE. When you spray it, look down at your feet. That way it won't drain down your throat. I keep the left over in a small bottle and refill the sprayer whenever I need it. I hope this helps someone. Especially those of you who don't think you could stomach the ACV drink!
I started to fill the sinus pressure and change in color 2 weeks ago... The full blown sinus infection came on 3 days ago... The pressure under the eye and the teeth pain r the worst!!! I dont like dr's at all it took me 15 yrs to get a pap.... What does that say... So ive done nothing but look up ntural cures for sinus infection and came across apple cider vinager..... Went and bought a bottle... The first day, I took 2 tablespoons with 8 ounces of water, defintly felt a diffrence after the first drink... And it wasnt that bad tasteing.... This morning I woke up felt okay but the pressure was back.... And I thought for sure I needed to see the Dr... Went out to breakfast had bis and gravy and hash brown and lots of tabsico sauce..... Came home took anthoer dose of apple cider vinegar.... And slept for 2 hours... Went shopping felt so much better... Came home took anthoer dose.. The presssure is still there a little bit but not as bad... I will continue this for the rest of the week.... I must say it has losend everything up... More productive blowing... Plus Ive been useing the sinus rinse... By the way dont use this as a sinus rinse burns like hell!!! Plus homemade beef jerky with lots of spices help to!!! Hope it keeps getting better!!!! Merrry Christmas to all!!!
I have had allergies and sinus infection for 11 years now. 3 or 4 infections a year. Antibiotics have destroyed my body. Found this site, started using the apple cider vinegar twice a day with honey bout 10 days ago. Sinuses are clear with NO headache. Yessss!!!!!! This is a godsend for me. I will probably continue for the rest of my life. I still have my allergies, but at least im not all stuffed up and in pain. Hopefully no more drs for me. :-)
Apple cider vinegar is such a great remedy! When I use this after a yoga shoulderstand my headache/sinus pain goes away within an hour. To be fair, I like vinegar - a LOT - I could see where this might be challenging to someone who doesn't care for vinegar.
UNBELIEVABLE......... 4 month sinus infection(only over the counter sudafed used(hate doctors)). Apple Cider Vinegar in 24 hours cures the affliction. What else can I say-fabulous-please keep up the good work!!!
Karen W (Charlotte, North Carolina ) on 09/06/2010:
I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for 3 years and it has cured all of my sinus infections. I usually have sinus issues twice each year. I take the apple cider vinegar capsules from the health food store. Also, when I have been exposed to strep throat, I gargle with ACV.
Last evening I couldn't stand it any longer so I made a visit to the local "on call doc in the box. " I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and given the ________. On my way home from the pharmacy, I stopped to visit a friend. He made me the "miracle tea" which included ACV and honey. This morning I woke up without a sore throat. I was skeptical last night, but now I know it honestly works! ! Thank you for this website.
I am cured! I've been using the ACV remedy for about 3 or 4 days. Posted initially and didn't realize I was using the wrong ACV. Used organic, unfiltered but didn't know it has to be unpasteurized also until today. I'm going to pick up B----'s to have on hand. Even so, I can't believe how quickly the wrong ACV worked! Over the course of 25 years, I took antibiotics 3-5 times a year. I took OTC anti-inflammatories, sudafed, guaifenesin before and after it went OTC, steroidal nasal sprays, and prescription decongestants. All this time, all I needed was the ACV remedy!
I'd just finished a 10-day course of antibiotics about 6 or 7 weeks ago when I came down with another infection 4 or 5 days ago. I thought I'd have to consider surgery finally, when I came across your site. As I wrote in my prior post, I started drinking 2 tbsp organic, unfiltered ACV in 10 oz water w/1 tsp raw honey. On day two, I made it w/8 oz. water and 2 tsp raw honey. I drank it twice daily. 3 or 4 days later, I feel 100%. I've told all my friends and co-workers about the ACV remedy, so now I'll be sure to tell them to get the right ACV. Thank you EC!
I am 46 and have suffered from sinus infections for 25 years. I do find using a neti pot with saline solution helps as a preventive measure and, if I have an infection, it temporarily relieves congestion. Avoiding dairy, with the exception of soured products is very helpful. Sudafed and steroidal sprays sometimes keep an infection at bay if I start using them soon enough. But over the last 2 years, the presenting symptoms have changed so I often don't realize I'm on the verge of getting an infection. Instead, I feeel fine and and then, seemingly out of nowhere, my teeth and jaws aches, the pressure begins, and so does the bad taste in my mouth. Very quickly, The pain becomes so unbearable that I wish someone would lop off my head. Then there's the nausea, from swallowing the nasty drip. And the lightheadness or dizziness. All in all, it's horrendous.
Unlike a lot of posters, I did use antibiotics several times/year and had much success. But I worry more & more about the bacteria morphing and becoming resistant. And who wouldn't rather refrain from using prescription drugs if natural remedies work?
All this to say that I mixed up 2 TBSP of organic, undiluted ACV in 10 oz. warm water & a good TSP of raw honey and drank it down thru a straw a little over an hour ago. The congestion & pressure has eased. My ears popped and no longer feel clogged at all. My teeth and jaw are not throbbing and my eyes somehow feel less swollen. I'm thrilled! It's bedtime now, so I'll be curious to see how I sleep and how I feel in the morning after a 2nd dose. Maybe I diluted the ACV more than most and I'm sure the honey helped too. But I didn't find the taste as horrifying or burning as a lot of other posters.
At any rate, I'm really encouraged by how much better I feel & how quickly! A million thanks!
I have the same problem: pounding headache above my eye after the drinking ACV. I think that people with low blood pressure should take ACV carefully because it lowers your blood pressure.
Male 41 very good shape. Well that was until Feb, when I picked up a cold. Sinus never really cleared.
Orange juice, on the shelf meds, over the counter meds, ditched any @ all dairy, upped the vitamin intake as well as variety. Throat very slowly but surely got worse. It's now mid May and I'm on my knee's sneezing really thick deep green things that fill a scott towel and thinking of a doctors visit.
Then I found this site. Read a bunch and came a crossed ACV mix's for flushing the sinus. A good friend told me about Apple Cider Vinegar once, and how it helps the body.
Picked up a Neti Pot(under$20) which came with a bunch of pre mixed packets. I just grabbed the Neti Pot and mixed 8oz of warm water with 1 tablespoon of ACV with a big pitch of salt. Poured through nose with no pain until 1/2 hour later. One moller right side went crazy (pain) all the way to the root tip. As well as sneezing while it drained. 2 advil's to reduce pain. Fell asleep for 3 hours.
Made a second batch, 8oz warm water 1 tablespoon of ACV plus another 1/2 tablespoon of ACV for good measure, no salt.
Complete flush with no pain during or later. 1 hour later sneezing is only clear fluid.
Moller has totally subsided to normal and I feel great in a 20 hour span from the first flush to right now.
I'm totally impressed and will be passing this on to all.
Beverly (Lake Elsinore, California) on 05/03/2010:
I was suffering a major sinus infection for 3 days. Feeling congestion , pressure in my head, stuffy nose, itchy throat, head ache, and productive cough. I was taking over the counter nasal spray, antihistamine, and pain relievers. I decided last night to try the a ACV with the mother remedy. 2 tbs in 8 oz of warm water. After the first few sips I felt the pressure in my head go away! I could not believe it. Took another glass this morning and afternoon. I feel much better. Except I cannot smell. I'm hoping my sense of smell returns soon. I am so glad I did not have to go to the doctor and have to take antibiotics! thank you Earth Clinic!
Good morning. I hope you can help me with this. I have had very bad sinuses for many many years and has been very debilitating. It is primarily on the right side of my head and i believe that the upper right frontal/temple are the culprits here. I have used your vinegar for about 3 days nows using variation.s. One day I did 8 ozes of water with 2 tablespoons vinegar 3 times a day then the next day I took an 8 oz cup with 2 tablespoons in the morning and then i sipped 16 ozs with one quarter cup of vinegar throughout the morning/afternoon then I went back to the 8 oz swig that evening. Although it really seemed to help the rest of the sinuses this front upper on the right remains stubborn. My ear on the right side is constantly filling up and throbbing and I have to keep blowing out my eustachian tube. I think maybe this has from the upper sinuses and infection from the upper right sinus?In that upper right area I get pounding and extreme spaciness which I believe increase as I take the vinegar. This morning i inhaled in steam 50/50 water/vinegar. It made me very spacy and the spaciness is obviously coming out of that upper right area. The spaciness is in different degrees and sometimes almost to the degree I cannot think. It makes my memory and concentration very bad as well. Am I doing the correct thing? Should I be drinking vinegar with water all day and at what strength?For how long? Also the steam seems to get up there. How often should i do that and should i maybe do pure vinegar as opposed to mixing it with water? . . please help. Thank You Mike
Reinventyourhealth (Redding, Ca, Usa) on 04/23/2010:
I am a 53 yr old male and I have had sinus problems periodically for 10 years. Lately, they have been getting progressively worse and much more severe. The deciding factor for me to try one of the suggested remedies was when, just a few days ago, I experienced severe sinus blockage on the left side of my face and what I initially thought to be some dental problems as my cheek was swollen from the impacted sinus cavity. Anyway, I scanned the various remedies and tried the 50/50 mixture of ACV and purified water. I mixed up the solution and put it in to an unused nasal mister bottle. The suggestion was to pump 4-5 sprays in to each nostril. I knew it would sting with the 5% acidity of the ACV so I opted for 1 pump in each nostril to start. I was glad I did as it definitely stings for approx. 10 sec. I also chose to sniff my nose to get it further in to the blocked sinuses. If you can tough out the stinging, you should be quite pleased with the results. I actually ended up doing 4 pumps in each nostril just not all at once. Within a half hour my sinuses were starting to open up and the pain was subsiding in the upper jaw. Approximately 3 hours later and I was able to breath through my left nostril that was previously blocked. I can testify to the effectiveness of this treatment as it really cleared me up and saved me tremendous medical costs as this solution cost less than 25 cents to mix. I need to inform you,however, that prior to this treatment I tried the steaming method which consisted using 50/50 parts of ACV and water brought to a boil. It didn't seem to be working as effectively as I had hoped it would so I went to the aforementioned remedy.
After my sinuses were under control I decided to dilute the mixture to a 1 part ACV to 2 part water and will now use as a sinus prevention program. Hope this information is helpful to all of you that suffer from sinuses.
I've had a sinus infection for 2 weeks -super painful. I didn't know what to do.I saw on your site about ACV did your suggested measurements of 2 tablespoons acv with 8 oz warm water 3x a day for 24hrs. Almost to the hour I was breathing really clearly and my sence of smell was coming back! I am so excited about this. Thank you so much for posting this suggestion :)
About a week ago, I was suffering from a VERY BAD sinus infection, so bad that my ear was causing me excrutiating(sp?) pain, I lost some of my hearing and my mucous was mixed with blood and would not stop draining. I am also one of the many in this country without health or dental insurance. So when I woke up with my ear bothering me even more, I searched for a natural cure for sinus infection and was directed to earth clinic. The main things I found to treat a sinus infection was steaming my sinuses( shower turned up all the way and sat in a steam filled bathroom for 15 minutes) hot tea with honey, and Apple Cider Vinegar. 2 Table spoons mixed with 8 oz of water 3 times a day. With the severaty(sp?) of my sinus infection, it did take a week to feel nearly 100% better! Since finding your website, I have been in Awe at how many remedies are out there. So thank you. I will be recomending this website to everyone I know. Thank You again for helping those in need with inexpensive natural remadies for those of us who need them.
My wife was suffering from severe cold for 2-3 weeks. Tried anti-biotics and all kinds of mucus thinning tablets without much effect. 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 OZ of water did wonders. She did that for 3 days and all her sinus infections were gone in no time. It controlled the night time coughs as well. Thanks for posting this amazing remedy
I had a really really bad sinus infection. With no health insurance I could not afford to go to the doctor, and grew really worried because my friend let a sinus infection go once, and the doctor told her that they can be really dangerous if left untreated- can cause brain aneurysms and blindness... I woke up one morning and my whole head hurt and I could not even focus my eyes... after taking a pain killer I looked you guys up and within 3 days of mixing honey, Organic apple cider vinegar, and hot tea 3 times daily I am better! People really need to know this so they are not giving the doctors and pharmaceutical companies even more money... Thank you so much. Works better than prescription antibiotics.
I tried the remedy of 2 tbsp. ACV in 8 oz h2o 3x a day as directed on this site for a sinus headache in the area of my right eyebrow/forehead. I'd been plagued with this pain for almost 2 weeks and I had been taking 4 ibuprofen in the morning and afternoon for the last 3 days without relief. I've suffered sinus infections frequently in my life and didn't want to take antibiotics. Within 2 days the pain had diminished so I kept up the routine. Now, 1 week later, my sinuses are clear and no pain whatsoever. I also found relief of a lower ache in my back around the kidney area which began 1 week into the sinus infection.
I am a believer and will continue to drink this "tea". I did add a bit of honey for flavor and for the antibacterial properties, but I'm a vegan. Does anyone know of a honey replacement that has the antibacterial properties such as grade b maple syrup or agave nectar that will keep me vegan? or do I have to choose?
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