Relieving Sinus Pressure: Learn Natural Ways to Treat Sinusitis

Sinus Pressure

Paranasal sinuses are hollow spaces located within the bones surrounding the nasal area and drains mucus via ducts within the nasal cavity (nose). These four sinuses, located on each side of the nose and above each eye, also help warm and moisten inspired air.

Sinus pressure occurs when the lining of the sinus gets irritated and swells (narrowing or blocking drainage). Chronic sinusitis is mostly caused by allergens and can last for months. Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than thirty days and is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Relieving Sinus Pressure

Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam. This can help ease congestion.

Fill a large bowl with steaming-hot water and add five drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or sandalwood essential oils (or you can add a combination of these sinus-clearing oils - five drops total). Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head (covering the bowl) and breathe in the vapors deeply for ten minutes. Doing this one or two times a day will help in relieving sinus pressure.

If your sinus pressure is related to a bacterial infection, use tea tree oil instead. Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial properties and can fight the bacteria responsible for the infection. Within a few days, your symptoms should clear up.

Use a neti pot to rinse your sinuses. This will help drain mucus, decrease inflammation, and relieve sinus pressure. You can purchase a neti pot, a small teapot-like device at most health food stores. Combine one part baking soda and three parts non-iodized salt. Add 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of your mixture (baking soda and salt) in the neti pot. Lean over a sink. Insert the spout into your right nostril. Tilt your head and the neti pot to the left and exhale forcefully through both of your nostrils while the solution flows out of your left nostril. Repeat on the other side. You can do this as needed.

Another effective remedy in relieving sinus pressure is cayenne pepper. Sprinkle some on your food or on a teaspoon of honey. Ingesting cayenne pepper will open clogged sinuses and help promote drainage.

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