Natural Remedies for Sinus Infection

If you suffer from repeat sinus infections, you are not alone. Because of various factors including environmental toxins and poor nutrition, sinus problems are becoming more common, and so are the use of antibiotics to fight these infections.

But, antibiotics can cause their own myriad of issues, including antibiotic resistance and poor gut health, which leads to even more infections and immune system problems.

In a further effort to prevent the overuse of antibiotics, organizations such as the Infectious Disease Society of America have put out statements that most sinus infections do not require antibiotics.

Sinus infections are still a recurrent problem for me. The difference now is that I don’t have to go get antibiotics to fully fight the infection, and the infections do not last for weeks and weeks (like they used to.)

Here is a list of things that have worked to get rid of my own sinus infections. Try them and let me know what works for you!

1. Sinus Rinse

You will not believe the gunk that comes out with a proper rinse of the sinuses. Also known as nasal irrigation, this practice can thin out the thick mucus associated with sinus infections and help the sinuses to more effectively remove bacteria and other particles.

Rinsing is usually done with a saline solution. Using distilled water to make the saline solution is recommended.

There are several products that help you rinse your sinus cavities with a saline solution (I recommend this one). Do this twice a day until symptoms subside. You can also do a sinus rinse once a day to keep it from coming back.

2. Garlic Oil

I find that garlic is especially good at fighting a persistent sinus infection. While taking garlic orally is good, I prefer to apply the garlic directly to the affected area. I do this by making my own garlic oil.

Get the recipe for homemade garlic oil here.

After preparing the garlic oil, rub the oil on your face over the sinuses. You can also use the oil on your neck, chest, or behind the ears if you are experiencing symptoms in those areas. Be careful not to get the garlic oil in your eyes. Do this before bed and you should wake up feeling a lot better.

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils can help to fight the infection as well as open up the sinuses so that you can breath better.

Essential Oils for Sinus Infection:

Peppermint – Helps to open up the sinuses
Eucalyptus – Opens the sinuses and breaks up congestion
Tea Tree – This antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal is great for fighting infections

I use a diluted blend of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.

There are two ways that you can use essential oils to heal a sinus infection:

1. Inhalation

You can inhale the aroma of the oils in a few different ways. One is to dilute the oils and put them in a roller ball container and inhale the aroma as needed. You may also use a diffuser in the room or a personal essential oil inhaler.

2. Topical Application

Essential oils may be diluted and applied to the skin. I prefer to dilute my oils in coconut oil, but there are many acceptable carrier oils that may be used. If you plan to use this method, please read up on proper dilution methods.

If you are new to using essential oils, I recommend that you read how to use essential oils safely.

4. Immune Support

Anything that you can do to boost your immune system will help your body fight the sinus infection. Try these things to boost your immune system:

Take a balanced multivitamin (I recommend this one)
Take extra vitamin C and D
Drink bone broth
Eat prebiotic foods
Eat ginger
Drink green tea

Keeping your body in good health will in turn help your body fight off (or prevent) any further sinus infections.

Vanessa Pruitt, PLMHP, MS

Vanessa is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska and holds an MS in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified trauma professional with a special interest in helping people heal from trauma and complex trauma.

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