According to the Mayo Clinic, sinus allergies lead to inflammation and discomfort, a feeling of pressure and either reduced or increased nasal drainage. Thankfully, the websites notes, “In most cases, home remedies are all that’s needed” to alleviate symptoms. A variety of home remedies for sinus allergies are effective at relieving symptoms, including everything from lifestyle changes to sinus washing and herbal treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
The Mayo Clinic suggests that getting plenty of rest is important to relieving sinus allergy symptoms. Rest helps the immune system work more effectively. Harvard Medical School recommends keeping the living environment free from mold and pollen, and drinking plenty of water for treatment and prevention of sinus allergies. The school further suggests that lifestyle changes and home remedies may be more effective than medication, and in particular, notes, “Avoid antihistamines…[which] make mucus thick and hard to drain.”
Humidity and Liquids
Harvard Medical School points out that liquids—both in the air and in the body—can help relieve symptoms of sinus allergies. In addition to using a humidifier to keep household air moist, the school recommends inhaling steam to soothe and open blocked nasal passages. The Mayo Clinic seconds this recommendation, adding the caveat to “avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, as they can be dehydrating.”
Herbal Treatments
Earth Clinic Folk Remedies suggests several herbal remedies for sinus allergies. Tomato tea, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper are all listed as potential herbal remedies for symptom relief. Herbal Remedies Info, also dedicated to providing information about herbal treatments, further suggests ginger, eucalyptus and chamomile among compounds potentially useful in treating sinus inflammation and headaches resulting from sinus allergies.
Nasal Wash
The Mayo Clinic recommends washing nasal passages. The website suggests using “a specially designed squeeze bottle (Sinus Rinse, others), bulb syringe or neti pot to rinse your nasal passages. This home remedy, called nasal lavage, can help clear your sinuses.” Harvard Medical School also recommends nasal irrigation, suggesting that it is a first line of defense against sinus allergies.
Compresses and Head Elevation
Warm facial compresses soften and liquefy nasal mucus. According to the Mayo Clinic, they also reduce the sensation of pain and pressure around the cheeks and eyes. Particularly when combined with head elevation during sleep, which assists in the drainage of nasal mucus, this can significantly reduce sinus impaction and discomfort.
About this Author
Kirstin Hendrickson is a writer, teacher, coach and athlete. She’s been teaching, coaching, and writing about health, wellness and nutrition for more than 10 years. She has a B.S. in zoology, a B.S. in psychology, an M.S. in chemistry, and a Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry.
