8 Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion

Nothing is worse than sinus congestion and not being able to get rid of it quickly. Whether you are experiencing sinus congestion because of bacteria or you suffer from chronic sinusitis, it’s important you try to stay ahead of the congestion to prevent an infection.

Here are 8 simple home remedies that are sure to ease your sinus congestion. If you are experiencing severe pain and headaches along with sinus congestion, please see your primary care doctor.

1. Lots of Moisture

When the air is dry, your body has a much harder time taking care of congestion, especially in the sinuses. Having a humidifier will help keep your sinuses moist and keep the mucus loose, making it easier for your sinuses to drain.

Steam inhalation is another great way to ease sinus congestion. Boil a pot of water then tent a towel over your head while leaning over the liquid. Make sure to let the water cool to a comfortable temperature.

2. Drink Fluids

Drinking plenty of water, juice and tea helps dilute the mucus secretion in your sinuses and promote drainage. Alcohol consumption makes swelling worse, so try not to drink any alcohol while you are having sinus congestion issues.

3. Warm Compress

Place a warm, moist towel over your nose, under your eyes, and across your forehead. This will help break up the mucus in your sinuses, calm the tissue around your sinuses, and ease any associated pain.

4. Sinus Massage

Massage helps promote drainage from the sinuses and ease congestion, and all you need are your fingers. Click here to read our article that walks you through three different massages you can do at home for sinus relief.

5. Sinus Irrigation

Sinus irrigation with a sinus rinsing bottle or neti pot flushes the blocked passageway with warm saltwater. This also cleans your sinuses and helps to prevent a bacterial infection. If you choose to make your own saltwater solution, make sure you use filtered water to prevent irritation and infection.

6. Spicy Food

Capsaicin, the active compound in spicy peppers like chili peppers and jalapenos, can help thin out the mucus and stimulate your sinuses, resulting in better air circulation and drainage. Try a few spicy meals to relieve sinus congestion and pair it with some of the other home remedies we recommend in this article.

7. Sleep Elevated

Adding an extra pillow or two under your head while you sleep will allow your sinuses to drain slowly throughout the night. That way you will not wake up in the morning and have to start over with fully congested sinuses. If you find yourself coughing throughout the night, sleeping elevated will also take care of this.

8. Anti-inflammatories

When your sinuses are congested, it also means your sinuses are likely swollen and inflamed making it difficult for your sinuses to get rid of the mucus. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help, but many are unaware that there are a lot of popular foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory foods include fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), berries, broccoli, avocados, nuts, tomatoes, and leafy greens.

If you are in the south Denver Metro Area, the professionals at Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center would be happy to help you with a personal treatment plan, including acupuncture, massage, and natural supplements. Contact us online or request an appointment today!