Remedies for a sinus infection/block?

[aleshiaramone]

I've been getting chronic sinus infections for the last few years. They block up my nose and worse, I get heavy pressure in my ears that causes headaches and pain swallowing.
Well, I've got one of these right now. And of course, I also do not have my medicare card at the moment.

Anyone have any natural remedies I can try? I know the blocked up nose isn't too bad, and there are many ways to clear that up temporarily. It's more help with drying out the liquid pressure in my ear canals I'd love.

[BluDDie_Nukkles_Zanna]

Neti Pot!!!! I get sinus infections ALL the time, and using a neti pot has helped me get them less frequently and clears them up faster.

[aleshiaramone]

I've heard they are great for nasal congestion, but it'll actually clear up my sinus cavities (including ears)?

[tague]

A neti pot also helps with the all around congestion. The warm water travels up through one nasal passage up by your sinus openings and out the other nostril. It helps keep the mucus from pooling there.

Also, when you're super congested, drinking a hot tea with a splash of whiskey and a squeeze of lemon help clear things out.

Spicy foods will help get things flowing when you're congested.

I've had sinus infections so bad that the water from my neti pot wouldn't go anywhere and I would get the shower going super hot, shut myself in the steamy bathroom, and then take a shot of whiskey with Sriracha mixed in right before getting in the shower. That mixed with the steam cleared stuff out enough to be able to neti pot.

Oh. Also, apply some Vicks vapo rub right after neti potting helps.

[Prettygrimm]

most of the time with sinus infections it's the swelling of the sinus' not really snot. an anti-inflammatory should do the trick. motrin or ibuprofen are my favorites.

wait, i suck, you don't have meds. i agree with the neti pot. those things are the shizzz.

[TheKelsta]

I know it's been a while since this post was put up, but I've had sinus infections many times before so thought I'd contribute for the active reader

Netti pots do work well HOWEVER I'm a little hesitant to use them these days. When i used it, I tipped my head very slightly the wrong way & the water pressure went through to my ear cavity & I ended up with a really painful earache. So just be aware!

I'm not sure if you can get Tea Tree or Eucalyptus drops overseas, but they are both oils from native plants here in Australia and is an absolute god-sent!

To unblock your sinuses:
Grab a large bowl & half-fill it with boiling water. Put about 4-6 drops in there (you can use any kind of breathe-easy/sinus relief natural oils from your health shop). Get a towel & hang it over your head, with your head hanging over the bowl (the towel is used to trap in the steam). Tip your head up slightly so your sinus passages are a little clearer & breathe in slowly. The vapours will not only help you to breathe better, but it will help soften any crusty gunk you have trapped in your nostrils.

If you have sore/bleeding/extremely irritated parts in your nostril (or just want to help clear it/clean it & breathe better):
* Grab a cotton bud & run one end under hot water (just to wet it) and ROLL the cotton bud along the inside of your nose. You only want to do one roll each cotton bud, so use a few if you have to. The hot water will soften the hard bits.
* Once that's softened, get some Cetaphil (or anything similar) and mix 1/2 the used amount of Tea Tree Oil (or anything similar) Eg. 20 pumps of Cetaphil + 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil.
* Use a cotton bud (wet or dry, it's up to you) and mix the solution well. Again, ROLL the solution in your nostril along the problem areas - again, one roll per cotton bud.
* Do this twice a day - you'll notice areas starting to heal & soften. These are the bits you can wipe/roll away. If it's hard/crusty - DO NOT PICK IT!! As tempting as it may be!!

Don't put you fingers anywhere near your nose & only blow it in the shower/when it's been softened IF you can help it. Otherwise when you blow, try not to rub your nose - just lightly wipe whatever comes out.

I just got over a sinus infection and this worked ABSOLUTE WONDERS for me. I refuse to use medicated chemicals at all costs and I'm so glad I experimented with this because it has given me back my absolute sanity!!