Tips
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care recently reported on research conducted at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, which found that people who hum (or whisper) with their mouths closed, exhale 15 times more nitric oxide from Their nostrils that do not. Nitric oxide helps relax blood vessels, thereby reducing swelling in the nose and improving blood flow. The increase in airflow due to humming, also helps to ventilate the sinuses, which can decrease susceptibility to infection.
Massaging the sinuses, pressing the thumbs firmly on both sides of the nose, holding for 15 to 30 seconds, releasing, and then repeating, temporarily relieves sinusitis, as it brings a new supply of blood to the area.
Popular Remedies
Cayenne pepper: Put a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water and drink three cups a day. Both red and black cayenne pepper dilate the blood vessels in the nose and stimulate secretions, which helps drain the sinuses. For really bad cases, and if you're cheeky, smell a very small amount on the nose. This itch a little, but you're going to have dramatic results. This remedy is especially good for chronic sinus infections.
Boil Eucalyptus: ½ cup of water and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Pour the mixture into a bowl, lean over it while covering your head with a large towel, inhale the steam for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed. Eucalyptus oil is widely used for various respiratory problems. Tip: Put a few drops on a handkerchief and smell regularly.
Salt / bicarbonate: To relieve congestion of sinusitis due to allergies, try to make this nasal flush: mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda into a cup of hot water, fill a syringe and pour the mixture until your nose. Another variant is to use a teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in half a liter of water. Place the mixture in a nasal inhaler.
Salt water mixture: Here is another remedy that works well for these problems in the paranasal sinuses. In a large bowl, add 1/3 to 1/4 cup of salt. Heat and let the salt dissolve, then dip the face into the warm water for five to ten seconds and repeat 3-4 times. Keep your eyes and mouth closed, but try to breathe in the mixture.
Thyme: Thyme has been used for generations for respiratory infections due to its strong antiseptic properties. Put 1 to 2 teaspoons thyme in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day.
Saline Nasal Spray: Mixing eight ounces of warm water (boiled first) with half a teaspoon of salt. Pour the mixture into an empty nasal spray bottle and shake. This spray is good for relieving nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies and to moisten the dry nasal passages. It is also much cheaper than over-the-counter medical sprays.
Apple vinager: put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a saucepan and heat until it begins to evaporate. Inhale the steam. If the steam is too strong, add a little water. The nasal passages should be clear for 12-24 hours. Repeat as necessary. By eliminating congestion, the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose will decrease and facilitate breathing. The germs of the colds will also be killed. Take a teaspoon of vinegar with a glass of water during meals to facilitate healing.
Essential oils: Place a drop or two of eucalyptus or mint essential oil in a cotton ball or handkerchief and place it near the nose when breathing deeply. This should increase the airflow. It is not recommended to put any oil in the nose as it can cause swelling.
Grapefruit seed extract: This extract is a powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic. Try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhale it; Repeat two or three times, especially before going to bed and getting up in the morning. Grapefruit seed extract helps kill bacteria.
