In cases of a sinus infection, there are many medical treatment options that are available and advised or prescribed by doctors. But before resorting to medications, the natural way to cure sinusitis can be tried.

Get all steamed up.

Humidity is the key to keeping the cilia working, the mucus flowing, and the sinuses drained. Twice a day, stand in a shower hot enough to fog up the mirror. Or lean over a pan full of steaming water with a towel draped over your head, creating a steam tent. Inhale the vapors as they waft up toward your nostrils.

Get a snootful at work or school.

If stuffiness hits during the day when you're at work or on the run, get a cup of hot coffee, tea, or soup, cup your hands over the top of the mug, and sniff. It won't work as well as a steam bath, but it will provide some relief.

Humidify your home.

Running a cold-mist machine in your bedroom will keep your nasal and sinus passages from drying out. Just make sure you clean it once a week so fungus can't set up shop.

Bathe your nostrils daily.

To flush out stale nasal secretions, use a commercial saline product or mixing 1 teaspoon of table salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side. This practice is one of the most effective natural way to cure sinusitis.

Drink to your heart's content.

Drinking extra liquids—both hot and cold—throughout the day thins out the mucus and keeps it flowing. Sipping hot teas made with herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, anise, or sage may help move mucus even more.

Blow one nostril at a time.

This will help prevent pressure buildup in the ears, which can send bacteria further back into the sinus passages.

Go ahead and sniffle.

It turns out that sniffling is also a good way to drain the sinuses and escort stale secretions down the throat.

Spice it up.

The way to find sinus relief may be through your stomach—by eating foods containing certain spices and condiments.

o Garlic. This pungent herb contains the same chemical found in a drug given to make mucus less sticky.

o Horseradish. This pungent root is another good mucus mover because it contains a chemical similar to one found in decongestants. The bottled variety will work fine.

o Cajun spice. You probably can't go wrong if you order Cajun food. These spicy dishes are made with cayenne peppers, little red tongue torches that contain capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.

But not every fiery food that makes your eyes water or nose run will burst through your sinus blockage. Not every spice contains chemicals that work directly on the sinuses. In other words, eating them may make your nose drip and do nothing to drain your sinuses. And that could only compound your problem.

If you've tried self-treatment for three or four days and still have sinus pain, pressure, and stuffiness, you need to see a doctor to help clear up the infection and drain your sinuses.