It is not unusual to have a sinus infection. In fact, millions of people worldwide go through the barely-life-threatening-nonetheless-uncomfortable experience of sinus pressure headaches, nasal congestion and post-nasal drips associated with sinus infections. Read on to learn more about these natural sinusitis relievers:

Taking the Heat

During a bout with sinusitis, steam could be your new best friend. Consider having a hot shower. Alternatively, you can do something ala-sauna by allowing hot water from the shower to flow with the shower door closed. After a while, enter the bathroom and savor the "steamy environment". It works because the heat from the steam helps loosen and drain the excessive mucus more easily. In turn, sinus pressure is significantly relieved.

You can also try these alternatives or modifications - first, try this very easy steam inhalation technique: Fill a bowl with boiling water. Put a towel over your head. The towel should be large enough to cover the basin as well, so that it can "seal" the steam from the basin while you breathe deeply to inhale the steam. You can do this for 5-10 minutes and repeat it every few hours. You can also enhance the benefits of steam inhalation by adding a few pieces of crushed garlic or oil essences of eucalyptus or mint.

Second, you must have heard before that increasing your fluid intake helps a lot. But remember, fluids do not just mean plain agua or water. Fresh juices and teas count as well. Before letting your favourite tea soothe your aching throat, try inhaling the steam to enjoy not only its aroma but also to loosen the mucus. Peppermint and chamomile teas top the list as the best choices.

Wash Out!

Whether done as simply as snorting the irrigating solution from cupped hands or using a bulb syringe, spray bottle or the specialized irrigators with pulsating action, the principle is basically to allow saline solution to enter one nostril and out through the other. In the process, the nasal and sinus passages are washed from irritants, allergens, excess mucus and bacteria. The irrigating fluid is usually isotonic, but hypertonic saline (one with a salt concentration greater than 0.9%) works better to relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes. You can also try adding a few drops of apple cider vinegar. Its natural acids help loosen secretions.

People who do nasal and sinus washing or irrigation are all praises for this technique. Because it’s so effective, the idea of sinus irrigation has inspired the concept of medicated sinus irrigation. In medicated sinus irrigation, the difference lies in the irrigating solution. Instead of just using saline, sinusitis medications like antibiotics and decongestants are incorporated into the irrigating solution. Therefore, as the solution comes in contact with the nasal and sinus passages, the active components of the drug are readily absorbed in the mucosa. The therapeutic effect of the drug is achieved much faster than oral administration of meds. ActiveSinus by Sinus Dynamics is one irrigator you can use for medicated sinus irrigation.

Vitamin Zzzzz…

Your sleeping habits matter too. Employing a humidifier in the room moistens the air and helps clear your airways. Remember, too, to elevate your head while you sleep by using extra pillows underneath your head. With this position, mucus drains faster from your sinus passages.