Top Remedies to Drain Your Sinuses

Introduction

You know the feeling, don’t you? Your nose is plugged or feels like a leaky faucet, and there’s also that feeling like your head is in a vise. You feel better keeping your eyes closed because they are sore and puffy. And it also feels like there are nails in your throat.

Sinus problems are usually uncomfortable. But there are great and highly effective remedies, ranging from chicken soup to compress. You can use these natural remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with sinus conditions.

It is important to note that a high-carb diet can feed the microbes that cause sinus conditions. Natural remedies can also provide relief, but your sinus conditions could always return unless you change your diet.

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Top remedies to drain your sinuses

1. Water, plenty of water

You can drink water (fluids) or run a vaporizer or a humidifier. But why is this important?

Well, humidification and fluids thin the mucus and drain your sinuses. Fluids also serve as lubricants for your sinuses and keep your skin hydrated.

Hot beverages usually have a very high hydrating effect. The steam from hot beverages also provides an extra benefit.

Well, humidification and fluids thin the mucus and drain your sinuses. Fluids also serve as lubricants for your sinuses and keep your skin hydrated.

Hot beverages usually have a very high hydrating effect. The steam from hot beverages also provides an extra benefit.

2. Spanish black radish

Black radish extract comes from the black radish plant root. The black Spanish radish is a member of the Cruciferae family. It has been used as medicine and as food for many centuries. Since ancient times, black radish has been used by the Chinese, Indians, and Europeans to treat different illnesses. Other regions have started growing the black radish, and its popularity has recently increased due to its impressive nutritional profile and fantastic health benefits.

Black radish extract has a tonic effect on the respiratory system and has been used to relieve spasmodic conditions like whooping cough. Black Spanish radish also contains vitamin C, which is responsible for its immune-boosting properties. These immune-boosting properties can protect against colds and flu. It also heals infections within the respiratory system and can clear mucus effectively.

3. Black seed oil

Research has shown that black seed oil, with specific thymoquinone in the oil, may help treat asthma by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the airway.

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4. Kimchi juice

Put a small amount of the kimchi juice on your finger and apply it to the inside of your nostrils.

5. Nasal rinse

Nasal rinse or nasal irrigation helps relieve nasal irritation and congestion. Saline irrigation means flushing your nasal passages gently with a saline solution. This can be done with bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, or even a neti pot.

To do a nasal rinse, get a nasal rinse kit and pour out some of the saline solutions. Mix ¼ teaspoon of colloidal silver into ½ cup of water and add the mixture to the saline solution. The mixture should be done at room temperature, then tilt your head down and to the side. Pour the mixture into the upper nostril and allow it to drain out the lower nostril. This can be done a few times a day for several days.

6. Steam

Steam helps relieve congestion by loosening mucus. Give yourself a steam treatment using a bowl of hot water and a large towel. Add menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus oils to the water, if you like. Place the towel over your head, so it falls along the sides of the bowl, trapping the steam inside. Most people do this until the steam dissipates. The steam from a hot shower can also work, but it is a less concentrated experience.

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What causes sinus troubles?

Sinus troubles can be caused by several factors, such as sinusitis and rhinitis.

Sinusitis is an infection that triggers inflammation. It also causes the sinuses to swell. According to 2015 clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), a bacterium or a viral infection can cause acute rhinosinusitis. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, but bacterial infections can be.

Some people may suffer from a condition called chronic sinusitis. This is an inflammatory condition that lasts at least three months. Nasal polyps may accompany chronic sinusitis.

On the other hand, if you’re experiencing allergic rhinitis, your immune system will trigger the release of histamines. These histamines will have an irritating effect on your nasal membranes. This results in congestion and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis can also lead to sinusitis.

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When to consult your healthcare provider

It’s time to see your doctor if you experience the following:

symptoms that last longer than ten days
a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
symptoms that get worse, including a spike in your fever or increased greenish nasal discharge
changes in vision

You should also see a doctor if you have asthma or emphysema or if you take medications that suppress your immune system.

Takeaway

When cold, seasonal changes, or dry air causes uncomfortable sinus drainage, the symptoms usually go away on their own.

A sinus infection, allergy, or injury can cause symptoms that last much longer. If home treatments do not work, see a doctor, even if symptoms are minor.

A person can usually manage symptoms of sinus drainage at home. However, anyone with long-lasting or recurring sinus drainage discomfort should speak with a doctor about potential causes.

Disclaimer: Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Correction to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.

References

He, T., & Xu, X. (2020). The influence of Nigella sativa for asthma control: A meta-analysis. The American journal of emergency medicine, 38(3), 589–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2019.11.036

Keyhanmanesh, R., Gholamnezhad, Z., & Boskabady, M. H. (2014). The relaxant effect of Nigella sativa on smooth muscles, its possible mechanisms and clinical applications. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 17(12), 939–949.

Koshak, A., Wei, L., Koshak, E., Wali, S., Alamoudi, O., Demerdash, A., Qutub, M., Pushparaj, P. N., & Heinrich, M. (2017). Nigella sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Phytotherapy research: PTR, 31(3), 403–409. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5761