Sinus infections can be painful and annoying. Between the runny nose and headaches, you're likely looking for any way to shorten the duration of your symptoms. Remember, often sinus infections can only be cured by antibiotics. So to rid yourself of the condition, you'll have to visit your doctor. However, these natural remedies and holistic practices can help you shorten the duration of your symptoms. Combine all of these steps for the most benefit.
Instructions
1. Run your humidifier every night. The moist air can keep your nasal passageways from becoming irritated. Keep the humidifier in your bedroom and shut the door during the night. Continue nightly until your symptoms resolve.
2. Reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passageways with grapefruit seed extract drops. You can find the extract at your local health food or wellness store. Follow the directions on the bottle. Continue the regimen for 2 days after your symptoms resolve. If the extract upsets your stomach, try taking the drops after meals or with a glass of milk.
3. Dry out your mucus membranes with potassium. You can find potassium supplements at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Follow the directions on the bottle and continue taking the supplements for 2 days after your symptoms resolve. If you have a chronic kidney condition, talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements. Poorly functioning kidneys can have difficulty processing the potassium, leading to a buildup in the body.
4. Apply hot packs to your face 3 times each day until your symptoms resolve. Create a hot pack by wetting a wash cloth with hot water or by placing a wet wash cloth in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Test the wash cloth before placing it on your face; you want the cloth to be warm, but not scalding. Leave the cloth on your face until the warmth has dissipated. Repeat for 10 minutes.
5. Try a twice-daily nasal wash. Nasal washing has been used for hundreds of years to clear the nasal passageways of dirt, bacteria and mucus. Fill a cup or mug with about 12 ounces of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt. Stir with a spoon for 30 seconds. Fill a nasal aspirator with the water and salt mixture. While turning your head so that it is parallel to the ground, place the nasal aspirator just inside the nostril closest to the ceiling. Slowly press the bulb of the aspirator, allowing the water to flow into one nostril and out of the other. Repeat. Then turn your head to the other side and repeat by allowing water to flow into the other nostril. You can also purchase a Neti pot system for nasal washes. If you purchase a Neti pot, follow the instructions provided in the packaging. You can continue nasal washes until your symptoms resolve, or you can continue indefinitely. Many experts say that nasal washing prevents colds and sinus infections.
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