Updated: 07/02/2019

A sinus infection often occurs because of a virus. Also, it can be caused by fungi or bacteria. It is usually triggered by a cold  which causes the inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, leading to a buildup of mucus which blocks the sinuses. Behind the forehead and cheekbones there are air-filled sinuses hollow sacs. When these sacs are filled with the fluid, germs collect and may give rise to infection. Other factors that can lead to a sinus infection include nasal polyps, allergies, exposure to pollutants, a deviated septum, and tissue irritants such as over the counter nasal sprays, cocaine, and cigarette smoke. In the framework of this writing, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you 25 best natural home remedies for sinus infection in adults. Continue reading this article to understand more!

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Top 25 Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection In Adults

There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial properties that help treat sinus infections [1].

ACV not only helps treat sinus infections, but it also used in treating allergies, colds, or flu [2].

Drinking apple cider vinegar immediately at the beginning of allergies, colds, or flu may help in stopping a sinus infection from growing.

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Ingredients:

• Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• One cup of warm water
• One teaspoon of honey

Direction:

• Add apple cider vinegar to warm water.
• Mix with honey.
• Drink this three times per day for five days.

2. . Horseradish

Horseradish is one of the best home remedies to treat sinus infection in adults because it helps eliminate mucus from your nasal passages [3][4].

• You can put a pinch of grated horseradish into your mouth.
• You should keep it in your mouth till its flavor disappears. After that, you can swallow it.
• You should practice a few times per day for about one week or till you see the improvement.

3. Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation is very beneficial for reducing sinus infection because it helps clear mucus and debris from your sinuses[5]. Moreover, it keeps them moist.

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of sea salt
• One-half teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide
• One cup of distilled warm water

Direction:

Mix sea salt and hydrogen peroxide in the distilled warm water. Use this for nasal irrigation by using one bulb syringe or some other irrigation devices. You should repeat this once per day for several days until you get the result. Remember that you do not practice it more often than once a day because it may irritate the mucous membranes.

4. Cayenne Pepper

One of the most effective home remedies for sinus infection is cayenne pepper that opens up and clears out the sinuses[6][7]. Moreover, it increases immunity, decreases swelling and inflammation, and promotes circulation[8].

• Mix cayenne pepper (one teaspoon) in one glass of hot water. You should drink it two to three times per day.
• Another option, you can mix honey and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper to make a mixture. After that, you can eat this mixture a few times per day.
• Do not use this remedy if active ulcers or GERD.

You should practice either of these ways for several days or until you get improvement.

5. Garlic

Garlic contains chemicals that kills viruses, fungal or bacterial infections. Garlic helps to kill the infection and thus treats the sinus problem[9][10].

Method 1:

Bring water to a boil it for a few minutes. After it begins boiling, add crushed garlic (three to four cloves) into it. You turn off the heat then cover it with a washcloth or towel so that the steam cannot escape. Now, you inhale the steam that gives instant aid from your sinus by loosening the mucus. You should repeat the process when you feel necessary.  Be careful not to get too close to the steam and burn your face.

Method 2:

Make a juice or soup from garlic cloves. Boil garlic cloves (two to three cloves) in water (a cup). Then mix turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon) into the garlic water. Drink this regularly until you get rid of the sinus problem.

Method 3:

You can eat a few fresh garlic cloves which help to get aid from the discomfort and stuffiness. Alternatively, you can eat pizzas or the garlic bread to get aid from the sinus problem. However, you have to make sure that your children do not eat garlic cloves because it may cause any other problem that has not the advice of the doctor.

Note:  If you cannot tolerate fresh garlic, use enteric garlic capsules instead.

6. Ginger

Ginger contains antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties[11] that help relieve sinus infections[12]. Moreover, ginger is effective for treating other diseases such as nausea, vomiting[13] and preventing some types of cancer[14] [15]

• Chop a fresh ginger root (two-inch piece) into slices.
• Boil these slices in a cup of water on the heat for 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture and mix honey and drops of lemon juice in it.
• Drink this tea several times per day for about one week or until you see the desired results.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin that has contains antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects[16]. Apart from garlic, turmeric is also one of the best home remedies for sinusitis[17].

• Mix turmeric powder (1 teaspoon) in a glass of lukewarm water. You can gargle with it several times per day for several days.
• Another option is to drink a cup of hot milk which is mixed with turmeric powder (one teaspoon) and a little honey. Drink it every day for about a week or until you see the result. Be sure to use whole milk as fat is needed for the active components in turmeric to be effective.
• Another option is to make a turmeric smoothie by mixing two inches of turmeric root (two pieces), one lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey, cayenne pepper (a pinch), one banana & one-half cup of milk or coconut milk. Drink this smoothie every day for a few days.

8. Steam Inhalation

One of the popular home remedies for sinus infection is inhalation therapy. It acts as a natural expectorant to remove the congestion. Also, it may lubricate the irritated respiratory tract. You may practice the following way three or four times per day[18].

• You have to boil a cup of water.
• Then, you can add peppermint essential oil (a few drops) into boiling water.
• Then, you quickly inhale the steam.

Caution: Steam inhalation is always not recommended for children because of the danger of burns. In addition, it may also not be suitable for those having high blood pressure, central nervous system disorders, or heart condition, and pregnant women.

9. Oil Of Oregano

This essential oil contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, it also has an anti-inflammatory that helps decrease inflammation. It acts as an excellent antioxidant and immune-booster[19].

• You put the oil of oregano (a few drops) in boiling water (one-half cup). Then, you can inhale the steam to remove the congestion and open the sinuses. You should practice this every day until the infection clear.
• Another option, you mix oregano oil (two or three drops) in a cup of water. You should drink it twice daily until the infection disappears. Do not comsume the oil in this manner with ulcers or GERD.
• Another way, you put the oil (one or two drops) mixed with 1 tsp coconut oil under your tongue every day for about per week, or until you see positive results.

10. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil helps to fight the sinus infection and strengthen the respiratory health. It may remove your sinus problem[20].

• Pour eucalyptus oil (one or two drops) in a fresh handkerchief.
• Breathe its perfume regularly to receive relief.
• Another option is to place eucalyptus oil on your pillows as an aid while you are sleeping.
• Repeat regularly to treat the sinus problem.

11. Increase Fluid Intake

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water[21] to prevent dehydration and thin the mucus in your throat and nose.

It will help drain the mucus easily. You should make sure that you drink at least 7 cups of water every day to thin your mucus so that sinus does not reach you.

It is very essential for you to avoid caffeinated beverages when you are suffering from a sinus infection because they quickly dehydrate the body. It is also important to take enough rest if you are suffering from the sinus infection.

12. Echinacea 

For a long time, echinacea herb, which is in the sunflower family Native Americans, has been used to treat flu and colds. It is one of the most effective home remedies for sinus infection because it contains strong antibacterial properties[22].

Because echinacea strengthens the immune system, it is a better option to remove the virus or bacteria so that they don't come back easily[23].

To use this remedy, you will need:

• One teaspoon of dried echinacea
• One-half to one cups of boiling the water

Directions:

• Boil water.
• Add the echinacea into boiling water.
• Simmer for 15 minutes.
• Finally,strain and drink the tea.
• You should drink four to six cups of echinacea tea every day until you get aid from the sinus infection. Do not use echinacea for more than one to two weeks during an infection as it can become hyperstimulating to the immune system.

Also, if you are taking any medicines, you should consult your doctor before using any herbal treatment for the sinus infection.

13. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm contains the antiviral property which fights the virus and treats sinus infection[24].

Direction:

• Dry a few lemon balm leaves.
• Boil the leaves in clean water for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture, and then use it to gargle.
• Gargle with this mixture two times per day to receive relief from the pain.

14. Raw Honey

You should be sure only to use raw honey. If honey is added to filtered water, it loses most of the healing properties. Raw honey contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties and increases the immune system[25]. Honey is beneficial for treating respiratory problems, including sinus infection[26]. It is suggested to start the day with honey water. You mix one teaspoon of honey into one glass of warm water.

Ingredients:

• Warm water – one glass
• Honey – one teaspoon
• Apple cider vinegar – one tablespoon
• Minced raw garlic – three gloves

Direction:

• Mix the ingredients well and drink the mixture to get rid of the sinus infection
• Another option, if you are afraid of the garlic breath or the abundance of tastes, try mixing raw honey and apple cider vinegar. You can consume three times per day. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey will protect you from the sinus infection.

15. Sip On Fluids

You should sip on hot fluids during the day. The following ways are the great natural home remedies for sinus infection you should try applying.

Chicken soup:

Hot chicken soup, which mixes with cayenne pepper, is one of the greatest fluids to treat a sinus infection. Some studies are recommended that chicken soup may reduce mucus production because it may affect inflammation and immune function. Also, the heat and steam will help. Moreover, the pepper contains capsaicin that will help to protect sinus infection from blocking and having pain. If you are sick, it is an excellent way to hold hydrated[27].

Tomato soup:

Tomatoes are full of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease swelling in your nasal cavity, particularly in the mucous membrane[28][29].

And to cook a healthy tomato soup, you boil a glass of tomato juice in one pan and then you add one tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, one tablespoon of chopped garlic to it. Next, you mix the ingredients well and then you can bring to a boil. You should drink this hot soup at least two bowls every day.

Carrot and cucumber juice:

You can drink one glass of carrot juice every day in the morning because it contains vitamin A that is very useful for the healing of sinus infection[30][31].

Or, you can also drink a mixture of cucumber and carrot juice regularly so that you can receive relief from the sinus infection.

Hot herbal tea:

You should sip on hot ginger tea and herbal tea such as cinnamon tea and chamomile tea all of which give huge relief. Herbal tea is beneficial for preventing dehydration which may cause sinus infection[32]

16. Use A Warm Compress

If you suffer from sinus infection, you can try putting a warm compress over your face that covers the nose, eyes, and cheeks because this method may help reduce your facial pain and pressure that are caused by sinus infection[18]. In addition, you can use a warm compress over the ear to unclog the clogged ear or to reduce sinus pressure in ears.

17. Basil Leaves

Basil contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is one of the most effective home remedies to relieve sinus infection[33]. It may make the mucus drain out.

• Add washed basil leaves into a pot of hot water.
• You let it steep for a while.
• Sieve the liquid into one cup and sip it.

18. Holy Basil Leaves

Using holy basil leaves is beneficial for helping you get rid of sinus infection[34]. You can follow the following way:

Ingredients:

• Holy basil -10 leaves
• Black peppercorns – 10 corns
• Sugar candy – 1 cube (or 1 tsp cane sugar)
• Ginger – 1/2 dried ginger root powder
• Water – 1 cup

Directions:

Boil all the above things until half the water remains, you can strain it. You should drink it like tea when your stomach is empty in the morning. You should practice for three days to heal the sinus problem. However, when you have already drunk this tea, you should take a bath after two hours.

19. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many benefits on health, skin, and hair. This oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)[35] which may fight against the bacteria that causes many diseases, including sinus infection[36]. You can follow these steps below:

• Melt one tablespoon coconut oil
• Swish for at least five minutes in your mouth (you can swish up to 20 minutes)
• Spit out the oil and gargle with lukewarm water
• Do this daily

20. Diet Plan

In fact, following a healthy diet will be very helpful in treating your problem. Finally, you should remember the following tips:

• Drink herbal tea regularly to loosen the mucus, which helps to remove toxins from inside the body. Therefore, a sinus infection will be treated.
• Add red chili, ginger, garlic, and onions in your diet, which makes your food spicier. Eat spicy food which helps in increasing the flow of mucus in the nasal passages and quickly get relief.
• Eat healthy food that is abundant in vitamin A like mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli leaves, and sweet potatoes.
• Have food which has an anti-inflammatory property in the diet.
• Drink plenty of liquid by drinking water, hot beverages, fresh fruit juices, herbal teas, broth, soups, etc. to keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid smoking, taking alcohol and other beverages like cola coffee, etc.
• Avoid high processed foods and dairy products which raise the nasal congestion.
• Avoid highly refined foods containing white sugar, white flour, and starchy ingredients like fried foods, candies, macaroni products, and pies. Because these will raise the mucus secretions as well as make sinus to prolong.
• Food cause allergies to you should be avoided because it may raise the sinus.

43 Best Natural Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion in Adults

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If you want to know more about natural and home remedies for other diseases, go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of 25 best natural home remedies for sinus infection in adults, we hope that you can find out the best solution to get rid of sinus infection quickly and easily.

However, all content provided is for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you and to avoid the side effects when applying these methods. In addition, asking for healthcare professional’s advice may help you know that you have to take medicine or not.

If you have any questions or comments about our topic today, please let us know. We will answer as soon as we can.

References:

Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Johnson, Certified Medical Practitioner & Aromatherapist [Link]