Foods and home remedies for sinus congestion
Sinus congestion is one of the most common discomforts triggered due to a bad cold, flu, or viral infection. Also, those who suffer from chronic allergies due to dust, pollen, or particulate pollutants might experience severe congestion. But this problem can be managed to some extent by introducing a few superfoods and home remedies in one’s daily lifestyle. Here are a few simple ways to get better relief from this persistent discomfort.
Best foods to eat and relieve sinus congestion
Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties
Garlic is the number one popular ingredient that helps relieve sinus congestion. The potent spice is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce pressure and opens up the nasal passage. Ginger and turmeric also help loosen the mucous and relieves pressure around the sinuses. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric can all be used to make hot tea to treat sinus congestion. Add a little honey to make the tea even more strong.
Spicy foods
Chilies and hot peppers used in preparing spicy foods contain an active ingredient called capsaicin. This compound irritates the mucous membrane upon consumption and softens the congestion to relieve pressure around the sinuses. Horseradish is another potent spice plant that helps with congestion.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, an active enzyme that naturally helps break down mucous and other gunk forming in the nasal passage to open up the sinuses. Bromelain also helps counter inflammation and swelling.
Chicken soup
Homemade chicken soup is an age-old remedy that has been quite effective in clearing out sinus congestion. The chicken stock contains cysteine, a form of amino acid that helps break down the mucous. The steam from hot and fresh chicken soup also helps.
Water
Drinking plenty of water helps loosen the mucous that accumulates in the nasal passage, lubricates the sinus cavity, and helps drain the sinuses better using steam or a Neti pot.
Simple home remedies for relieving sinus congestion
Steam
Steam treatment using essential oils like eucalyptus, menthol, or camphor can open up the nasal passage and alleviate sinus congestion. One can also use a steam vaporizer or diffuser to increase humidity in the room and prevent the sinuses from drying and causing distress.
Neti pot
A Neti pot can be used to irrigate and cleanse the sinus cavity. One can even use a saline solution (water and salt) with the Neti pot. Simply lean over the sink and use the spout to let the solution pour in from one nostril. Tilt to the other side and allow the water to pour out from the other nostril, and repeat this process a few times. This will help remove all the dust, pollen, and pollutants that accumulate in the sinus cavity, blocking it.
Warm compress
Take a washcloth soaked in hot water and gently apply it around the nose, cheeks, and lower eyes area for soothing relief. This technique can provide some symptomatic relief from sinus congestion.