Sinus infection: home remedies

and Lisa Vogel, medical editor

Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.

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Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

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Not only conventional medicine knows effective strategies against sinus infections - home remedies can also support the healing process. Read about the best sinusitis home remedies here.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. J01J35

Free your sinuses with home remedies

If you have a sinus infection, the mucous membranes in the cavities in the skull bone have become inflamed. These are usually air-filled and connected directly to the nasal cavity. There are the following sinuses:

• Frontal sinus above the eyes (frontal sinus)
• Maxillary sinus to the left and right of the nose at the level of the cheeks (maxillary sinus)
• Ethmoid cells of the nasal cavity (ethmoid sinus)
• Sphenoid sinus at the end of the nasopharynx (sphenoid sinus)

The inflammation, which usually results from an infection of the nasal lining, causes mucus to collect in the sinuses. That puts pressure on the face and head. An important step in treatment is therefore to remove mucus from the nose and sinuses. There are various home remedies for this.

Massage your sinuses freely

Headache and a feeling of pressure over the affected sinus, such as the frontal or maxillary sinuses, are typical of sinusitis. The complaints usually worsen when bending over.

A pressure massage can have a relieving effect here: Massage your face, starting from the center of the face, first along the eyebrows to the temples.Then work your way from your nostrils to your cheekbones and your temples. Finally, massage from the chin over the jawbone to the temples.

A facial massage with diluted lavender oil is also beneficial.

Sinus infection: inhale

If you have a sinus infection, the mucous membranes are swollen. Inhaling has a decongestant effect, moisturizes the irritated sinus mucous membrane and helps to liquefy the viscous secretion.

To do this, heat water and put it in a bowl. Then hold your head over it and cover the head and bowl with a towel to prevent steam from escaping. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply for ten to 15 minutes.

Possible additives for inhalation are:

• salt
• Chamomile flowers
• thyme
• lavender
• 2-5 drops of essential oil (e.g. from eucalyptus, thyme, pine needle, mint or tea tree)

Essential oils must not be used in children under two years of age! Caution is advised with older children - it is best to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

How the additives work and how to inhale correctly can be found in the article Inhale.

Nasal douche

A nasal douche helps with a mild sinus infection. The rinse removes mucus and pathogens.

You can read how to use the nasal douche correctly in the article Nasal douche.

Saline nasal drops

Nasal drops containing saline relieve a stuffy nose when you have a cold. Since the sinuses are directly connected to the nose, the drops can also be used as home remedies for sinus infections: When the nose is cleared, the secretion from the sinuses can drain away more easily.

To do this, dissolve exactly nine grams of table salt in one liter of boiled water. Fill this saline solution into a pipette bottle or a vial with a spray attachment (rinse with hot water beforehand). Now put three to five drops or two sprays into each nostril several times a day. It is best to change the saline solution every two days.

Sinus infection: red light

Repeated exposure to red light (infrared lamp) reduces the inflammation. They increase blood circulation, improve metabolism and thus support the healing process. In addition, the heat liquefies stuck mucus.

Such applications of heat are only advisable if you find the heat pleasant. Especially in the case of severe inflammation with swollen mucous membranes, heat can also worsen the symptoms. Cold is then often perceived as more pleasant and is then more effective against the symptoms of sinus infections.

Caution! Infrared rays can damage the eyes - even when the eyelids are closed. Therefore, especially when using it in the face area, keep a sufficient safety distance (30 to 50 centimeters, see also instructions for use), put on suitable protective goggles and close your eyes in a relaxed manner.

Compresses, wraps and pads

Moist and warm chest wrap

A warm, damp breast wrap has an expectorant effect. To do this, roll up a cotton cloth from both sides towards the middle and wrap it lengthways in a tea towel. Then place the roll with protruding ends in a bowl and pour 500 to 750 milliliters of boiling water over it. Let the wrap stand for 15 minutes (possibly add 1 to 2 teaspoons of thyme tea or the slices of half an organic lemon).

Carefully wring out the wrap (be careful, it's hot!) And then wrap the inner drape tightly around the patient's chest. Tie two more cloths over it. Let the chest wrap work for 20 to 30 minutes and rest - even after using this home remedy. You can use the warm, moist chest wrap twice a day.

Flaxseed compress

Home remedies that use heat, such as a flaxseed compress, are also very helpful for sinusitis: For one pack, boil five tablespoons of flaxseed in two cups of water until soft. Fill it into a linen bag while it is still hot and place the bag as hot as you can bear on your nose, forehead and cheeks. Use a freshly prepared pack several times a day.

Mustard flour compress

A mustard flour compress helps with constricted airways and relieves pain. To do this, put 10 to 30 grams of mustard flour about two millimeters thick on a piece of cellulose. Fold this in and wrap it in a cloth. Put the compress in 250 milliliters of warm water (max. 38 degrees) and let it soak for a few minutes. Then squeeze out (do not wring).

Place the compress on the cheeks and nose as far as possible without wrinkles. As soon as the skin starts to burn, leave the compress on your face for one to three minutes. Then quickly remove the mustard flour compress and rub the skin with olive oil. Then rest, covered, for 30 to 60 minutes. You can use this home remedy for sinusitis once a day.

Horseradish topping

A horseradish topping works in a similar way. It has an expectorant and analgesic effect. Apply a tablespoon of freshly grated horseradish to a gauze compress, wrap it in and then tape the compress shut. Then place them on your nose and sinuses for a few seconds to a maximum of four minutes. Then rub the reddened area of ​​skin with vegetable oil (e.g. olive oil) and rest for 30 to 60 minutes. Do the home remedy only once a day.

Lemon compress

The essential oil of lemon has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects in the case of colds, among other things. For the compress, cut an unsprayed lemon into slices. Then attach two to three discs to the soles of the feet with a gauze bandage. Then pull cotton socks over them and let the lemon compress work overnight.

You can read more about the correct use of wraps in the article Wraps (envelopes) and pads

People with cardiovascular disease or neurological ailments should only use warm home remedies after consulting a doctor.

Foot baths

Foot baths are a popular home remedy for sinus infections.

Mustard flour foot bath

A mustard powdery foot bath stimulates blood circulation. This relieves pain and loosens the mucus from the airways. To do this, fill a foot bath or a large bucket with a maximum of 38 degrees warm water. The water should reach up to the calves. Stir in 10 to 30 grams of black mustard flour.

Then, put your feet in and place a large towel over your knees. This protects against rising vapors. As soon as a burning sensation sets in (after about two to ten minutes), leave your feet in the water for another five to ten minutes. Then rinse your legs thoroughly and rub them with olive oil. Now rest in bed for 30 to 60 minutes.

You can find out more about the effects of mustard in the medicinal plants article mustard.

Increasing foot bath

A soaring footbath can stop an incipient infection, clear the nose and warm the body pleasantly. Fill a vessel with warm water about 37.5 degrees and put both feet in it.

After a few minutes, carefully pour hot water until the water is around 40 degrees. End this bath after 10 to 15 minutes (earlier if you sweat). Dry your feet, put on woolen socks and rest warmly covered for an hour.

You can read more about the effects of baths in the article hydrotherapy.

People with cardiovascular disease or neurological ailments should only use warm home remedies after consulting a doctor.

Tea as a sinusitis home remedy

Herbal teas are a popular home remedy for sinus infections. Some medicinal plants help to clear congested sinuses. The following plants are suitable:

• Verbena promotes the production of thin slime.
• Ginger has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and clears the airways.
• Linden blossoms promote expectoration and have a sweat-inducing effect.
• Thyme inhibits inflammation and promotes expectoration.
• Meadowsweet has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and mild pain relievers.
• Primrose liquefies the secretion in the airways and promotes expectoration.
• Elder flowers increase the production of mucus.

You can find out how to prepare the teas correctly in the respective medicinal plants article.

What to eat if you have sinusitis?

Some foods also help as home remedies for sinus infections.

Black currant juice: Black currants contain a lot of vitamin C. Dilute the unsweetened juice with hot water and drink it in small sips. This can be beneficial for respiratory infections. During the recovery period (convalescence) you can drink a glass for lunch and dinner to strengthen the immune system.

Onion Syrup: A popular home remedy for sinus infections is onion. It's best to make onion syrup. Peel and dice a large onion and place it in a clean mason jar. Then add two tablespoons of sugar, seal the jar and shake it vigorously.

After about two hours, the sweet onion syrup will form. Take one to two tablespoons several times a day. The onion syrup has anti-inflammatory and germ-inhibiting effects and relieves coughs, runny nose and mild pain

Radish honey: Radish honey has a similar effect: Take a (spherical) radish, cut off the "lid" and hollow out the radish with a small knife and a spoon. Fill in high-quality honey, put the "lid" back on and let it steep for several hours (in the refrigerator).

Then pour the honey enriched with radish juice into a clean jam jar. Older children and adults can take two to three teaspoons up to four times a day - directly or in tea. However, it should not be too hot, otherwise too many valuable ingredients would be destroyed.

Children in the first year of life are not allowed to consume honey. For them it can contain life-threatening bacterial toxins.

More tips for sinus infections

The following tips will help you relieve sinusitis discomfort:

Drink a lot: This liquefies the mucus. Two to three liters of liquid a day are ideal, preferably warm water, tea or diluted fruit juice.

Position your head high: Position your head high while lying down. This makes it easier for the mucus to drain away.

High humidity: dry air dries out the mucous membranes - especially in winter when the heating is on. Ventilate regularly and put a humidifier in the hospital room. A damp cloth or a small bowl of water on the heater can also help.

No smoking: Avoid cigarette smoke around you. This irritates the mucous membranes. If you smoke yourself, you should try to quit.

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