Remedies for Cold, Congestion & Sinus Problems |HealthyLife

Natural Home Remedies for Cold, Congestion and Sinus Problems

The fall, winter and cold seasons are in front of us. Change in weather acts on our body various ways. People generally suffer from cold, cough, congestion and eventually sinus infections because of the exposure of body to cold conditions. How to reduce these conditions natural way – Let us see…

When your nasal passages become infected, that is a sinus infection. In addition, they’re harder to get rid of. Viruses, bacteria, or even allergies can lead to sinus infections. There are two types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis can last for up to four weeks while chronic sinusitis can last for more than three months, and even persist for years. The most common triggers for sinus infection are the common cold, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), nasal polyps, dust and pollen allergies. Typical signs and symptoms of sinusitis include; facial pressure and pain, nasal discharge and/or stuffiness, cough, headache, and loss of taste and smell. Many herbs and spices are worthy natural remedies for sinus infection and cold. Some sinus, cold and congestion natural remedies are listed below:

Turmeric: Turmeric contains a potent anti-inflammatory substance called curcumin. Curcumin does not just reduce the swelling and symptoms of your sinusitis quite quickly, it also gives your immune system a powerful and welcome boost. You can make turmeric smoothie or mix turmeric powder in warm milk -boil and drink with little sugar.

Turmeric Milk: Add Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp , Pepper powder – 1/8 tsp, Honey -1 tsp or palm jaggery to water and boil. When it starts to boil, stir in a cup of milk and boil it. Remove from heat, add a tsp of honey and drink it a little hot. It can be had 2 times a day until you get relief.

Garlic: Garlic is still one of nature’s best antibiotics and as a home remedy for sinus infection, it works a real treat. Garlic contains allicin, a substance that is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in nature. Therefore, whatever infections you have going on in nasal cavities, garlic will clear them up quickly. Just make sure you eat fresh garlic (2-3 bulbs) by either cutting them up and taking with water or crushing them up and adding to your smoothie. Use garlic in soups and daily in the cooking as much as you can.

Soak 3-4 garlic cloves in water for 20 minutes and make paste by crushing the cloves. Inhale the vapors from the garlic paste to get relief from sinuses.

Camphor, garlic, eucalyptus oil: Add crushed garlic cloves to one-ounce eucalyptus oil and add one camphor. Leave it for half an hour and filter the oil to clean bottle. Take a drop of this oil in hand and inhale the oil. This helps to clear the sinuses.

Oregano oil: Even though little expensive oregano oil is excellent to get rid of sinuses condition. It works better than any other treatments.

There are two ways to use this oil. Place a drop or two of the oil under the tongue; do not worry about the taste. Do this 2-3 times daily. The second way is to use it as a vapor relief. Put few drops of oregano oil to steaming water pot. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the pot, breathing in the vapors through your nose and repeat this few times to get relief.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been in use for many conditions from centuries and particularly to treat respiratory problems such as nasal congestion and sore throat. Cinnamon is also terrific for breaking up and removing mucous from the sinuses. Mix ½-1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water or add it to your smoothie.

Onions and Horseradish: Both of these are very good home remedies for sinus infection. They are both high in sulphur and contain strong antibiotic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to use them in your cooking, especially soups, as much as you can. Also try chopping up a couple of small slices of onion and gently place them up your nostrils. Start breathing deeply and your nose will be clear in a few minutes.

Ginger: Another great folk home remedy for colds and flu and sinus problems. Ginger is anti-mucous and anti-inflammatory in nature and boosts the immune system quite powerfully. Use it in your cooking and make yourself a nice hot lemon and ginger tea for extra benefit and relief from your sinusitis.

Steam the room: Add a vaporizer in the room. It helps to add the required moisture to the nasal tract which reduces the breathing difficulty associated with chest congestion.

Khashayam: Take whole black pepper – 1 tsp, cumin seeds – 1 tsp and Holy basil leaves (tulsi)- 4-5. Dry roast cumin and pepper on medium heat until it splutters. Add a cup of water and tulsi leaves. Let it boil on medium heat until it reduces to half. Drink it hot 2 times a day until symptom subsides.

Rasam: Prepare hot rasam. Have like soup or with hot rice. It helps to reduce cold nd congestion. Best is Garlic rasam or lemon rasam . To little ghee or oil add 1tsp crushed pepper, 1 tsp.cumin seeds, 1 inch grated ginger, asafoetida and few mustard seeds. Add crushed 4-5 garlic cloves. Allow it to cool and to this slowly add water followed by turmeric and salt. Boil and turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and drink.

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Image courtesy: Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash