Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

There’s no doubt about it: sinus pressure and pain related to sinus pressure can run from annoying to excruciating. Unfortunately, as well as colds and the flu, allergens and pollution may subject us to the agony of sinus pressure at one time or another. Fortunately there are still a few, reliable and natural at-home measures you can take, meaning banging your head against the wall is not the only way to get sinus pressure relief. We’ve discussed nasal irrigation for sinus relief and how to safely use neti pots for nasal rinsing, yet there are still more remedies.

Here are natural ways to relieve sinus pressure.

Add Spice To Your Diet

For many people, spicy foods help open up their sinuses. Hot peppers, hot mustard, horseradish and wasabi are examples of spicy foods which can help relieve sinus pressure. Not only does the spiciness open up the nasal passages (allowing drainage) there is also supporting evidence that capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) helps relieve some types of pain. If your stomach can handle the spiciness, by all means give it a try to relieve your sinus pain.

Humming Can Relieve Sinus Pressure

Did you read that right? Humming? Yep, humming purportedly helps ease sinus congestion. Although you’ll have to do it for at least one hour straight to make any difference. One study in Sweden links humming to keeping your sinuses clear, and suggests that it effectively prevents sinus infection.

Since humming produces an increase of airflow in your nasal passages, as well as the level of nitric oxide, the combination of the two helps reduce your risk of a sinus infection. Whenever you feel your allergies flaring up or a common cold coming on, start humming a pleasant tune to keep a sinus infection at bay.

Make a Mind-Body Connection

Deep breathing exercises and relaxation practices assist us in making a mind-body connection, which can definitely help ease sinus pain (or any pain in general.) The mind has the ability to influence pain perception, particularly chronic pain associated with sinus pressure. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy are methods that have been known to work.

Avoid Triggers That Cause Sinus Pain

Perhaps one of the easiest “cures” to nasal pain is to avoid triggers all together. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are a must to avoid if you’re one who experiences chronic sinus pressure. Nasal decongestant sprays are a temporary fix; they may provide quick relief when you use them, but after a few days of consistently using them, you’ll find your sinus pressure is much worse.

Another must to avoid is alcohol, on account that it often aggravates sinus pressure. Making sure you’re using a clean humidifier and washing your sheets, pillow cases and blankets in hot water helps prevent allergies caused by fungus. If you are suffering from sinusitis, allergies or the common cold, swimming, diving and flying are activities which should be avoided.

Follow these suggestions the next time you experience sinus pressure, and you’ll be sure to experience fast relief. And make sure you keep some spicy foods in your kitchen cupboards!

{image credit: Flitzy Phoebe on flickr}

Have you tried any natural remedies to help with sinus pressure? Did they work?