Home remedies for sinusitis

Many cases of sinusitis improve with home care in a week or so. The goal is to keep mucus thin, ease drainage and rest. These steps are useful alongside medical treatment when it is needed.

Keep the nose clear

• Saline nasal rinse or spray, once or twice a day. Use only distilled, or boiled and cooled, water for rinsing, and clean the device after each use.
• Warm steam from a bowl or a hot shower for a few minutes can ease congestion. Take care to avoid burns, and do not use steam for young children.
• Gently blow one nostril at a time.

Ease pain and pressure

• Warm compress over the nose, cheeks and forehead for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Elevate your head with an extra pillow when sleeping.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain, if suitable for you.

Stay hydrated and rest

• Drink plenty of warm fluids such as water, herbal tea, clear soup and warm water with ginger or tulsi.
• Rest, and avoid very cold or dusty places.

Avoid triggers

• Smoke, strong smells and dust.
• Very dry air. A clean humidifier may help, if cleaned regularly.
• Swimming in dirty pools while unwell.

Remedies with limited evidence Ginger and tulsi tea, turmeric milk, eucalyptus or menthol inhalation and honey are popular. They may feel soothing, but they have not been proven to cure sinusitis. Never put oils, onion juice, or other substances in the nose without advice. Honey must not be given to babies under 12 months.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Warm fluids, steam and light food are traditional for Kapha congestion and are supportive only.

When to see a doctor See a doctor if there is no improvement in 10 days, if the fever is high, if pain is severe, or if symptoms keep returning.

Remember Rinse, rest, hydrate and be patient. Antibiotics are not needed for most sinusitis.