Congestion in breathing and headaches that just won’t go away can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. If you’ve ever suffered from sinus, you know that over-the-counter medicines might provide temporary relief but it doesn’t better the situation. Constantly relying on pills to relief pain and congestion can be irritating so here’s Ayurvedic Sinus Remedy which will not only help ease the symptoms of the sinus but also the root cause of the problem.
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What is Sinus?
The sinuses are four paired cavities (air filled spaces) in the head known as “Paranasal Sinuses”. These are located behind your forehead, eyebrows, eyes, and cheeks connected by narrow passages. These sinuses produce thin mucus to keep the nasal passages moist, clean and free from bacteria.
Sinusitis commonly known as sinus is a condition where these nasal passages get filled with mucus and blocks leading to difficulty in breathing, headaches, or facial pain. It can also cause swelling due to infection of the sinuses. Sinusitis can affect anyone regardless of your age or gender.
Root Causes of Sinusitis
- Seasonal change, Common cold, allergies or continuous use of nasal spray
- Narrow sinus openings
- Nasal Polyps- extra growth in the nasal passage
- Abnormal bony partition between the two passages
- Dehydration can be rare cause but it thickens the mucus due to lack of water.
- Pollutants in air can also lead to build up of mucus
- Viruses, bacteria or fungi
Symptoms of sinusitis
- Continuous Nasal Discharge. It can be either watery or thick.
- Severe headaches or heaviness in head due to partial or completely blocked sinuses.
- Nasal Congestion or stuffy nose.
- Swelling in the facial areas over sinuses.
- Fatigue, fever and coughing.
- Itching in eyes or sneezing.
Types of Sinusitis
- Acute Sinusitis: This is usually caused due to common cold, viral infection or seasonal allergies. This lasts for 1-2 weeks.
- Subacute Sinusitis: This comes with bacterial infections or seasonal changes. This can last from 4-12 weeks and takes time to get better.
- Chronic Sinusitis: This is caused due to nasal polyps (unwanted/ extra growth in nasal passages), infection or swelling in the lining of your sinuses. Symptoms of this can last for more than 12 weeks.
- Infected Sinusitis: This occurs due to virus or bacterial infection.
- Non- Infectious: This can be caused due to irritants and seasonal allergies.
At Home Ayurvedic Sinus Remedy
Nasya Therapy
One of the most effective Ayurvedic Sinus Remedy is Nasya Therapy. Nasya Oil is infused with Ayurvedic herbs to nourish and clear the nasal passages. It involves putting the oil directly in the nasal pathway.
The oil dissolves the mucus present in the build nasal passages and clear them which improves breathing and relieves the pressure build up.
Steam Inhalation
Taking steams promotes sweating and help detoxify the body. It involves taking boiling water in a bowl/jar infused with herbal oils. Eucalyptus, Mint, Basil, Rosemary are all great oil options for herbal steaming. Then, leaning over the bowl and placing a tower over the top of your head. This ensures the steam is trapped in the area and inhaling or breathing it for 10-15 mins.
Ensure to keep the towel or any cloth wrapped around the nose and throat post this procedure for another 10-15 minutes
Gargling
Take a glass of hot water and add some salt and turmeric to it. Gargle this mixture. This has anti-microbial properties and clears any congestion in throat.
Hot Herbal Water
Sip hot water throughout the day for early relief. You can also add basil, Mint leaves, ginger and cloves to the hot boiling water as per ayurveda.
This helps dissolve the mucus in the body and cleanse it.
Ginger or Tulsi Tea
Ginger and Tulsi (holy basil) both have anti-inflammatory properties.
Add ginger or Tulsi to your tea and let it sit for 2-5 minutes.
This helps in relieving nasal congestion, reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Consume it once or twice or a day.
Yog-Asana
Practicing yoga asanas and pranayama exercises like Anulom Vilom, Bhujangasana, Kapalbharti, Adho Muka Svanasana also helps improve helps to improve respiratory function and relieve nasal congestion.
Lepam
Ayurveda also recommend certain medicated pastes that are applied on the forehead. It helps calm the sinus headaches and provide quick relief.
Also Read Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine: Natural Relief That Works!
Can Ayurvedic Sinus Remedy cure sinus?
The answer varies on whether you’re looking for instant relief or repairing the root cause of the problem. Unlike other medications, Ayurveda works on the underlying reasons of the problem. It takes patience and consistency to see results but if done as prescribed, you’ll start noticing the difference within few weeks.
Diet Recommendations
Diet plays a crucial role in treatment of any problem. If you have sinusitis follow the above mentioned Ayurvedic Sinus Remedy and avoid these few foods for the course of treatment:
- Milk, Creams and Cheese
- Cold and fizzy beverages like Cold Drinks, Shakes, etc
- Ice creams
- Excess sugar
- Oily, fried food
- Junk food like burgers, pizza, Chinese, etc.
