With more than 35 million Americans suffering from sinus disease, people are looking for safe and effective ways to alleviate sinus issues naturally, according to ent-consult.com. One of the most effective ways to treat irritated, congested or infected sinuses is with a sinus rinse. A sinus rinse cleanses, hydrates and restores balance to the irritated sinus cavity. You will need a neti pot to properly perform a sinus rinse. A neti pot can be purchased for a few dollars at any pharmacy.
Use a Basic Rinse
Use a basic saline solution rinse on both nostrils. Take 1 cup of warm water and mix it with a half teaspoon of sea salt. Stir the solution until it is completely dissolved. Pour the rinse into the neti pot. Place the opening of the neti pot on your right nostril and tilt your chin up. Allow the entire cup of salt water to run throughout the sinus cavity, coming out the other nostril. After the process is complete, gently blow your nose to get rid of any excess mucus. Repeat the same steps on the other nostril.
Use Glycerin for Irritated Sinuses
Use a combination of glycerin and baking soda in addition to the sea salt solution to soothe irritated sinuses. This solution can be helpful for people suffering from severe allergies. Take 1 cup of warm water and mix it with ¼ tsp. of sea salt, ¼ tsp. of baking soda and ¼ tsp. of glycerin. The baking soda and glycerin help soothe the irritation, reducing swelling. Pour the solution into the neti pot and repeat the process of pouring the entire rinse through the nasal cavity. Repeat this process twice a day to maintain proper moisture and cleanliness.
Use Herbs for Infection
Use either tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract in combination with sea salt and baking soda. Tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract have natural antibiotic properties that fight off infection. Purchase both products at a health food store. Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. baking soda and 5 drops of either tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract in a neti pot. Be sure all the ingredients are completely dissolved. Perform the nasal rinse as stated above. Repeat this process two to three times a day for up to seven days. See a doctor if the sinus infection does not improve in a week.
Tags: baking soda, grapefruit seed, grapefruit seed extract, salt baking, salt baking soda