Sinus congestion can make you uncomfortable and slow you down. Allergies, a cold, or a change in the weather can trigger this condition. Blocked sinuses can leave you feeling foggy. Thankfully, there are natural ways you can consider to encourage sinus drainage and get you breathing more easily. These include the following:
Start with Steam
A steam can loosen up nasal blockages. Open up and drain your sinuses by inhaling warm, moist air. Try a hot shower or make your own steam tent. If you choose the latter, fill a bowl with hot water and place a towel over your head. Then, inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil gives an extra soothing effect.
Try a Warm Compress
A warm compress can offer relief from the pressure-filled feeling around your eyes or forehead. Heat increases circulation to the area, encouraging sinus drainage. Soak a washcloth in warm water and wring it out. Then, rest it over your sinuses while lying down. Repeat this two times a day when you are feeling stuffy.
Use a Neti Pot or Saline Rinse
Nasal irrigation might not be an appealing idea, but it works wonders for sinus health. A neti pot or saline rinse helps flush out mucus and irritants, giving your sinuses a clean slate. Keep things safe by using sterile or distilled water and a saline solution. Make this practice a part of your daily routine, especially during allergy season or when you feel a cold coming on.
Stay Hydrated
Water keeps mucus thin and moving. Mucus thickens and gets stuck when you are dehydrated, leading to a heavy, congested feeling. Consume plenty of fluids throughout the day to allow for natural drainage and help you breathe more freely. Try warm teas and broths.
Support Drainage with Gentle Massage
Massaging the sinuses can get things flowing almost instantly. Use your fingertips to gently press and circle around your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. Include the area above your eyebrows. This allows for lymph flow stimulations and promotes sinus drainage. Combining this with deep breathing and aromatherapy will give you a relaxing mini-ritual.
Spice Up Your Meals
Certain foods can naturally loosen up sinuses. Spicy dishes made with cayenne pepper, horseradish, and ginger can help open the nasal passages and break up mucus. You can also soothe inflamed sinuses by sipping on a warm ginger tea with lemon.
Keep the Air Clean and Moist
Exposure to dry or dusty air can exacerbate sinus problems. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps prevent your sinuses from drying out. You can invest in an air purifier or add houseplants that help filter the air naturally if you are dealing with allergens or pollutants. Minimize environmental irritants by cleaning vents, filters, and bedding regularly.
Increase Physical Activity
Perform yoga, walking, or other light exercises to encourage sinus drainage. Forward bends and gentle twists can support your sinuses while calming the nervous system. Also, breathing-focused poses such as Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow can help.