Home Remedies for Sinus Drainage

Easy-to-use home remedies can help ease constricted blood vessels in the nasal passage, enabling the drainage of sinus fluid caused by bacterial or fungal infection of the sinus cavities. In addition to being time-tested and safe, home remedies are cost-effective and consist of easily available ingredients.

Treatment: External

• Spray the nasal passage with an ear syringe containing a saline spray made by dissolving 3 tbsp of table salt in a cup of warm water. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a saucepan of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and bend forward, inhaling the steam for around five minutes. Repeat the process three times for 15 minutes in the morning and night. Stand under a hot shower and deeply inhale the steam. Dip your thumb and forefinger in eucalyptus or peppermint oil and press the bridge of your nose, firmly massaging all the way down. Place a hot compress on your nose and over your eyes.

Treatment: Internal

• There's nothing like ginger and hot pepper to trigger sinus drainage. Prepare a quick tea by infusing 2 tbsp of fresh, grated ginger and a few chopped mint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Add 2 tbsp of honey. You can also add 3 tbsp of grated, ground ginger to a cup of hot carrot soup, or 3 tbsp of ground black pepper to a cup of tomato or chicken soup. Spicy Indian and Thai food are perfect for a blocked nasal passage. Avoid dairy, cold foods and alcohol.

Environment

• Ensure that your environment is clean and as dust-free as possible. Use a humidifier in your bedroom and living area to keep your nasal passage moist and conducive to the drainage of sinus fluid.