Home Remedy for Sinus Pressure & Mucus

Sinus pressure and pain caused by excessive mucus can make a person's life miserable. The constant nose blowing during the day and the stuffy head and loss of sleep at night can make for a miserable existence. If you are suffering with sinus issues, try a few home remedies to give yourself a little relief.

Temperature

• Keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level. An indoor air temperature that is too hot can lead to congestion, nosebleeds, dry sinuses and infection. The cooler the air temperature, the better off your sinuses will be.

Humidity

• Take a long, hot shower. The humidity of the shower will break up the mucus in your sinuses and start it flowing. This will give you some relief from pressure and pain, as well. You can also turn on a humidifier in your home. The best place to keep your humidifier is the bedroom, especially during nighttime hours.

Water

• Drink plenty of water. It is important to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water during the day, but if you are suffering from sinus congestion, you may want to drink even more. The excess liquid will help thin out mucus and cause it to be expelled more easily.

Nose Irrigation

• Mix 3/4 tsp. or a few pinches of baking soda into a cup of warm water. Place either mixture into a bulb syringe, tip your head, and flush out each nostril. The liquid will help cleanse the sinuses and give you some relief from the pain.

Exercise

• Take a walk. Exercise releases adrenaline, a chemical that constricts blood vessels. This will reduce the swelling in your sinuses and offer you some relief.

Cayenne Pepper

• Eat cayenne pepper. Spicy dishes flavored with cayenne pepper will help loosen mucus because of a chemical called capsaicin, a chemical believed to stimulate nerve fibers, including those in your sinuses.

Irritants

• Stay away from cigarettes, hair spray and the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. These products will all irritate your sinuses, making your stuffy nose even worse.