Home Remedies for Sinus Pain & Pressure

Sinus pain can be caused by allergies, the common cold and bacterial infections. Sinus pain can occur between the eyes, around the nose, forehead and cheeks, and may spread to the ears, teeth and jaws. Remedies to treat sinus pain focus on reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses and thinning out the mucus so that it can be drained from the body.

Steam

• Breathing in the steam produced by a warm shower or bowl of hot water can reduce nasal congestion that can cause sinus pain.

Neti Pot

• A neti pot filled with a saline solution can be used to loosen and rinse mucus from the sinuses, which relieves pain and pressure.

Heat

• A warm cloth or rice bag held to your forehead and face can reduce sinus pain and pressure caused by congestion.

Fluids

• Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages such as water and juice can help mucus flow out of the sinuses and reduce sinus pain.

Gravity

• Elevating the head of your mattress or using several pillows to prop up your head while sleeping can help the sinuses drain and ease the pain from congestion.

Soup

• Chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds and can also relieve sinus pain by thinning mucus and reducing congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Spices

• Heat from spices such as chili powder and cayenne pepper, or from eating hot peppers, onion and garlic, can thin mucus and promote drainage, reducing sinus pain.