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Sinus Remedies With Baking Soda

More than 35 million Americans suffer from sinus disease, according to Dr. Murray Grossan of Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles. The sinus cavity is a very sensitive space in the middle of the head that filters unwanted particles from the air before it enters the body. The sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus to keep them moist and sticky. When the sinus cavity becomes inflamed or irritated by environmental conditions, the common cold or allergies, it can react, causing congestion, pain and pressure. Baking soda is a natural way to cleanse and moisten aggravated sinuses.

  1. Use a Sinus Rinse

    • Use baking soda in a sinus rinse (neti pot) to cleanse and restore moisture to the sinuses. Buy a neti pot from a pharmacy for less than $10. Mix 1 cup of warm water, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a ½ teaspoon of baking soda until all the ingredients are dissolved. Pour the solution into the neti pot and run the solution through one nostril at a time, blowing the nose between each rinse. Use this method as often as needed. Because this sinus rinse is natural, you can’t overuse a sinus rinse.

    Make a Nasal Spray

    • Make a nasal spray using sea salt and baking soda. Purchase a reusable nasal spray bottle from a pharmacy. Mix the same solution as in the sinus rinse and pour it into the nasal spray bottle. Hold one nostril closed while injecting the sinus spray up the other nostril. Spray twice in the nostril while inhaling to allow the sinus spray to reach far up into the sinus cavity. Use this three times a day to maintain proper moisture in the sinuses. Use more often when sinus issues arise.

    Use Steam

    • Use steam combined with baking soda and essential oils to relieve congestion and open up the sinus cavity. Boil a few cups of water on the stove. Add 1 cup of baking soda and a few drops of eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and tee tree oil to the boiling water. Pour the hot water into a large bowl. Place your head over the bowl and cover your head with a bath towel, trapping the steam inside. Keep your head covered for five minutes, allowing the steam to go into the sinuses. Repeat as often as needed.

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