Natural Treatments for Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches often plague us during the winter months when the air is dry, during cold season or during the fall and spring when nasal allergies strike. Rather than reaching for an over-the-counter solution, there are several ways to treat sinus headaches naturally. This includes everything from a steaming hot shower to a facial massage.

Features

• The sinus headache differs from regular headaches. The pain normally appears around the sinus cavities located behind the eyes, around the nose and above the cheeks. You may also notice some heaviness or facial swelling. In addition, the pain becomes more intense when you move your head. The pain associated with sinus headaches if caused by inflammation and congestion usually due to sinusitis or nasal allergies.

Treatment Plan

• To reduce the congestion that causes sinus headaches, reach for saline nose drops at the first sign of a sinus headache. The drops clear sinuses by encouraging draining. To relief the pressure around the sinuses, apply a warm compress for up to 5 minutes.

  Use a humidifier to moisten the air. The moist air not only can be used to treat your sinus headache but also prevent future sinus headaches. To take it a step forward, inhaling steam also helps further loosen congestion. Cover your head with a towel and inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water for up to 10 minutes. Inhaling the steam from a hot shower may be just as effective.

  For an added effect, add eucalyptus oil to the water. Eucalyptus can act as an antibacterial agent and expectorant to treat your sinus headache. Expectorants help relieve the congestion causing your sinus headache. Tea tree oil has similar properties, when added to the steam can also help. Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the water. Then breathe in the steam three to four times a day until the symptoms are relieved.

  If the headache continues to persist, try a facial massage, suggests the National Pain Foundation. Gently massage the area above and between the eyebrows using your index fingers. Apply pressure for up to 15 seconds.

Warning

• You should see your healthcare provides if you have an intense headache that last longer than 24 hours without easing or if your headache becomes worse. Also look for symptoms like a fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting. These symptoms may be sign of a more serious disorder like meningitis.