|  | Conditions Treatments | Headaches

Home Remedies to Relieve a Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are often one of the results of a cold or flu infection. Mucus builds up in the sinus cavities, causing blockage, congestion and inflammation. The person feels an intense headache in the face part of the head, usually around the forehead area or between the eyes. Drugs exist to treat sinus headaches but may be undesirable to many because of certain side effects. People turn to home remedies that work naturally with the body to relieve the pain and pressure of a sinus headache.

  1. Herbs

    • Eucalyptus oil works with the body to help it cough up excess mucus and remove it from the body system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinupret works by thinning mucus, thus relieving the congestion and the sinus pressure. Other herbs with limited success in helping to relieve sinus headaches include Chinese skullcap, devil's claw, feverfew and willow bark. Before embarking on herbal remedies to relieve your headache, consult with your health care provider. He will advise you about drug and herb interactions so you do not wind up taking an herb to relieve the headache but cause another issue.

    Nutrition Supplements

    • Some supplements that may help relieve a sinus headache include bromelain, quercetin and probiotics. Bromelain, which comes from pineapples, may help reduce swelling and inflammation. Quercetin, a plant pigment that accounts for colors in fruits and vegetables, impedes histamine production. Histamine is responsible for causing such symptoms as a runny nose and watery eyes. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that may lower the chance of developing allergies, which in turn can lead to sinus headaches.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • To reduce congestion, you can try installing a humidifier in the bedroom, using a nasal saline spray and taking hot showers with plenty of steam. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, may be helpful in reducing pain from a sinus headache.

    Alternative Approaches

    • You can also turn to such practices as homeopathy, acupuncture or chiropractics to relieve sinus headaches. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine system that treats people with substances that trigger the natural healing properties in the body. The homeopath will examine the patient and, based on the patient's condition and mental and emotional outlook, suggest treatments. Acupuncture refers to the ancient Chinese method of inserting needles at certain points in the body to relieve symptoms. Chiropractics is a medicine system where a skilled practitioner manipulates the body so that the person feels less pain. There has not been any documented proof that chiropractics relieves a sinus headache but some people feel less pain from the headache after visiting their chiropractor.

Headaches - Related Articles