Try rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil on the chest as a decongestant, or inhale eucalyptus or peppermint oil to clear stuffiness. Adding lavender, cedar, or lemon to steam may also soothe nasal passages. Inhaling menthol not only provides relief from nasal congestion but might help inhibit infection as well.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a great decongestant because it contains the enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain breaks down the junk that builds up in the sinuses and helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Horseradish: Horseradish has many health benefits that are attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content.
Running a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in your home or office is a simple and effective way to reduce nasal congestion, says Stringer. Breathing in humid air helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation, and thins mucus (which helps it drain), he explains.
Examples of fluids to drink when a person has a sinus infection include: plain water. hot water with lemon, honey, or ginger. herbal teas.
Chicken Soup
Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help your cold symptoms.
Peppermint. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) contains menthol that works as a fine decongestant to reduce the swelling of the nasal membranes, making it easier for you to breathe.
Hot steam may help open the sinuses. Steam loosens the dried mucus and can help the nose drain before bed, reducing pain and congestion. Some people find that massaging the skin covering the sinuses promotes further drainage. Taking a warm shower before bed may also help a person relax before trying to sleep.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
In many people, the nasal septum is off-center — or deviated — making one nasal passage smaller. When a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing.
Nasal congestion typically clears after a few days, but congestion that lasts for a week or more may be a sign of an infection. Left untreated, nasal congestion may cause sinusitis, nasal polyps or middle ear infections.
Acupresssure Point LI4: Located on your hand between the thumb and index finger, this pressure point can help relieve sinus congestion. Acupresssure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure.
Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.
Drink Ginger Tea
This compound reduces inflammation in your mucus membranes, making this the best tea for sinus infection relief. Ginger also contains antihistamines and other compounds that can control allergic reactions and may speed healing. Other teas can help, too, including those with basil and peppermint.