If you have sinus congestion and cannot breathe, you want relief right now! Natural remedies for sinus congestion are quite effective. You may have just what you need in your kitchen!
Instant Relief
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of Earth Clinic’s most popular remedies to clear sinus congestion fast. Our readers typically take 1-2 teaspoons in an 8 ounce glass of filtered water once or twice a day. Relief occurs in less than an hour typically.
Black Peppercorns
To use black peppercorns to relieve your sinus congestion, take 4-5 peppercorns and slowly chew and swallow them. Relief is imminent.
Cayenne
You know that when you use cayenne pepper on your food you only use a bit because it is so powerful. The same goes for using it for medicine – a little goes a long way. Take a cotton bud and dip the tip of it into the cayenne pepper. Carefully insert the cotton bud into the nose and apply the cayenne pepper to the inside of your nose. Have your box of tissues handy because your nose is going to run like a faucet! Be warned – this remedy does burn initially but that feeling passes quickly and is worth the relief it brings.
Vapor Rub
Carefully apply a menthol salve or vapor rub to your face over your clogged sinuses. (Be careful not to get it into your eyes!)
Herbs
Herbs can be taken in food or tea. They take a little longer to work than the above methods and actually work well when combined with the above methods. These herbs work to support the immune system and reduce inflammation to bring long term relief.
Nettle
Nettle is highly nutritive and is especially helpful if your sinus congestion is caused by allergies. Several cups of nettle tea can be consumed daily. Alternately, take 4 nettle leaf capsules twice a day, with or without food.
Garlic
Garlic will fight infection, reduce inflammation and support your immune system. You can add garlic to your meals or buy a garlic supplement.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory king! Additionally, it fights infection. Turmeric can be taken in capsule form, thought traditionally it is added to milk. ¼ teaspoon to up to a teaspoon can be added to a glass of warm or cold milk. Because dairy products often make sinus congestion worse, try a non dairy milk like almond or rice milk.
Foods
If you like spicy foods, you will be happy to hear that they are effective at fighting sinus congestion.
Horseradish
Have you ever tried horseradish? It is very spicy and you can feel it up in your sinuses in seconds after it enters your mouth. You only need a pea sized amount on a cracker or piece of bread. You may need to repeat the remedy every hour or so.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce can be added to your food, soups or even hot tea to get your sinuses opened.
Tomato Tea
Tomato tea also makes benefit of spicy foods to open up the sinuses. This recipe created and refined by Jean has helped many people find relief from their sinus congestion.
Lifestyle Remedies
Exercise
Light exercise can help relieve sinus congestion. Walk around the room or up and down the staircase a couple of times. A rebounder is especially helpful and will also get your lymph moving to facilitate long term healing.
Wear a Hat
Grandmothers told their children to wear a hat and scarf for a reason! You lose a lot of heat through your head. Keeping it warm retains your body heat and energy and has even helped some with sinus congestion. Wear a warm stocking cap around the house and even to bed, especially if you have a chilly bedroom.
Baking Soda Bath
A warm bath is relaxing and healing all at once. At a cup of baking soda and a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your bath water and soak as long as you like. The baking soda helps to alkalize your body and the eucalyptus oil will help to clear your nasal passages.
Do you have a natural remedy for sinus congestion? Please send us some feedback!
I have a trick for stuffed nose, for when you have a flu. for example: Sleeping side/mewing:
If your left nostril is stuffed, then you should sleep on the right side for 5 minutes, keeping the left nostril pointed upwards! You will hear a popping noise in your nostril. Also be aware of your tongue posture!!! Don’t do mouthbreathing! Read about “mewing” Greetings!
Pumpkin Oil for sinus congestion:
Pumpkin oil is working great for my sinuses, which have been clogged for years now – it is actually finally clearing up! I can’t believe it & am so glad after all this time to find relief! Pumpkin oil is an antifungal, so it makes sense it would clear sinus issues.
Yesterday at 3pm, my head felt like it was in an aquarium. Ears clogged, headache, completely stuffed up. I took 2 TBSP of ACV (with the mother) in a mug of hot water with a few shakes of cayenne pepper. My sinuses did ease up a bit within 30 minutes, going from a cement wall to a moist sponge, but that was about it. This morning, I took the same thing again. It's 2pm and– compared to yesterday at this time –I'd say I've improved 70%. I can breathe through my nose easily and taste things. No headache, no clogged ears. Vast improvement.
***Important to note though: make sure you're downing tons of water and liquids in addition to this ACV tea. Also, be sure that the ACV is shaken up and has brown sediment floating in it, aka the "mother"; you don't want the clear, clean stuff.
Sinus pressure:
A very saturated ACV onto a q-tip and roll inside your nostril sniff back and pressure is gone. Great stuff.
I have had chronic sinusitus all my life. I use coconut oil for many different things but had gotten out of the habit of oil pulling. I recently have had such a problem with my allergies that I resorted to using nasal spray only to have the rebound effect worsen my symptoms. I though of coconut oil and just put some up my nostrils with a little relief. Then I found the reviews on here and tried oil pulling. Can I just say amazing!!!! Within 30 seconds of having it in my mouth my congestion opened and I was able to breathe! It lasted about 15 minutes so then I tried the qtip with coconut oil on in up my nostril and it worked as well! I will keep with this regimen as often as needed to get through this rebound from the nasal spray!
This remedy worked immediately for me. I've known about it forever but just didn't think to do it. So this site reminded me. I immediately drank 2tblsp of vinegar in 1 cup of filtered water then followed that with snorting 1tsp in 1 cup of warm filtered water. I was so stopped up I couldn't even snort it at first. So I used a small bottle cap to pour it in as I held my head back. That cleared it enough that I could blow it out. And for the first time in a week it was looser and more clear. So I snorted when I could and it keeps coming out loose and clear!!! I can breathe!!! It only took a minute of my time. I wish I had done this a week ago SMH
ACV + Honey + Hot Water for Congestion
WOW. I did NOT believe this would work. Not that I'm against natural cures, but this really, really shocked me. I'm not that sick, just a head cold, but tonight my runny nose turned into a congested one within a matter of hours. So full I had to start mouth breathing. I found the ACV-HONEY-HOT WATER remedy and gave it a try. I also added in a few sprinkles of freshly ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. BAM. Within 30 seconds (NOT KIDDING! ) I was starting to feel open. Within 5 minutes I'm COMPLETELY clear. I went ranting and raving to my husband (who's also sick but with throat stuff not nose-yet). I dont know how long it will last but I will continue drinking it for health. I actually really love the taste of ACV and honey so this will be a treat. TO EVERYONE'S GOOD HEALTH!
*note, the honey and ACV I used were raw/organic.
ACV sniff for sinus congestion.
It worked for me as well
Steam your sinuses with garlic water.
I have read here that some people actually stick garlic cloves up their nose! Why? Who would want to deal with the intense burning?
Use garlic water to steam away nasal infection and burning in your nasal passages and to clear your sinus congestion. Here's what I did:
My sinuses had been congested for more than a week and for the last two of those days my nasal passages were burning severely. It was so uncomfortable that I could not sleep. The saline spray I was using only helped a tiny bit to briefly help me breathe better but the burning was getting worse. I don't think the saline spray (arm and hammer) was causing the burning as it only has salt, water and baking soda.
Anyway, I must have developed an infection that was causing the burning sensation and making me miserable. I then had the idea in the middle of the night ( perhaps a God idea) to steam with garlic. The next day, I put about two cups of water in a pot, grated 3-4 garlic cloves in it…I used a micro plane but you can just smash them very finely. After the water came to a boil, I lowered the heat and inhaled the steam deeply through my mouth and nose alternating. I did this for three to five minutes. I covered the pot to save the mixture and steamed twice more that day. Some time after the first steam…maybe a hour or so later, I noticed that I did not have the burning. I was so thankful. It is a gentle but powerful way to ease sinus pressure and burning.
Use distilled water for the garlic steam if you have it but it's not absolutely necessary…it's just the purest way since the dissolved solids are distilled out. Furthermore, I have read that distilled water attracts toxins in your body for that reason (the water elements are no longer bonded to the heavy solids such as calcium, so excess calcium etc in your blood causing you issues like pain, will attract to the pure water and be flushed out). I don't know if it's advisable to drink distilled water for extended periods but it detoxes you so drinking it for a few weeks can help you eliminate toxins. You may have detox effects like mild headaches, sweating or etc when you start. It's different for everyone. I had the sweating the first day. Anyway, back to the steaming….try the garlic steaming for burning in your nose and to help clear up congestion, and drink distilled water for a few days to help you flush things out. God Bless you all.
Have had sinus congestion for 3 days. Just watched the Earth Clinic video using a paper towel saturated with apple cider vinegar and tried it. Started to feel relief! Then made up the 6 oz of water, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey mixture and am drinking it as I write this. Amazing……. I can breath. I was totally clogged before this. Thank you!!
I've been congested for two days. NyQuil did not help. Mucinex neither. This actually worked! Hoping to get some sleep tonight.
6 oz. hot water
2 tbsp ACV
1 TBSP honey
Kind of tasted like theraflu to me. Wow!
I'm so stuffed up I can't breathe, I've tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and I tried the hot towel for the steam, Nothing works! Any advice, anyone?
Dear Sally,
Cayenne pepper on a q-tip up the nostril is a drastic but fast and effective remedy – at least for me. Even just a tiny bit really helps. Be prepared to sneeze and drain and have a burn feeling for a few minutes. Totally worth it IMO.
~Mama to Many~
After countless endoscopic sinus surgeries and prescription meds which did not help or relieve the sinus congestion and infections, I added coconut oil to my nasal rinse before going to bed. I slept better (snoring stopped and sinus congestion improved significantly) after 1 use. So with this miraculously fast improvement, I dipped a q-tip in melted coconut oil (cooled to room temperature) and rubbed it deep in both nostrils. Within 30 minutes, I was blowing out all kinds of yucky stuff, relieving the sinus congestion. I was amazed… and am now a true believer in the miracle of coconut oil.
Amazing! I tried taking it first and did not feel relieved. I'm so desperate to feel better. So I tried the other suggestion. I heated some of the ACV and then inhaled the fumes. That worked for me! TIP: close your eyes when you inhale the fumes. It stings. So happy I found this website!
Acv+salt for blocked sinus – magic!!! this is the 3rd time I have used acv and it always works like magic for blocked sinuses!
First time I suffered for a whole year – did steam but didn't work. I was offered twice to do surgery but was reluctant. It paid off.
My sister (bless her) told me about the site. I hate the smell of ACV. So it too time for me… out of desperation (I felt ill at least twice a week). I filled a kettle with ACV… added salt… turned the kettle on… and as soon as the steam started… switched off… and inhaled the steam mainly via the blocked nose. (even though it feels it is not going in) I did so on and off for a few minutes. Took a half hour break… repeated… and it was gone completely!
That was six years ago. Two weeks ago… it happened again.. it just didn't go away till I did this treatment! A couple of times in the evening. I woke up in the morning like a new person. It works like magic every time! Thank you! Thank you GOD for the medicine that can be found abundantly and naturally! DO NOT HESITATE TO DO IT! I hope to get positive feedback.
The beauty of it.. no need to DRINK it!! And it does a light descaling of the kettle. (you will need much more to descale properly).
Cayenne for nasal congestion. This worked for me. I snorted a very small amount. I proceeded to use some saline spray afterwards. I am pregnant and tend to use nasal spray daily.
I used the recipe on your site, 1/4 cup of ACV to 16 oz of water. My nose is already unblocked and I haven't even finished the drink!! Thank you.
I have been suffering from stuffy sinuses for years! I thought it was my cat! I finally figured out that it was the moisturizer I was using on my face that caused it! Just one day is all it took to cure the problem. ONE DAY!!!! Argh. I used a big name natural oatmeal kind even. No moisturizer, no stuffy sinuses.
I also discovered that the big name conditioner I was using has been causing me fibromyalgia-type symptoms in my neck and shoulders and arms. I wash with dish soap and feel much better! Crazy world. I have waist length hair. I discovered I actually don't really need conditioner even. I just brush my hair once it has dried. A little spritz of vinegar keeps the static away. If the ends are too dry I put a tiny bit of hand lotion on them.
On a side note, I have been using Borax for washing for a while. The other day I washed my face with the rag dampened with Borax solution and my face looked sunburned afterward. Other bar soaps seemed to do the same thing sometimes. Dunno if it was the Borax, but a word of caution just in case.
Awesome site 🙂
I've been adding a splash of ACV and honey (I mix a cup of each, microwaved to blend, in a bottle) in every glass of water I drink. My husband cannot stand the smell, but I absolutely crave it. I almost always have a stuffy nose–one nostril or the other. I was considering going for the balloon sinuplasty since my eyes feel squinty and small all the time because of the congestion. I was reading about ACV as a nasal wash last night—thought it would burn like the dickens! I took one of those saline nasal-wash bottles–used distilled water and about a teaspoon ACV, plus I added a squirt of the coconut oil I keep in a spray bottle. No burn whatsoever—and voila! I can breathe through both nostrils! My eyes feel bright and wide—sounds incredible, but true.
My husband complains of allergies all the time and has had tinitus for 45 years. He is NOT Mr. Natural–what a shame. I gave up dairy, soda pop and alcohol. I just cannot believe how alert I feel. Go ACV!
Acv does work. After giving my hubby allergy pills for 3 years , we switched to acv in hot water with a towel to block the steam from escaping. After 5 minutes of that, his wash cloth was soaked and his sinuses were cleared. This is the 3rd year, no medicine and we do that 3 times a year and no more pills, thank GOD for finding this remedy. It is also good to mix with your shampoo for your hair, to make a facial scrub, etc.
I dipped the 2 end of q-tips in cayanne pepper and sniffed it into my nose.. I could feel my nose fast became swollen and the burning sensation; however, I was draining from nose I blew my nose several times. I put Vaseline on the edge of my nose then after 20 minute I took a hot steamy shower and I felt a huge relief. I could breathe and smell better. The next day I did once more time and then it was gone. I've suffered from allergies and congestion for a long while but mostly Spring season. I have tried sudefed, mucinex and others but didn't help at all only made it worse.
I came home last night with a serious bout of sneezes after walking the dog through windy fall leafy weather. Immediate massive congestion accompanied by runny nose. I neti'ed immediately which helped the sneezing but everything else still present. I even took a Zyrtec, which again, helped but still massively congested after 3 hours.
Drank a warm glass of 8oz water, 2 Tablespoons honey, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar and it immediately cleared one nostril. Felt like 50% better but my sense of smell was still gone for about one hour. Then I took another, milder dose, 1 Tablespoon each of honey/ACV. I got less noticeable relief but went to bed and slept soundly (snoring though which only happens with congestion). Woke this morning with one side still congested, but now 2 hours later completely 90% clear with sense of smell back.
Tried the 2 tbls coconut, vinegar (didn't have ACV) 2 tbls honey, dash of cayenne pepper, added quarter of raw onion and mug of hot H20 for sinus pain. Pain left quickly, w/in a few minutes. Woke up with sinus pain this AM. Not much mucus, pain was worrisome. Raw coconut Vinegar has 17 amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, broad spectrum B vitamins and has nearly neutral ph. It works faster for me for acidic stomach or indigestion. I use it with water for first morning beverage often. I get it at health food store.
Do not use 2Tbls. Vinegar in a cup of water for the sinus wash as the introduction suggests…it will badly burn your sinuses, throat and nasal passages! I think an appropriate amount would be closer to 1/2 – 1 tsp in a full cup of water. The first use of the 2 Tbs dose in a sinus irrigator burned badly but went away quickly, the second sent my husband into severe pain (burning, awful headache) for several hours. I doubt I'll ever get him to try the lesser amount. He's very tough…put the cayenne in the sinus wash earlier this week…that burned, but not like this! It did get his mucous really running though.
Just got back from vacation in Hawaii and I got really sick 3rd last day. Head and sinus congestion. My eye sockets hurt as well as my teeth. Every bone was sore and I was so stopped up I thought my head would explode. Developed a sore throat than a cough and my ears were plugged. Lots of sneezing, nose blowing And very weak.
I have often taken Apple Cider Vinegar as a health supplement and have taken it on faith it does me lots of good but never noticed anything different. Well, after landing at the airport and 2 air planes later, my voice sounded like it was inside me. The congestion was as bad as I have never experienced. I made myself an Apple Cider Vinegar drink. About 3 tablespoons added to warm water and a little cayenne, a couple of light shakes.
Approx. 1/2 to 3/4 hour later lying in bed, my left stopped up ear was making a sound than all of a sudden it popped clear open. Than all else, other ear, runny nose and phlegm in throat all stopped and I could totally breath again after 4 days of misery. Never had I experienced this before. I always wished I could be one of those people who claimed after consuming Apple Cider Vinegar had a reversal or a miraculous Turn around.
I can now claim such an experience And timing couldn't have been more perfect. I was really suffering.
Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa) – hands down has completely kept my nasal passages clear and mucous free for over a week. Since it reduces the histamine response, my asthma symptoms, allergies are almost completely gone. The cat's sleep next to my face – and I wake up with a clear nose. Overall, reduces systemic inflammation in the body with a natural oil! I will be taking this for life! 1 tsp in am, 1 tsp in pm. That's it. Sure, it is bitter but the benefits are wonderful.
Here is a youtubevideo from Dr. John Gray – I can't imagine him talking about his sinus condition – but this is what he uses. A simple, but complete explanation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mnMk9BZbxo
MyWay, 😀
I mixed sea salt and hydrogen peroxide and squirted in each nostril to try to relieve my stuffy sinuses. The solution is very uncomfortable and it remains in my sinuses until I repeat the process about 3 times.Only then will it start to come back out the same nostril and if I keep it up some will eventually come out the opposing nostril. It just seems to get soaked up there.
I have found Ginger Tea (a pinch of Ginger Powder) or eating a small ( penny sized )slice of the Ginger Rhizome works far too well for relief from Sinus Congestion. I think it does for the Sinus what a Colon Flush does for the Colon so take it easy with the Ginger. It also helps ease infection to a large extent.
Ginger can be an alternative to Sea Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide, which I may never try as it seems somewhat harsh to me.
Tried 5% Apple Cider Vinegar from Walmart; some local produced honey to taste and hot water. I felt congestion relieve in my sinuses within 10 minutes. Thanks for a great tip!
Hi, does apple cider vinegar cure the problem permanently or is it effective on sinus attack?
Wheatgrass (the juice powder) works miraculously well for clearing out sinuses! I feel relief immediately when I drink it, and if I keep drinking it everyday I have discovered that I can even eat foods like wheat and dairy that formerly made me stuffy. Wheatgrass does not have wheat. Make sure you don't take too much too soon, though! When I first tried it I took too much – 1 tablespoon and got very stuffy. I guess it was detoxifying stuff. When I cut back and started with just 1/4 teaspoon, my sinuses immediately cleared up. Now I can take 1 tablespoon, no problem. If you have chronic sinusitis or allergies that affect your sinuses, wheatgrass could be your cure! As an added bonus of taking wheatgrass, my hair is stronger and fuller than ever and has a very smooth texture.
Been to the doctor so many times and doctor told me to take claritin to release the pressure in my ears and nose. I had MRI due to pain under my right jaw when nose is clogged and I had it for the last 2 years and cured after eating garlic with honey for 7 days. I minced the garlic and downed with organic honey and water. I also made some garlic nasal rinse and do it when taking a shower so I can wash the garlic smell off on me. It did help a lot and I am so thrilled that now before going to bed and waking up in the morning my nose is not clogged anymore, what a relief! Not taking the claritin anymore and I will replace it by eating garlic at least one clove a day for the rest of my life. Thanks for all the tips and post that everyone had shared here.
I get really bad allergies a couple of times a year and I'm usually just resigned to suffering through swollen sinuses and copious amounts of mucus, but it's really wearing thin. I just tried apple cider vinegar and much to my surprise, it actually helped. I'm still congested but the throbbing itchy feeling in my sinuses has finally subsided, and the congestion has lessened. Sitting here with eucalyptus oil in my burner now and hoping that will help with the remainder, but at least I have something I can take to make sleeping easier (that isn't a benadryl – that stuff really wrecks me). Thanks for sharing this.
2T ACV, 2T Olive Oil, 1/4t baking soda in 8 oz warm water, was the only ingredients I did have. Been suffering from chest congestion and hacking up phlegm for 6 days. Relief from the coughing, congestion, within the hour! My nose drained and 2 hr later it is still working. Unbelievable! The worst thing I have ever had to drink down in my life (and I am good at drinking horrible tasting stuff for medicinal purposes) . I had use the last of my honey before I got sick. This really does work, and I did manage to drink it down. I will try the ACV, honey, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice the next time. The coughing stopped almost immediately. I had to post because it worked so well!!
A few drops of eucalyptus oil in steaming water did wonders for my congestion. I am still stuffy but able to breathe through both nostrils now!!! Doing this steam therapy actually released a huge nasty glob of mucus from way back that I think was causing the blockage (which is so gross, sorry, I know, but felt so good!! ). I got one ounce of the essential oil for about $5.
Wow… 4 days of being completely 100% stuffed up. I had been drinking tea with ACV and honey.. But obviously not ENOUGH. Measure it out… 2 TBS of ACV and 1-2 TBS of honey and 6 oz of water. Within a couple minutes BOTH nostrils completely clear… Ahhhhh! 🙂 Now.. what to do for earaches that came from being stuffed for 4 days.
I just read on this site, mix equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar with alcohol. Drip a few drops into clogged ear, while laying on opposite ear. Allow to remain a few seconds then turn over to drain a little then lay back on unaffected ear so the liquid can keep working. My ear had been clogged from traveling on plane 24 hours prior! It was so frustrating! This totally cleared it-finally after taking a decongestant with no results, per the pharmacist!
Jill in Sunshine State
When you say alcohol, is that rubbing alcohol or vodka-type alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is usually what is used in the ears with vinegar – equal parts of both.
~Mama to Many~
Just tried this and within a minute a clear nose, hope it lasts and I can sleep tonight…I'm amazed as I was completely blocked up.
How was the ACV taken: Applied into ears or taken internally? If taken internally, what dilution w/water & how often drank? Thanks.
Kimchi for sinus infections/congestion: I have just recently discovered after adding other fermented foods to my diet like fermented veggies & sauerkraut that KIMCHI works wonders at clearing up sinus congestion!! It's a must try!!
I have been having sinus congestion for the past 2 months. None of the medications worked, neti pot gave relief for an hour or so. I tried 2tsp Apple Cider Vinegar with honey and hot water and within 30 min the nose was clear. I was able to breathe freely. I still have have lots more to clear up. Thanks a lot to all the people for sharing their experiences.
Hi Sowm, The ACV u used in local made or imported one. Could you please provide me the name of the ACV u used. Thanks & Regards Mohammed, Hyderabad, India.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Congestion: Just a side note, my grandfather drank a glass of apple cider vinegar and honey every day as a daily preventative. I remember him staying home from work for only one day with a cold when I was a kid, and I even lived with him for awhile.
I’m so disappointed. I’ve had nasal congestion for 3 days now and have tried a few OTC and natural remedies, but everything only temporarily helped. Then I came across this site and gave ACV a try. I’ve now sniffed it, gave myself a facial steam with it and drank it with a mixture of honey and hot water…. Nothing. Well, maybe not nothing; on a scale of 1-10 (10 being able to breath clearly without obstruction and 1 being completely blocked) I’m about a 3. I can sort of still breath through my nose, but it’s only mildly better. Bummer. I was really hoping this would work. 🙁
I had that problem also and went to a ENT who discovered my sinus was full of polyups (benign). You may want to have it checked
I know it was a long time ago, but I hope your sinus congestion eventually cleared up. If you used organic ACV with the "mother" in it, then I can't think of anything else. It's more the kind that our grandparents used, rather than the stripped down, sometimes adulterated, pasteurized versions of today.
I was having such a hard time breathing so I googled home remedies and came across this one using ACV. I heated 6oz of water, 2 tblsp ACV and 1 tblsp honey on the stove and drank it warm. It was actually not bad tasting and worked great. In a matter of minutes I could breath. I will definitely do it again.
I’m interested w/ op. But how do you do it??? what’s the procedure pls???
I have suffered with really bad sinus for over 2 years. It has been getting worse and worse to the point that I could not even smell or taste anything for over a year! I was in my local Dischem chemist looking for yet another cure when the sales assistant asked me if I ate BANANAS???? Bananas??? She said I should just try cutting them out for a month. Well, I had already cut out dairy, wheat, sugar all to no avail so it was worth a try.
Its been over 2 months now and no more sneezing, sinus and my taste and smell have returned!!!! JUST AMAZING!!!
Thank you Thank you Dischem lady!!!! <3
My husband went on a serious vegetarian diet to lose weight and went from 210 lbs to 170 lbs. The problem is with most people that lose weight fast is that they lose protection from the cold weather. The fat loss causes them to be very cold.
The weight loss causes a reaction with their sinuses. My husband as well as others that lost weight fast have runny sinuses, clear liquid coming from their sinuses. One doctor explained that it’s the body’s way of stopping these people from breathing cold air. It’s a defense mecanism due to losing their normal body fat.
When it is cold my husband has sinus problems. He never had this problem before. In Canada people that lost weight within 6 months are suffering tremendously from the cold. Good news is that every year the sinus problem decreases.
I used the blow dryer on my husband’s body and that helped him feel better. And we live in sunny California!
I have been drinking the Apple Cider Vinegar tea for about 3 weeks 16oz a day. With that I have experienced loose stool and drainage from sinuses. Today I do not feel the greats but I am able to breath out of both nostrils and that feels great. I will continue to use ACV and the tea. Thank you
hi, would like some feedback on anyone with sinus problems, I heard Cayenne really helps, just started taking the pills one day ago, will share my results after xmas if any tks
I read about heating ACV and breathing the fumes. I bought a spray bottle of saline solution and I squeezed some of it out into a little dish. Then I put one drop of organic ACV into the squeezed out saline and then squeezed it to suck all back in the bottle. The result is a very low concentration of ACV that you can spray into you nose at any time. Works great! You need to really breathe it in deeply to get it all the way inside your nose. It stops congestion right away
I have been heating ACV and breathing the fumes for the last few years when ever I feel congested or like I’m getting a sinus infection. This has always worked great for me. Heat a small amount in a pan on the stove (I would not microwave, it may destroy the properties of the ACV) SLOWLY breath in the vapors and hold in as long as you can. You can even breath this into your lungs as long as you do it VERY SLOWLY!! To hard and fast will cause you to choke. You will find that it will loosen up phlegm and mucous like nothing else! You will get immmediate relief and the key is to not stop breathing it in just because you get relief so quickly. I try to keep breathing it in 3 times a day for several days to be sure the bug gets killed by the acv, which it will. I do like the idea of making a nasal spray which I am going to make up and try.
I was miserable and just tried this. It worked within minutes!!! Thank you! Could not breathe at all through my nose. Feel wonderful!
Can this work if you can't breathe in at all??
I’m sitting here breathing and amazed! Truly did not expect this to work. I have had severe sinus congestion for days along with a horrible cough. I have heart arrhythmias so can’t take most decongestants and antihistamines weren’t working. Neti pot – helped for a few minutes. Steam – worked while steaming. Saline nasal spray – didn’t get through the goo. I am a wife, mother, full-time student, voice teacher, and have two part-time jobs (no, there are not enough hours in a day) and don’t have time to be sick one second longer. I tried 6 oz. Water, 2 Tbs. Vinegar, 1 Tbs. Honey and heated. Drank it down – gagging numerous times. Within minutes I could breathe through both nostrils. WOW!
The person from Australia suggested holding your nose closed and blowing hard, as suggested by a Chinese Doctor. This is crazy! That can ruin your ear drums.
I used 2 Apple Cinnamon herbal tea bags, after boiling a large cup of water in the microwave. I added 2 T. AC Vinegar and 2 large Tblsp. Honey. My sinuses instantly drained, and it tasted like hot apple cider! No gagging involved here. I might try the ACV in the Saline solution too, because I still feel pain in my sinuses, probably from being stopped up so long. They were throbbing so bad earlier, I felt like you could see it throb in the mirror.
I must either be doing something wrong or my sinus issues are far more severe than the typical persons. I have tried both the ACV recipe and the recipe for Hypersonic Saline Solution( 1 quart of distilled water, 2-3 tablespoons of Sea Salt, 1 tablespoon 3% Hydrogen Peroxide) and while both recipes do get the sinuses flowing, now I’m left with draining sinuses down my throat and a hacking cough.
I need something to dry out my sinuses, any recommendations?
You’ve got the infection way back in the sinus and possibly in the ears and down the eustation tubes. Use an ear syringe and gently squirt colloidal silver into sinuses and ears. The CS will sting on the prominently infected side of sinus. Repeat ten minutes later. The sting will be gone. Repeat as needed. Infection will be gone in two days… Possibly in two hours. Lipid coated viruses are harder to kill. Be persistent. The silver will kill it.
Does the Colloidal Silver (CS) come with directions? ie amount to use? how often?
To Deedra;
I read your post and you didn't say who you were addressing but chased down the thread from long ago and you write directly under my comment. So you were asking me the question, that is, what quantity of colloidal silver should be used and does it have directions. Nope. Like using Apple Cider Vinegar, there are no directions on the bottle and no quantities recommended.
I recommend about a tablespoon in palm of hand and sniff vigorously into sinus and repeat on other sinus. It might sting. Repeat ten minutes later. I gargle with the CS and also use an ear syringe to squirt into ear canals.
Not fussing, but I see the problem of not addressing the person you are wanting to answer a question a lot. A poster just lights in and never references WHO they are talking to. They've seen a post from a year or two ago, but that person isn't identified so very likely the person asking for clarification gets no answer because there was no identification that said something like, "Joe from Pittsburg wrote on Apple Cider Vinegar a year ago under this thread…question for you Joe, what quantity did you use to kill the infection?"
If you are directly addressing your question to a prior thread's post…please be precise as to who and when you are asking the question. Sure would help us to know that somebody is asking a specific question to a specific person.
My Neti pot disappeared. I loved my Neti but didn’t want to buy another one. I have a water bottle with a cap that reseals. The nozzle is just the right size for the nose. So, I use that. A lot less that the $15.00 for a Neti pot.
Hello all, I have suffered from sinus problems my whole life. This often leads to headaches caused by the sinuses being inflamed. I love to sleep with a fan for the sound, but this causes them often, so I must not. Drinking milk before bed does the same, so I must not. As does certain times of year, temperature too low in the house, humidity changes, smoke, etc, etc.
One thing I found helps lessen the pain is the “nose bullets” as I call them. Tubes you stick in your nose and inhale the vapors. They contain Camphor/Menthol. They do not “cure” a sinus headache, but lessen the pain. Heating up some “chest rub” in a jar does the same, but it is not as portable. Also, rubbing the “chest rub” onto your forehead helps soften the pain. I use Neti pots but add 1 teaspoon or less of Xylitol and several drops of hydrogen peroxide per each pot full to the standard salt/baking soda powder that is out there.
I post these not as medical advise, but something that has worked for me to make living with sinuses more bearable.
Jalneti or neti done with jal (water) from the Indian Ayurveda is a process of gently cleansing the ENT (eyes) canal which could be done once a month or so.
About 4 Oz. Of saline-warm-filtered water is poured through each nostril followed by pranayam (preferably Bhastrika pranayam) for at least 5 minutes. This is like blowing into the bellows to dry up the leftover water moisture in the ENT canal.
The fast and deep breathing is done for drying the ENT and not cleansing the nose etc. As pointed out by another commentator. * If this drying of ENT is not done one may develop Pneumonia as water may seep through to the lungs causing infection.
The problem happens when half knowledge is passed on by these so called specialists leading to more danger to the patient than when he first started out.
I honestly can’t believe this WORKED! I have had a terrible cold with a sore throat and the worst sinus congestion for four days straight. Fearing a sinus infection, I was preparing to head to the Dr. in another day. I had tried everything I could think of, Sudafed, Dayquil, and even Nasal Spray (which only worked for a couple of hours, not 12 like the label promised). Desperate, I went online to try a “natural” remedy. I was willing to try just about anything. And what do you know? It WORKED. Within 20 minutes my congestion felt less “throbbing” and one more cup and 2 hours later – my sinuses are TOTALLY CLEAR! My throat is starting to feel better too! I am definately going to use this remedy again if I ever feel a cold coming on. One thing, I added a little honey and I crushed my garlic with a garlic press. It seems to have helped get the garlic to juice out a bit more. THANK YOU so much for this amazing recipe!
I can’t believe how well this works. I’m still in shock!
2 days ago, I started to become sick with the flu when I was on a 18-hour flight. On came the chills and fever, and then my nose kept running non-stop. To make it worse, the changing cabin pressure on the descent gave me excruciating sinus pain and made my ears clogged to the point where I couldn’t hear out of both ears anymore. I can’t take cold medicine because I have thyroid disease, and I am slow to recover because my metabolism is very slow.
Yesterday my sinuses and fever got worse. I remembered reading about this remedy on Earth Clinic and I was eager to try it. Luckily I had all the ingredients on hand. I used V8 Spicy Hot juice, lemon juice (bottled), minced garlic, a lot of tabasco sauce (as much as I could stand) and a dash of celery salt for taste. I heated it in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes and then sipped and inhaled the fumes as directed. About 10 minutes after I started to sip it I noticed an increase of nasal discharge. I had to keep blowing my nose over and over again, but this time when I blew my nose I actually felt like I was clearing it out, instead of the feeling of blowing your nose and feeling like it gets clogged up again 5 minutes later. The pressure in my ears released about 60% and I regained most of my hearing. My fever increased and for a few hours I felt pretty rotten, even though my nasal passages had cleared. But in a few hours I felt at least 60% better, which is amazing considering that it usually takes me 3 weeks to recover from a cold! I slept all through the night with no problem.
This morning I made another tomato tea. While drinking it, I felt my left ear “pop” and the pressure released. I now have full hearing in my left ear and a 70% improvement in my right ear. I then took a hot shower afterwards (the steam helps to open the sinus passages) and kept blowing my nose. My nasal congestion is about 85% gone, I don’t have a fever or chills anymore, I got most of my hearing back and I don’t feel groggy anymore!
It doesn’t seem so crazy why this works when you do some research on capsaicin. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient of pepper spray. Capsaicin is an irritant, and when you inhale pepper spray, your body pushes it out by forcing your sinuses to clear themselves and making your nose run uncontrollably. Have you ever eaten a really spicy dish and had your nose start to run?That’s the capsaicin at work.
I have Vietnamese friends who swear by a similar remedy that works in the same way as the tomato tea. They swear by eating pho (a hot fish/noodle soup) when you are sick. They put a lot of Sriracha (Vietnamese hot pepper sauce) in the soup and breathe in the hot fumes. The steam and pepper helps open and clear the sinuses.
I have also been drinking echinacea tea with a tbs of coconut oil and I’ve also been drinking some ACV throughout the day. (I don’t take the ACV too close to the tomato tea though, because ACV is alkaline while the tomato tea is very acidic).
Thank you, thank you, thank you Earth Clinic for this wonderful remedy! I can celebrate my 30th birthday this weekend without feeling miserable 🙂
I have tried forever to use salt to irrigate my sinuses, and I never could because I found the salt to be extremely irritating, and it actually made me more stuffy afterwards! That is, until I tried using Himalayan Pink Salt in a squeeze bottle (i have found a squeeze bottle to be much more effective than a neti pot bc it really gets the solution up into the sinus cavities). If you, too, find salt too irritating, try using Himaayan Pink salt – I don’t have to use baking soda or anything else with it – it’s soothing & makes a world of difference!
Also I wanted to add that it’s helpful to add 1 drop of ACV into the solution of pink salt (1/4 teaspoon) to irrigate. Drinking the ACV (2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water 3X a day) is extremely helpful for clearing sinsuses as well. As well as taking large quantities of Vitamin C (Reactiva C works well). But irrigation (for me) is key!
A Huge Relief! 5 days before a scheduled surgery my sinuses shut down. First I thought it was a cold or head cold, but had no other symtoms other than sinus trouble. I was in a panic that I would have to re-schedule my surgery that was 6 weeks in the making:( I tried the cup of hot water and thankfully had Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey on hand. It cleared up the congestion and headache immediately. Will try again before bedtime as it seems sleeping is the worst. Thank you for this site. Will be back!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! My husband drank 1/2 a cup of 2T ACV, 1 t honey & 8 oz of boiling water. He had to stop drinking it b/c it was gross. When he stopped he was able to blow his nose which is awesome. Then this morning he woke w/NO head pressure/congestion or headache. Yes, he will try that again b/c he hates medicine. THANKS!!!
Best remedy ever! I was skeptical. I have been sick with severe sinus congestion/infections since January, it is now almost June. Over the counter sinus sprays helped temporarily, then not at all. Tried Steam, and neti pots, flushes, etc. Doctors prescribed antibiotics, steroids, allergy medication. All temporary or no response. Out of desperation I tried 6 oz of water, two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar, and approx two teaspoons of honey. Heated in the microwave. Within a minute I could blow my nose, within ten minutes I released all the pressure in my head. I still have tons to get rid of, this is the first thing I have tried that actually got rid of the congestion. I am thankful. Thank you so much for sharing!
I tried this 3 days ago and I must say I am amazed! I was suffering from sinus congestion for 2 days. I found this site and read about the results and figured I had nothing to lose. I put 2 tbsp of acv, 2 tbsp of honey and 8 oz of water, heated in mic for abt 30-45 secs and drank it. I felt relief in about 30 mins and could finally breathe! I slept better than I had in weeks! I did the same thing the next morning and now I have no problems! I have been telling everybody about this! It really works!!!
Loved it! I add just a bit of coffee creamer to make it more palletable and a little more creamy. Within minutes my sinuses were almost cleared!
I, on odd occasions, get severe nasal and chest congestion out of no where! I hate it I can’t sleep I can’t breath and all that OTC stuff makes me foggy, dried out and really sick to my stomach… And I don’t trust doctors who are paid to push certain drugs. So I had enough after my 3rd night laying in bed hating the clock ticking I got up and searched for salvation! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! Nothing worked so well and so quickly. I don’t feel dizzy, no nauseous and not dried out. I can just simply breath. Nasal inflammation and congestion is so annoying… LOVE ACV! I used a 1/3 cup ACV 1/3 honey and mixed it with my favorite pomegranite and blueberry tea! Never again will I suffer!
While this mixture did resolve my sinus congestion, its the chest congestion thats showing only moderate improvement. I’ve taken several doses ( 2 tbl. ACV, 1 tbl. Honey and 8 oz. Warm water), each seperated by 4 hours. My question is: How often can/should you take this before your body reaches overload?
For me and the time of year, this can develop into pneumonia if I’m not careful. EC, any thoughts?
Robert: Try sprinkling a little Cayenne pepper on your food also you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice in a cup of spring water and add 1/8 tsp of cayenne with a tbsp of Maple syrup. Drink slowly. Great for chest congestion.
What a wonderful moments! Hey it works barely a day men GOD IS GREAT! Over the past my nostrils have been a mess. I used my mouth to breathe. I took it as instructed ooh my GOD. Thank you so much. i had suffered for years that I frequently went for HIV test though I was 100% I had never misbehaved anywhere.Once again thank you earth clinic for sharing this information so crucial .sinus distracted my undergraduate that at one time I nearly opted to defer. Cheers men!
Insofar as any of the ACV drinks/teas which include HONEY, please note that warm water works best so if you boil your water, let it cool to tepid before adding the honey. Boiling water kills the healthful constituents in honey and some sources even say it can create a toxin. So honey shouldn't ever be added to any drink that is BOILING; let the liquid cool before adding your honey. 🙂
Insofar as any of the ACV drinks/teas which include HONEY, please note that warm water works best so if you boil your water, let it cool to tepid before adding the honey. Boiling water kills the healthful constituents in honey and some sources even say it can create a toxin. So honey shouldn't ever be added to any drink that is BOILING; let the liquid cool before adding your honey. 🙂
Reading your site on nasal congestion. Just tried a shot of pickle juice and water. 20 min later, nose has stopped draining. Cool.
I read through this post and thought I would try it – within minutes my sinuses are draining. I put about 2 tbs in a cup of tea with some stevia. Lovin it.
The tomato tea is not only delicious, but it honest to goodness is the only things that's worked thus far for my sinus infection. Finally I can breathe!
In the city of Edmonton, this time of year, it has been really brutal for cold and sinus problems! It’s very dry, dusty and there is no snow.
I have been suffering from colds and sinus trouble… and I refuse to take antibiotics, because I do know for a fact that there are natural cures for everything.
I swear by apple cider vinegar uses for many things, but I have not tried it for sinus trouble, THANK YOU for all the comments. I will try the ACV now.
Ok I was @ my wits in… I had spend over $50 in over the counter medication. I had ended up over medicated myself @ this point due to now insurance already missing a week of work the only one working in the home… I found this remedy. I honestly went and bought the ACV and fixed my glass as soon as I walked in my home. Instantly I started feeling better. I did wake up around 3 am due to the pressure I guess. I took a tylenol so I could return to sleep. Took another class 8oz this morning..! Everyone @ work was like you look like you went to the SPA!! You look better!! …
Most of all I thank GOD for healing. But I appreciate this website.. I told everyone @ work…. @ lunch one of my co-workers is running to get some ACV… I do hope this helps someone.. Because everyones remarks definitley helped me..
Thanks for all the responses!
I’ve gone through sinus surgery and suffer at least once a week with congestion and running. Got bad tonight that I could not breathe thru BOTH nostrils. I am pregnant so I can not take anything. I drank 6 oz of warm water with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and one tbsp honey. Warmed it in the microwave for 20seconds. After about 5 minutes, I can breathe thru left nostril. Right one is still blocked but I’m happy to have at least one to breathe from!!!
I do know that cutting sugar and caffeine will help. A nutritionalist also said that milk/dairy is mucous forming. Can’t live without all three! I also learned thru study that continuous decongestants will actually worsen congestion. Hope this helps everyone because it is miserable not being able to breathe!
Hello I have been using a drop of Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water in my Neti pot. It works great for sinusitis! I irrigate my sinuses and even use a little in my ears which also helps. I get great comfort from using ACV in water in my Neti pot.
Is this safe? I only use it when I need to and I only use about one drop of Apple Cider Vinegar in the water.
Can this upset the PH Balance in my sinuses? Anyone know?
I would think it would help the pH balance, particularly if you’re using the ACV with “the mother”–that’s the apple cider vinegar you see that has what looks like dirt in the bottom. This is actually good bacteria, which evidently is what your sinuses needed!
I am not a doctor, I just have researched a lot.
I did not have any V8 on hand, but I used a can of Amy’s organic tomato bisque soup, I added 5-6 cloves of finely chopped garlic, fresh squeezed lemon. I only had taco bell hot sauce packets so I used those and added extra cayenne pepper. I did add a little worcestershire sauce for added flavor. I heated it on the stove as to not kill any of the nutrients by using the microwave. IT WAS DELICIOUS. Really spice but sooo good. I could breathe freely through my sinuses within the first five bites!!! I have been eating garlic for days to help my immune system but this cold has finally caught up to me. Thank you earth clinic! I love you!
Jean’s Famous Tomato Tea is so popular (197 YEA and counting), we put it on its on page! Read the considerable reader feedback on Tomato Tea here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/tomato_tea.html, including Jean’s updates.
Within an 15 minutes of drinking one cup of “Jean’s Famous Tomato Tea” I could breath again. I used the original recipe and it worked wonders. I am already planning on a secound cup this afternoon. Thanks Jean! I found Earth Clinic by chance and now I’m addicted to searching common issues. What a wonderful site.”
01/12/2011: Marie from Philadelphia, Pa replies: “I, like the many others who tried this, is thankful for this site. This worked so well for me. I got a sinus headache and wasn’t sure what to do. I remembered earth clinic and found the tomato tea recipe. I went out and bought everything I needed and made it right away. I felt relief after an hour. I made more the next day and the day after that. By the second day of taking it I was back to normal. Now I just make the tea because I love eating it and I know its good for me. It has all good stuff in it. Also I make it for my friends and they love it too. Thank you Jean!!!!!”
01/23/2011: Heather from Greensboro, Nc replies: “This really works! Thank you.”
03/03/2011: Gojus from Alameda, Ca replies: “Just drank a cup and feeling much better! Thanks for the receipe!”
03/16/2011: Cnlk from Plymouth, Wi replies: “Tried the tomato tea, great stuff. Didn’t provide me with immediate relief, but does help. I spiced it up a bit by adding some vinegar from a jar of jalapeno’s and one diced jalapeno slice. Also added a little cumin and used a 5.5oz can of low sodium V8 juice.”
03/20/2011: Jmb from Beaufort, Sc/usa replies: “My left sinus was completely congested in the upper area (I can breathe fine just extreme headache and eye pain) for the last 2 days due I believe due to the extreme pollen we are experiencing this year. I just tried tomato tea 5 minutes ago for the first time and I am already feeling the benefits. I think one more cup in the morning and I will be back to normal. Thanks so much!!!”
04/15/2011: Leslie from Milwaukee, Wi replies: “It is unbelievable how good this remedy works. I made this tea after taking cough medicine 4 hours before with absolutely no relief. Halfway through drinking a cup, I could breath through my nose as though I had no cold. Thank you for sharing this natural “cure”. I feel a lot better.”
05/13/2011: Ryley from Vancouver, British Columbia replies: “It worked and all my sinus worries are gone. Thank you so much!
I really wanted this Tomato Tea to work but it hasn’t. I even tried it twice — real hot so that I could inhale some of the vapours. Sadly, like most things on this site, I think it’s just another old folk remedy. It’s been several hours since my first cup of the tea and still I am blocked in both sinuses. I will probably just go to some regular Zyrtec now.
Hi, may I know what is hot sauce?
Person from Malaysia – hot sauce is like american sri acha sauce… Its chili powder and vinegar mostly.
This might give relief to some but not to everyone. Unless and until the cause is treated one will not find long lasting relief. The treatment should have the anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce congestion and draining out the mucus. It should also boost the immune system so that the hypersensitivity to allergies will decrease.
I like the way it tastes, but it didn’t do a lot for my congestion, but loved the taste and it sure didn’t hurt.
This helped! I went heavy on garlic and hot sauce – nasal passages may not be all this clears – but I am better in 5 minutes. Thank you! I was miserable!
The only ingredient missing is Vodka and a stalk of celery. I’m in!!!!
I have had clogged sinuses for about 24 hours now, and my experience tells me that if I let it go on any longer, it will turn into a sinus infection. I’ve tried OTC decongestants and none have worked. I used my Neti pot 3 times today, with relief for about 10 minutes each time. After surfing the net looking for some kind of home remedy, I found your site and I tried the ACV.
I made a hot 8 oz cup of chamomile tea, poured 2 tbsp of regular Heinz ACV in it and then stirred in 1 tsp of honey to make it palatable. It was still a horrifying taste even with the honey.
I barely got through half the cup before my sinuses cleared and I was able to breathe through my nose. Not sure how this works, but so thankful it does!
Bret from Bean Station TN wrote that just getting up – moving around – walk, exercise -causes shrinkage of nasal passages. I must have missed that the first time around because I thought I discovered the following all by myself: Two nights ago, when it was obvious I could forget about sleeping, I stumbled into the room where I keep my small trampoline, and in the dark, I got aboard, hanging onto the window frame for support, and I jumped. Pure magic! The obvious explanation – what Bret said. So last night, I did my jumping just BEFORE bed -again pure magic. I know there are other problems of the nose, but what if this is all you ever needed to try?
I suffered for years in my childhood with sinus problems – had them drained, antibiotics, Sudafed, drops, etc. Now I am in my sixties and have been doing more home remedies. After many years I again got sinusitis and found this treatment on an Ayurveda website. It worked INSTANTLY and my nose stayed clear throughout the day. Just chew 4-5 peppercorns and wash it down with water. Amazing! Nothing else needed. Ayurveda has been my choice of naturapathic medicine for 8 years – and I have never been healthier!
Thank you Kathy, it worked fantastically.
My nose was totally stuffed. Air didn't get in.
After chewing the black peppercorns for a few minutes, air was flowing freely.
I was amazed.
Amazing. I only needed 2 peppercorns. And they are also delicious!
Sinus cavities are very hard to treat with anything except direct application and contact ointments, washes, etc. Taking antibiotics is not the answer unless you apply antibiotic ointment directly to the cavity. Alternate fingers so you do not reinfect. We struggled most of my son's early years with infections, that lead to inner ear issues as the infections backed up and spread from his nose. He was prescribed dose after dose of oral antibiotics, nothing worked until an EENT physician told us how to apply directly to the nasal cavity. Only then did this end.
cayenne pepper might work better, but I did not have any at hand, decided to take a facial vaporizer, that has the nose attatchment, to the water, I added crushed red pepper and ground black pepper, smelled it for about 15 minutes, at medium or high setting made me sneeze instantly, did not burn and cleared me but then again I do not have chronic sinus. I guess for chronic sinus or bad infections with headaches and sinus pain- the cayenne would be more powerful .
but if your desperate enough and do not have it at hand, try my method might work for you.
This remedy was told by my mom, and she was told by her gradndma, if you have a nasal congestion, press your right nostril by your hand and pull up the warm salt water from your left nostril, and then press your left nostril with your finger and pull up the water from the right nostril and breath inside, this will open the blockage in your nose, and its really very effective, this is the same idea when the infants get congested the doctors always prescribe saline water drops to put in the nose, I tried by myself and it really works wonderful and you should pull the water from glass from your nostril that the water should come in your throat.
I had a blocked nose non stop, December to March. No cold or leaks, just a solidly blocked nose. Poor sleep, dry mouth, heaviness of the head, low energy levels, etc. for 4 months. I tried the Earthclinc revised dosage of ACV and by the 3rd day my nose was completely clear. Amazing!
what was the revised dosage, could u explain please…thanks
Are you steaming it and breathing the vapors? Or are you drinking the mixture. It’s not clear.
My left nostril had been completely swollen shut all afternoon from a cold or sinus infection I’m fighting off. I ignored it till bedtime when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to sleep like that. So I turned to earthclinic to see what to do before going to get an otc decongestant. I saw that ACV has yet another use and I have it by the gallon so I tried it – 2 tbl in about 8 oz of water with ginger/honey drink mix (I’m out of my raw honey) After a few sips I did feel less irritation and a slight improvement but still couldn’t breathe on the left side. I finished the drink and still not able to breathe I decided to go across the street to the store for the tomato tea ingredients. It took about 15 minutes and by the time I got home the left nostril was open and running. That was about 30 minutes ago and I’m still breathing freely thru my nose and I’m drinking the tomato tea just for good measure. I just wish I had done this earlier in the day!
Oops, I hadn’t noticed the replies to my post. I put 4 teaspoons (2tbsp) of ACV in one litre (33 ounces) of water and drank it throughout the day for 10 days. Cleared my nose by the 3rd day.
Revised dosage: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/apple-cider-vinegar-uses-health-benefits-faq/#drinkacv “2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water. Usually 1-2 tall glasses of the concoction are all you’ll need each day.”
Was suffering for three days with head congestion. Breathing through my nose was impossible. I mixed up two tblspns Apple Cider Vinedar and two tablspns honey. I heated it in microwave for 18 secomds to soften honey for smoother mixture. Within minutes (maybe 3 to 4) I felt my nose begining to run. After thirty minutes my nose was clear!
I tried this remedy just now, to the letter, and it literally worked immediately! I’m blown away! To the OP, thank you so much! 😀
Holy heck! Been sitting in bed stuffed up so bad and found this remedy.. Figured I had nothing to lose and had the ingredients.. I am not kidding you.. Four sips and I am breathing out of my nose!! It tastes like hell but id rather breathe so I am finishing it.. Anyone know how long the effects last?? I will find out!
I’ve suffered from congested sinuses for years, so after reading on the site about ACV, I was quite enthusiastic about drinking ACV/honey/water to overcome my problem. But, just after twice drinking the suggested ACV mixture, my chronic systemic fungal infection flared-up, big time.
My alternative physician suggested using betaine HCl instead of ACV to alleviate my nasal congestion, thereby not ingesting vinegar that fungus thrives on….. Anyone have similar experiences with ACV increasing fungal growth and/or tried betain HCl for relieving sinus congestion?
Larry you write: “My alternative physician suggested using betaine HCl instead of ACV to alleviate my nasal congestion, thereby not ingesting vinegar that fungus thrives on”.
The above is NOT true. Vinegar does “not” thrive on fungus. I totally cured by toenail fungus by ingesting ACV (and doing nothing else). I had it for many years and even took tablets years ago to cure it but nothing worked until I drank the ACV.
I have been suffering with severe sinus congestion for about a week. I have not been able to smell or taste. I had tried over the counter medication with no relief of symptoms. I came across this site and decided to give apple cider vinegar a try – what could it hurt. I mixed 2 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar with 1 Tbsp. Honey in 6 ox. of water and warmed the mixture in the microwave. Within 1/2 hour I noticed improvement, by that evening I could taste again. I slept much better that night and feel much better today!
After being sick for two days with sinus congestion, lowgrade fever, and sore throat, I finally came across this site. I’ve been looking for a natural remedy for my sinus congestion because I’m breastfeeding. So, a little skeptical, I mixed two tbsps raw apple cider vinegar into a glass with about 6 oz warm water and about 1 tsp honey. A few sips into the glass, and my nose started running! Now I can breathe a little — not completely clear, but definitely a relief in pressure! I’m considering drinking some more. It doesn’t taste very bad at all (might help that I can’t really taste right now :)).
I have been bothered with sinus congestion due to the flu. I cannot sleep, have to mouth breathe, then wake up constantly because my mouth is beyond dry. Frightening to lay down at night too because of fear of suffocation. Mine is so blocked up I could not smell my grandson's dirty diaper I had just changed. Those things do not smell like roses let me tell you! I am going to try the vinegar mixture as it has always helped with bronchitis and strep throat or just being run down. Just want to share with people, you are not supposed to heat the mixture up in the microwave as it can destroy the enzymes in both the vinegar and honey. Hopefully I can destroy this bug!
Hey Karen, run down to the health food store at your location and purchase some black seed oil (nigella sativa). It comes in an 8 oz bottle. 1 tsp in am and 1 tsp in pm. It really does handle the sinus inflammation, congestion and mucous pretty fast. It is an ancient oil that also has anti-viral properties as well. I use it daily to keep my allergy/sinusitis/congestion at bay. I can honestly say this one oil truly affected my breathing significantly.
I do not think I would sniff Chamomile tea up my nose… It is too potent in that form and being from the ragweed family.
Chamomile essential oil, on the other hand, sounds reasonable. Because the essential oil is so pure, most all allergens are removed during the production. I could see putting a drop or two in a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and a 1/2 cup salt (use canning salt b/c it does not have additives that prevent it from clumping). Use 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon to a cup of warm water for nasal washes.
Hi,
I found this website while looking for some natural cure/remedies for sinusitis. I have sinus since 7-8years now. Whenever, I travel the same night I fall sick and get sinus attack which lasts for days. I was given antibiotics by doctors earlier. Doctors kept giving me stronger antibiotics every time but then eventually all antibiotics stopped reacting. My sinus attacks are so chronic that I just cant bear it. I get fever, whole face starts pain, eyes feel heavy and watery, head, ear, throat starts paining. I feel very weak. I had been to an ENT specialist 2x and he gave me steroids along with antibiotics which worked the first time but failed the second time. I have no option left now medically thats what I feel. I had a surgery for my sinusitis 3yrs ago which cleared all my congestion and I felt great.
After reading how many people have benefitted from drinking ACV, I decided to go for it too. I am in Mumbai, India currently and I could only find American Garden’s ACV here. As a beginner, I am taking 2tsp of ACV in 8oz of water twice a day I. E., morning empty stomach after I wake up and before going to bed. I try to add a little more ACV whenever I think I can take it. I have been taking it since 10days now but I dont see any improvement really. I still have congestion. I am not travelling these days. I am allergic to dust and pollution very bad. Oh yes, I did take steam with ACV too. That surely made me breathe good. Also, my skin is glowing a bit. It helps digestion too.
I would like to know why don’t I feel any change after drinking ACV and should I take steam everyday? Should I start drinking ACV 3x a day with standard recommendation of 2tsp or should I start taking 2tbsp in 8oz? Please help.
Thanks & Regards, Namita.
Namita,
I buy Organic Apple cider Vinegar form “Naturally Yours” store in Mumbai.
Call 022-3223 0003/9833701982 or http://www.satvika.in
I take 2 tablespoons in 8 pz lukewarm water 3-4 times daily (this brand) has helped get rid of my sinus congestion. I also stopped eating all dairy and ghee products and my sinus problems went away. Good luck 🙂
Hi Namita, as someone who used to live in Mumbai and who now visits it frequently, I can tell you that your sinus congestion could be a reaction to the pollution in the air. What helps me is using the neti cup morning and night, with salt. This seems to keep most of the sinus headaches, congestion etc at bay. During the day, if I need to, I will do steam inhalation with Vicks. The vinegar you are taking is not the one with the ‘mother’ so I can’t say how effective it will be for your sinus but since it seems to benefit you on other ways, that’s great. Hope this helps.
Hey Tina,
Thank you for the feedback. You are right. It must be because of the pollution. I live in Montreal but I have come back to Mumbai for few months and since the time I have landed, I am having Sinus attacks. In Canada, I never had these attacks. I will try to get the Organic ACV. Thanks once again 🙂
Regards, Namita
Hey Ti, Thank you for your feedback. I will definately try it. Regards, Namita.
For the kind of congestion Natami talks about, consider the possibility of a virally based infection. Try colloidal silver to kill the virus. (Antibiotics do not work on viral infections of course; only bacteria. ) Use an ear syrenge to squirt the liquid into both sinus passages; lean head back and let drain down into passages. If this is an infection the most infected side will “burn” the first time you “inject” the silver solution. Of course this application is a sinus irrigation and you could use a “neti pot” but I recommend a syringe to squirt to allow the liquid to get way back into the infected areas. Repeat this fifteen minutes later. If indeed this is a virus, most will be gone the second time you use the silver; but some viruses are lipid coated and you must stay at those with repeated doses for sometimes a week or longer with applications three or four times daily. You can get colloidal silver at most health food stores; usually ridiculously expensive. I make my own from a little 27 volt generator I bought 17 years ago and have been making silver solution for all that time.
Hi Namita – I know it's long ago, now, but I noticed you did not mention adding the honey – which is more important than just to improve the taste, adding its own benefits to the mix. That, & using organic ACV with the "mother" in it, I.e., the cloudy kind, and not boiling or overheating – these things should assure that you get the full benefit.
I hope your condition has improved. Blessings from Arkansas
yes my dear friends it really works the cleaning of nose with salty water is very effective I tried and I am doing it on daily bases.. Thanksssss
Wow – 2 minutes ago I mixed up 6 oz water, 2TV ACV and 1 T of honey. I warmed it in the microwave to melt the honey and help it mix in and cover the taste of ACV. For the first time in nearly a week I can breathe freely through both nostrils. Amazing. I know vinegar – white and brown is useful for a thousand and one things around the home and for other health purposes so I tried this with a positive attitude and maybe it helped that I decided to believe it would work. Highly recommend.
I have been severely congested after having first the flu and then a bad cold…. Nothing was breaking it up: not neti pot, saline sprays, decongestant sprays (that makes it worse, eventually). In Oregon you must have a prescription for Sudafed, which has been the only remedy which works… “Phenylphrine” just doesn’t do any good. So I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar potion with honey and hot water. I didn’t think it would work, but less than 10 minutes I could breathe again!! Fantastic cure… I hope it lasts. Thank you!
Wow! This really worked. No idea how it works.. But it does, and that’s good enough for me. Gonna make some or my husband now as his head is ‘splitting’, just like mine was yesterday (some nasty head-cold) so hopefully will go from grumpy to happy! I have. 🙂 Thank you so much everyone!!!!
In search of a natural cure for my week long severe sinus congestion I came here for advice. 5 days of antibiotics and mucinex have done nothing. I tried the ACV last night out of desperation. This horrendous tasting remedy did nothing for my sinuses but irritated my stomach and caused intestinal problems. The thought of drinking this potion again makes my skin crawl.
Mother always said good medicine may taste bad, but it generally does the trick. I swear by ACV for a lot of illnesses. Whenever my sister calls to say she has an ailment I look up the cure and come back to her to say it says ACV…she laughs and says you say ACV for everything. Some wonderful stuff ACV is!!!! Comes from an apple…an apple a day keeps the doctor away!!!
Sounds too good to be true, and I’m still skeptical. Have severe sinus congestion, at times during the day I can’t blow in or out of my nose. I don’t have infection, as I’ve just finished antibiotics. Nose has been plugged off and on for a month, increasingly more and more. Tried everything that has been recommended by friends/pharmacists etc to no avail. Was so happy to find this site and hear all the positive outcomes…. So mixed up the ACV, honey in water, drank it, nothing after 15 minutes, so drank some more with much less water. Even inhaled ACV fumes awhile. It’s been 20 minutes and still no difference. I need this to work, but I have serious doubts.
Just wanted to thank everyone for the comments. I tried 2TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with a cup of warm water out of desperation. 2 minutes later I heard the congestion break on one side. While the other side didn’t clear I was able to get a decent night’s sleep for 1st time in a few days. I’m sold and will def keep this remedy in mind for future use. Thanks again!
For temperary releif of Sinus Congestion, simply get up and move around, walk, excersise, etc. Adrenalin is a natural decongestant that is produced when we are active. You’ll notice your nasal passeges will shrink making it easier to breathe.
I have had sinus problems for a long time. Kept me up at night due to barely being able to breath through my nostrils. Came across Earth Clinic on accident and read about Apple Cidar Vinegar ( I have it in my kitcen) in regards to your sinuses, I read about how some people are mixing it with 8 oz of water and 2 tblsp of Honey. I thought I would try it right then and there, and viola, in less than 6 minutes I could breath through my nose with out feeling like I was breathing through a pin hole!!! I slept all night long, and felt rested the next day. I mixed it up again, as I felt my sinus starting to revert back to where they were, and now I’m cleared up again. It, for me, lasted well over 24 hours….
This is a great sight, I have spent the last couple of hours now reading about Virgin Coconut Oil, which I use for cooking! I will continue to learn on this sight as I do not like, or want to take medicine and I dont now. I am a 55 year old female with no health issues as of yet. If I ever do end up with any, then I will look to this sight first! Thank you!
Debbie–Hate to be a problem, but in the article concerning the use of Apple Cider Vingar, Honey & Water–maybe I missed it but I c/not determine the amount of ACV to use. Welcome to the first day of Spring. Harry
To relieve sinus pressure temporarily I heat up a large bowl of water for about 2 minutes on high in the microwave then add a 4 drops of lavender oil and place my head over it with a towel draped over my head. Blow your nose when needed to get rid of some of the excess mucus. Repeat multiple times a day. I was sceptical at first but the lavender truly makes a huge difference.
I’ve been suffering with severe head congestion for almost two weeks now. Ironically enough, after I gave in and got antibiotics my congestion and ear infection started to get a lot worse. Can antibiotics make me sicker? Has anybody else had this happen or was I already so sick that coincidentally enough the day I started them I got worse?
Thanks so much for your sight!! Love it!! And PS. Hydrogen peroxide in a netti pot worked WONDERS for my congestion. It just doesn’t last.
Yes! Antibiotics can make you sicker. They indiscriminately kill off bacteria of all kinds, many of which are your body’s first line of defense. Additionally, antibiotics are of no use if your sickness is caused by a fungus, a virus, or a resistant bacterial strain.
Niacin for sinus problems
I had not taken niacin for a long time. I also have a cold. One of those icky sinus congesting colds. My mouth is dry and my snot is thick and sticky and yellow (sorry for the imagery). I just took a high dose of niacin (1000mg) and when it kicked in and my body began to flush I had the urge to blow my nose and when I did my sinuses cleared out completely and they have not been this clear in over a week). I’m not 100% sure if niacin is related to my sinuses clearing but the odds of them clearing out for the first time in a week within 20 minutes of taking niacin would be low. After my niacin flush began to disapear my sinuses began to congest again. This could be a coinsidence but I don’t think so.
If you have not taken niacin before you should know that it will make your capiliaries open and when they do blood flows much more easily. Because your capiliaries have expanded they are larger and more blood flows through and you can see this happen as your body turns pink/red. You can also feel the increase in blood flow with a tingling/itchy feeling as well as a warm/hot sensation which are due to vastly improved circulation. These sensations will not appear imediately, they will build up over a ten to twenty minute time period. Because the heat and itching will gradually increase do not be alarmed, after 10-20 minutes the effect will plateu and then decrease and the effect will be over, no matter how unpleasant it was.
I do not recomend taking niacin for the first time at least 2-3 hours before an event or meeting friends because the reddening of your skin may embarass you if you are not used to it (even if you are used to it, I can tell you it is not a flattering look, lol). Also while niacin itself (as far as I know) does not interfere with sleep the itching feeling can make it difficult to fall asleep if not impossible or may wake you if you fall asleep before it kicks in, so I do not reccomend taking it before bed until you know if you can sleep with it.
Hello I submitted the sinus help regarding accupressure and sinus rinse about a year ago! For a week now I have had very little problem with my decade long sinusitis nightmare. While the accupressure and sinus rinse helped this is what is working for me about 100%. I HAVE BEEN WEARING A WARM CAP ON MY HEAD DAY AND NIGHT AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH MY SINUSITIS! I'M NOT KIDDING! So far the draining, spitting, and post-nasal drip have stopped. It seems keeping my head warm keeps my sinuses normal! Try it and see if it works for you! Such a simple thing has me back to normal.I have been wearing a large green knitted cap that covers my entire head.Thanks Diane
What's a Warm Cap & where do you get it from? I would like to try that out.
I agree with the hat trick. It has cut down episodes.
Thanks I'm keeping my head covered all the time, especially if it help with my sinuses. Also I been using ACV for my congestion. I pray it breaks this congestion out my chest. I drink it along with Cayenne pepper and tea and cinnamon lemon juice. I been down a week ready to stand sinuses relief.
I have to admit I am sharing because I got results, was desperate could not sleep sinuses blocked could not breathe, headache, pressure and ear ache, I immediately took 8 oz hot water, 2TBL of ACV and 2TBL honey. Came back and kept reading (still a little skeptical) I had to run for tissue for my nose started just running (within 10 min) just water flowing, now I am breathing after 20 minutes Thank you
My sinuses have been congested for days. I am 17 years old and I’ve tried pretty much every OTC medicine I can find. I just tried the ACV remedy using 8oz of water, 2 TBSP ACV, and 2 TBSP of honey. After about ten minutes, I could already breathe through my nose again! I couldn’t even taste anything because my congestion was so bad, and now I can again. Thanks, this was great!
I just used this remedy and it worked wondefully! My Granny used to give me this when I was a child when I was sick and all stuffed up… I’d forgotten about this remedy until now. Its going down in my book as a “tried and true” remedy! Thanks!
I had a very bad sinus infection for 5 weeks….. They gave me amox. And afterwards they gave me levaquin, which I had very bad side effects. My sinus was so bad that I would have confusion, memory lost and could not be alert. It was like I was not in reality…. After I saw this site I tried the AVC last night and I slept well….. This morning I took another 8oz cup and I felt the sinus congestion releasing in the forehead area….. Im not confused I am alert, memory 100% and this is reality….. Somthing so cheap work….. I wish I read this before going to the hospital the way I did….. And NONE of their crap worked…. I had mri, cat scans, even spinal tap done…… Im staying all natural from now on…. My vitamins and home remedies…… But of course prayer first!!!
Hi I am a longtime sinus suferrer and have gone through a lifetime of antibiotics, I have no health insurance and always opt for a hollistic method first I also have chronic asthma as well as many other ailments. While sitting in agony and desperate for help I stumbled across this website and just happened to have the miracle ingridients here at home I got a 8oz glass of water put in 2 tsp of honey and drank it.
As I was reading all theese threads and about 30 min later and thinking yeah right like this is going to work all of a sudden my packed sinuses started moving I could feel it and while reading I had to run to the restroom my nose was running like a faucet and my nasal pasages feel so clear I am in total shock and dibelief this really is a miracle thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart I am a true believer now I will pass this on to everyone I know crying from happiness thank you again I was about to bash my head into a wall before reading this literaly. Thank you , helena
Please tell me the particular type of honey you used, and was the water hot or room temperature. Also, was anything else added to the water besides the honey? Thanks.
My elderly father in law has been struggling with sinus congestion for more than a year. Unable to take decongestants because of heart medication, he has been suffering to the point of panic attacks and sleepless nights. Long story short, tried the acv/honey mix and almost immediately his congestion disappeared and finally is able to breath easily. My sinuses (sinusii?) began to clear from across the room. Thank you for this post.
WOW! After reading all these reviews on sniffing cayenne for sinus congestion, it may come across as too good to be true; but I tried it and all I can say it WOW!! It really does work ladies and gentlemen. I took about a (half of a rice size) amount of cayenne, placed one amount on my pinky finger (for one nostril) and the second amount on a small spoon (for the other nostril), and simultaneously sniffed each amount. Instantly, I did feel burning and I breathed and recalled a scripture “when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I”, and then I could tolerate the 30 secs on burning. I felt a menthol sensation and a throbbing of the blood vessels in my nose (it wasnt scary or anything). Then the mucous began to ran down my nose. I blew my nose and SO much mucous came out! Before the treatment, nothing came out. After blowing my nose, my pressure and clogged ears was instantly relieved! Praise God for cayenne.
This seems rather drastic. The same thing happens to me when I cook (very spicy) authentic Thai and Indian food. And it’s a lot more pleasurable. I love the chile high, and the nose-clearing goodness of those thai chiles. Eating spicy food on a regular basis is great for the body.
Wow! I’ll have to remember this! Thank you for sharing! 😀
To relieve lingering sinus congestion due to allergies, I tried the method of snorting small rice sized amounts of cayenne powder.
Like Veejay25 said, there is about 30 seconds of fairly intense burning. For me, however, the burning continued for approximately 30 minutes after taking the powder. After the intense first few minutes, it gradually lessened. The pain is nothing that an average person could not tolerate. There was also about 6 to 7 minutes of intense sneezing, watering eyes, and nose blowing. If you plan to try this, make sure you have about 10 or 15 minutes to recover.
My sinuses cleared slightly, though not completely. I should stress that I did not have a severe sinus condition, so better results could probably be achieved during treatment of a worse condition.
One question to consider is the potential for cayenne to damage the nasal cavity if used chronically. Of course we should all realize it would never be recommended to use many (not all) of the remedies on this site for extended periods due to the lack of scientific research on long term side effects.
Hello, I have had so much success over the last few years with many of the remedies here on Earthclinic and I finally feel like I need to add my comments. I was coming down with a cold and sore throat so I started taking ACV and honey , gargling with cayenne pepper and took Vit C. I thought I had licked it in a couple of days so I stopped taking everything – big mistake – my sinuses and chest started getting very congested so back I came to the site and I tried the garlic up the nose trick. 1 clove of garlic, minced finely with about 40 drops of salt water. I dropped about 2-3 drops in each nostril and it was very painful for a minute or so but I have continued to do this a couple of times per day. My sinus pain is completely gone and they are almost clear. Now all that is left is a cough which I will try and get rid of quickly next. Thank you to all of you for your contributions to this site and my health!!
For chronic cough and congestion try this. Take a laxative for a few days, eat nothing heavy or with gluten or casein in it, and consume ginger/cayene/honey tea, and fresh grated horseradish. Cat’s claw might help, too. Plain oatmeal with only unrefined coconut oil, fresh lemon juice, dandelion root tea, plain vegetable and fruit salads, hot thin soups and unsweetened teas are also good. Valerian root tea, raspberry leaf tea, chamomile, ginseng, blackstrap molasses are also good.
I had sinus problems for years and kept going to the doctor for all sorts of nasty medication with side effects. Until I discovered that by using cotton buds and adding a wrapping a little extra cotton to the bud so it can absorb more hydrogen peroxide and then inserting it inside your nose right up where it is congested within seconds it cleared my sinus problem. I them simply blew my nose and all the nasty mucus came out and I was able to breathe normally. Use the same technique on your ears one at a time and rinse after about 15 minutes. The fizzing sound you will hear is oxygenation taking place and the death of nasty bacteria. I used an empty small travel spray container, filled it with hydrogen peroxide and distilled water 50/50 ration spray and several times keep inside your mouth for about 10 to 15 minutes and rinse. Kills all nasty bacteria. I use all the above when I get a cold and it`s amazing how quick I recover. The solution of hydrogen peroxide I used was 9%. It really works. You can get 3, 6 and 9% Hydrogen peroxide from your local chemist. Cost less than a £1. Best wishes and a speedy recovery.
I have been suffering from post nasal discharge from one nostril for more than 15 years I had surgery 3 times but the problem persists to the point that has made my life miserable and quite embarassing since I have to deal with clearing the back of my throat from thick mucous that gets stuck there and requires a lot of coughing and effort to be cleared. I was reading some of the entries about certain remedies and I got interested in the remedy with the oregano. I went to my local herb shop to buy the liquid oregano but I found a nose spray which contains the essential oils of oregano, bay leaf, sage and clove in a sea water base. I tried it out and has made a big difference my problem did not go away but the phlegm is less thicker easier to clear and plus my problem sinus side feels less obstructed than before. It has to be the oregano.
Apple Cider Vinegar tea and sinus congestion
I’ve had sinus infections for decades, and I’d never had a splitting headache like I had tonight. In fact, I don’t really get headaches. I think these circumstances might have something to do with it: I’m 49, it’s spring, I went out and played some hard basketball. As a result I was getting spotting on both eyes, little patches where I couldn’t really see well, a sensation like sunblindness. I ate–my doctor tells me low blood sugar can cause this, and eventually it went away, but the headache got worse, and the combination of symptoms made me think I might be getting a stroke. Well, you try going to sleep with the nagging presumption that your headache is a stroke. I thought about all the things you think about when you think this night is your last: my beautiful kids growing up without, my ineradicable bad habits. I grew furious about certain facts of my life (debt, unemployment, poor health insurance) and vowed to do everything I could to change these facts, if it turned out that I was not in fact in the middle of dying.
Then I came downstairs and tried some alternatives to morbid insomnia, and I wound up pouring myself three cups of warm water with some apple cider vinegar. My sinuses have cleared, and with it my splitting headache. My insomnia remains, but I can live with that.
I drank the suggested 2TBS ACV in 8OZ water last night because I really didn’t want my sinus to remain congested today. I slept incredibly well and did not wake all night with stuffy head like the day before. This morning, the congestion is markedly less. I still have some congestion in my sinus and some has gone into my throat around the voice box region. Yesterday I did Oil Pulling, Cayenne gargling and ACV and it has turned my horrible sore throat, severely stuff sinus and headache (no fever) into a mild congestion in my nose and throat. I love this site! Thank you, and another YEA! For ACV please!
I was skeptical, but yep – sure enough. The ACV worked. Just smelling the vinegar started to open up my sinuses. I’m so super thankful because I think there is nothing quite so maddening as packed sinuses.
Thank you for the ACV remedy, it was helpful! ACV in water also works for heartburn. Sinus problems, among many other illnesses, are fungal related and the eating of grains and sugars definitely exasperate it. It’s not that grains in themselves are bad, it’s because many of our grains these days because of the way they are stored are contaminted with mold and fungus and most of the fungi are not tested in our food supply. For anyone who’s interested there’s a great site where you can read or listen to more info on the subject… The website is knowthecause.com and the man’s name is Doug Kaufmann – he’s been researching the fungus link to disease for over 30 years. Many have been healed of various illnesses by going on what’s called the ‘Phase 1’ diet. It’s basically a diet that eliminates sugar and grains and believe me it does make a major difference! I have veered away from it the last few months and my sinuses acting up again was the price I paid. Needless to say, I plan to get back on the diet since it’s the only thing I’ve found that really makes a difference.
In any event, hope people will check out the site, there’s tons of good information and it will definitely help you – it’s been a lifesaver for me! Stay healthy!
I’m amazed. I have a wicked cold. I tried over the counters all day to no success. Sat in the shower and tub with steam for tiny respite. Tonight my nose was so congested i thought my face might pop off. So i googled home cold remedies and found this. My husbands out getting the goods for the tomato tonic but in the meantime i put 2tbs apple cider vinegar in a warm glass of water and 10 minutes later i can close my mouth to breath and my ears have opened up. Thank you apple cider vinegar. Oh and I’m 37.
I tried using generic cold flu medicine for a couple days, which made my cough go away but then I developed horrible congestion. I tried acv, lemon juice, garlic and salt heated with water and the congestion started to go away the second I inhaled the mixture. Relief was immediate.
Careful using garlic with acv. The acetic acid in Apple Cider Vinegar will destroy the allicin in the garlic. Stomach acids themselves do that. Best to take garlic with a ton of water(or with enteric coated capsules) to get it into the intestines/bloodstream.
I have a question about sinus congestion. 10 days ago I developed ear infections in both ears along with a sinus infection. I have had sinus pain/pressure for about two years but never knew it was my sinuses until I went to the dr last week. I’m on antibiotics and the ear infections are cleared up, although my right ear is still somewhat plugged. But my sinuses are still congested, although I don’t have any nasal discharge and nothing comes out when I blow my nose. I have been taking the unfiltered ACV, 2TB in warm water with honey, 2X daily for two days now. I do notice some mucus coming from my mouth several times a day but it doesn’t feel like it’s working on my sinuses. Is it common for it to take longer to open up my sinuses?
Ive been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, everytime i get sick it goes right to my sinuses. A few years ago I had a CT Scan and/or MRI(cant remember which) of my sinuses and they were almost all impacted, so they put me on antibiotics for 6 weeks, the heavy duty stuff, and when they did they scan afterwards it was worse! So ive suffered long with sinus headaches. This past week, my sinuses have kind of cleared, i can breathe, but i still sound stuffed, my sinuses hurt and my ear is plugged. I went in before it got really bad and they said i had to wait until it got bad. I work right across the street from an organic store, so i went and bought some ACV today and i look forward to using it, thanks to this website! Ill let you know how it works! Thanks everyone!
Used it twice yesterday and this morning, I can hear out of both of my ears again! Verry happy. Had some sinus drainage also. Getting better!
Amy, I have had the same thing for two weeks. The only thing that gave me relief was using a netti pot with a little hydrogen peroxide in it. It stung a little… Ok maybe a lot at times but after I let it out of my sinus’ I started sneezing like crazy. After I was done I could breath clear out of both nostrils. Does not last but when I started doing it I couldn’t get it to come out the other nostril and now I can with some patience. Good luck!!