The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Cayenne
Posted by Clew (Stephenville, Texas) on 09/30/2022
★★★★★
So I tried the cayenne pepper on a qtip with nasal solution and sprinkled cayenne onto the tip and then put in into my nostril and sniffed it. Yes it burned but that did not last too long and within 5 minutes my nose started to run and I felt drainage in the back if my throat. I will do this more often until I feel clear!!!! Thanks earth clinic and everyone here!!!
Cayenne
Posted by Amanda (Des Moines) on 09/08/2016
★★★★★
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.
Cayenne
Posted by Suzanne (Colorado Springs, Colorado ) on 02/21/2016
★★★★★
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.
Cayenne
Posted by Nathan (Pittsburgh, Pa, Usa) on 10/30/2011
★★★★★
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.
Cayenne
Posted by Veejay25 (Seattle, Wa) on 12/13/2010
★★★★★
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.
Cayenne
Posted by Pat (Hoschton, Ga) on 08/01/2009
★★★★★
I have been a chronic sinus sufferer for years. when I get bad and have to clear up in a hurry. I find a shot of tobasco sause opens sinuses as soon as you drink it. but I wouldnt advise it if you have an stomach ulcer. works every time for me.
Cayenne
Posted by Devon (Scottsdale, AZ) on 12/26/2006
★★★★★
This is a very good temporary solution. Some people claim that it helps with sore throats but I'm still testing this theory. I found these steps to be particularly effective.
1. Heat about one cup of water to steaming and add about 1 tablespoons of red (cayenne) peppers. Stir for approximately one minute and press the peppers with a spoon as you would a teabag for added heat. (Easy Tip: The peppers do not have to be fresh and I actually used the bottled kind that people sprinkle on pizza)
2. Strain. (You may chose not to do this if you like chunky water.... EWWW!)
3. Try not to burn your mouth! Blow on the mixture for a little bit (just like you would tea!) and gargle for at least 20 seconds at least three or four times. (It helps to swallow a bit of the mixture)
4. Blow your nose until it's ALL outta there and you're not getting the post-nasal drip! (THIS IS KEY) Repeat every 15 minutes as necessary. My personal experience may differ from yours. Today I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and I commonly have these (about every 3 months) so I figured why not try something new.
I would also recommend a saline nasal spray to bathe the sinuses morning and night. This has a similar effect and disinfects your nose. It works! I find that the more you use these methods the more effective they are.
Cayenne
Posted by Devon (USA) on 12/26/2006
★★★★★
Just a quick amendment to what I said earlier.
USE ONLY ONE TABLESPOON OF PEPPER IF NOT A LITTLE BIT LESS. One tablespoon per cup was pretty hot. And if you use that recipe it's a fairly big batch so you can save what you don't use and reheat the mixture in the microwave if you need it later. If you are using the stuff I used (the kind of red pepper sprinkled on pizza instead of whole peppers) I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND STRAINING and possibly even use a cheese cloth. If the stuff gets in the back of your throat it can really tickle.
Cayenne
Posted by Jen (Toronto, Ontario) on 10/04/2006
★★★★★
I drank a mixture of lemon water cayenne pepper and syrup. Within a few hours, not only was my sinus clear but so was my chest and I could breathe much better.
