Sinus Congestion
Natural Remedies

Quick Sinus Relief: Natural Remedies for Congestion

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Apple Cider Vinegar

119 User Reviews
5 star (107) 
  90%
4 star (1) 
  1%
3 star (2) 
  2%
1 star (9) 
  8%

Posted by Belinda (Reynoldsburg, OH) on 04/10/2009
★★★★★

This is truly amazing! I haven't been able to breathe through my nose in three days, the congestion has been so bad. I couldn't even sleep last night because of it! I've tried five kinds of over the counter cold and sinus medicines and nothing phased it. I just drank a glass of water with 2.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and now I'm able to breathe freely. The effect was immediate. Thank you so much!! This site has been very helpful to me.

Replied by Hoss
(Galloway, OH)
04/20/2009
★★★★★

Belinda, your posting could have been me. I've been to the doc twice with 2 different prescriptions for antibiotics and then when my congestion got so bad that I couldn't breathe out of either nostril then I went to the pharmacy to buy over the counter drugs. I, even, talked with the pharmacist as what I should take. Nothing seemed to help and I was down to just one day of antibiotics left - I thought I should probably go see my doc again. Then for the heck of it I went online and typed in 'severe nasal congestion' and found this website. I had some apple cider vinegar in the basement so I got it out and mixed 2.5 tablespoons with an 8 oz. glass of ice water. I wasn't sure if I could drink it, but it wasn't too bad - a little bitter like lemon or limes. It was amazing within an hour both my nostrils were open and I could breathe. I fixed another glass to sit by my beside during the night and if I got up to go to the bathroom or simply started coughing, I'd take a little sip. I slept the best last night that I have in over a week and I didn't elevate my head to help me breathe. I'm not sure how drinking this gets up to my sinuses, but it surely seems to work - - and I was a big skeptic. Thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Terra (Wayne, Michigan) on 01/17/2009
★★★★★

Thank goodness for this site! I've had this horrible cold for 5 days now, I don't like over the counter cold remedies and I have no health insurance so I can't go to a doctor. About 5 minutes ago I mixed 2 Tablespoons of ACV with 8 ounces of water and BEHOLD!!! I can breathe again!! My sinuses are not all the way clear yet but the pressure is gone and one nostril is completely unblocked. I feel a lot better. Thanks eveyone for the great idea.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stacey (Aurora, Ohio) on 01/04/2009
★★★★★

I have been struggling with re-accuring head colds/sinus issues since late Fall and don't you know, it hit me again. I have been using a nasal spray, which did help however it can only be used for three days. Last night was the last dose and of course, I woke up this morning all stuffed up and my ears are blocked, so I hopped online to see what I could find.

I mixed 2 tablespoons of ACV and filled the rest of the glass (regular, tall) with water and drank it down. That was an hour and a half ago and I am already feeling much better. The congestion in my head is breaking up and my ears have already "popped" once and are less blocked than they have been.

I am SO thankful that I found this site and all of the recommendations/testimonies for this home remedy.

Replied by Tasha
(Springfield, OH)
01/05/2009

Hi Stacey, glad to see the AVC helped you but have a question you might be able to help me with. I am going through the same thing right now but gagged when trying to drink it down I am having a hard time believing people really drink AVC on a regular basis, anyway needless to say a sip was all I had and dumped the rest down the sink I just cannot force myself to drink it, is it possible to mix it with something else to help the taste. Thanks for any suggestions you or anyone else may have, Tasha

EC: Check out this page for lots of recipes: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/acv_recipes.html

Replied by Susan
(Phoenix, AZ)
03/24/2009

To Tasha from Springfield:

I make my own juice and put my apple cider vinegar in it. 1 apple, 3 carrots, 1/6 lemon with peel, 1 cup spinach and 1 Tablespoon ACV. I use organic ACV with the brown stingy stuff floating in it! This juice is so GOOD! You will not even notice the ACV in it, but it sure adds to the delicious taste.

You can find the organic, unfiltered ACV at your local grocery store. It will not be with the see-through stuff, but it will be in the same isle. I wish I could give you the name of the one I use, but it is against this wonderful website's policy (for good reason). ACV also cures hot flashes! It's a miracle tonic!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Greg (Walla Walla, Wa) on 12/05/2008
★★★★★

Hello, after suffering the last few months with constant congestion both in my sinus's and my upper chest I checked myself into a hospital. After being poked and monitored for 3 days they discharged me after filling me with the same off the shelf Mucinex you can buy yourself. Of course after a day I started feeling bad again as the drug wore off. Out of desperation I turned to the Internet as I felt I was suffocating from the congestion. I found this website with all the testimonials on the wonders of using ACV. I went to the local market during lunch and bought a bottle of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar...for $3 I'd take a chance...why not? That evening (four days ago) I started taking a tablespoon of ACV in a coffee mug I filled with water. In an hour my sinus's started feeling clearer. I had forgotten I could breath through my left nostril. I started drinking my "tea" in the morning and evening. Well, now its been 4 days and my chest is starting to clear also. Just yesterday I was still having the chest constrictions but today I feel great. I'm anxious to try the natural unfiltered ACV when and where I can find it. Also interested in adding local hometown honey if I can find it as I have read about the benefits here also. Now, I need to say that I'm an old crouch, 57 years old, and set in my ways. But I have to admit to you all that this has helped me. No voodoo magic stuff for me. Try it. I did and I'm happy. And the wife is happy too! She says I haven't snored in the three nights I've tried this. Of course I didn't think I ever snored!!

Replied by Lois
(W Bloomfield, MI)
03/12/2009

The pure unfiltered ACV can be found at health food stores, Trader Joes and Whole Foods, etc. It's superior and well worth looking for.

Replied by Becca
(Rockford, Illinois)
02/28/2010

ACV is great, and you can buy the unfiltered organic versions at a lot of stores nowadays. They even sell it at the big box stores here for only 5 dollars or so. It's amazing how well ACV works for not only this, but other issues. When you have a meal that sits too heavy with you (think Thanksgiving!) swallowing a couple teaspoons will help with bloating and "cuts the grease" in your stomach. It's also a great weight loss tool... Try to drink an 8 oz glass of water with at least 2 tbsp. of ACV every day and you'll be amazed at how much easier you lose weight when dieting.

Replied by Judie
(Roseville, Michigan)
07/23/2010

Does the ACV have to be a certain kind? I had an older bottle but it was just from the grocery store, kind of a clear brown or does it have to be from the heathful store? I'm very desperate but this site has been extremely helpful! Thanks everyone! Sincerely,
Sick of being stuffed up 24/7 :(


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John R. (Chicago, IL) on 11/30/2008
★★★★★

I've been having rough sinuses all year, mainly headaches but have had difficulty breathing through both nostrils.

Been doing ACV 2 tbsps + some hot sauce + soy sauce (this part for flavor) + hot water. First two days had major relief and drainage. Have been two days on, one day off since then, and the relief is noticeable. Plus I have not been taking over the counter pain remedies at all and I was talking a lot even just the day before.

I will say it tastes bad, and I will try prune juice once I get some.

I will also say it's better than neti-pot, neti-pot never did much for me.

Replied by Cristina
(La Coruna, Spain)
04/25/2011
★★★★★

It sure does! Three days ago I took two tablespoons morning (with pinch of b. soda and a high glass of apple juice) and another two tablespoons at night.

The thing is, I had been suffering of sinusitis for a long time and taking anthibiotics. But a year ago I tried all sorts of natural remedies and homeopathy (which helped a lot). Until I read about ACV in your site a few weeks ago. I decided to give it a try.

Half an hour, more or less, after taking it the first time I noticed something in my nose.. And blew it. I won´t give the details of what came out... It was all the infection!! At night I woke up again and more of the infection was coming out. And so on until it stopped naturally.

Now I´m taking only two teaspoons morning and two at night but my sinus has cleared and I feel great!

I recommend you try it if you ´re having these problems.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Trevor (Orem, UT) on 11/14/2008
★★★★★

I used nose sprays or decongestant at night with a breathe right strip on my nose just so I could breathe at night while I slept. I have been doing that nightly for a couple years now. I finally got tired of being congested, even after using nasal sprays. When I came upon your site here, I figured I would try the ACV and see how it goes. I bought the cheapest and smallest bottle of ACV at my local grocery store and started immediately taking 2 TBSP ACV with about 8-12 ounces water then followed it up with milk or something to cover up the taste. Then I started combining ACV w/about 8 oz prune juice (it's not so bad!) which made it even easier to drink and didn't leave such a bad after-taste. I started to see a difference within a couple days. I could breathe a lot easier at night and daytime. It's now been 1 week without ever using my allergy medicine, decongestants and nose sprays. With just using the ACV, I feel great! What can I say? Apple Cider Vinegar cleared me up!

Replied by Ernest
(Saratoga Springs, UT)
11/19/2008

Funny, I lived in Orem for 15 years before I moved to Saratoga Springs, which is on the other side of Utah lake for anyone who is interested.

Everytime I lay down, my sinuses clog up, and I feel like I am suffocating. I have tried everything. I take an ambient sleeping pill, sometimes I use Benadryl, and 800 mg of ibuprofen. This works about half of the time. Other times I use a nasal decongestant. Every other day, I can't sleep or breath and by the time morning comes around I am nauseated, exhausted and really struggle with a host of physical problems and mental focus. It is literally killing me. I am going to try the apple cider vinegar again. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nancy (St. Cloud, Florida) on 09/27/2008
★★★★★

2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
2 TBSP Honey (local is always the best for you)
4 oz. water
Mix, drink hot or cold.
One day will cure you,
however drink day two for assured cure.
Tastes like a bad cup of tea...but will wipe out congestion. So simple, you won't want to try it..but why suffer, when its so easy to cure this life threatening ailment.

Have used this when couldn't afford designer antibiotics..always works.

Replied by Karen
(Hicksville, NY)
10/18/2008
★☆☆☆☆

Had nose congestion after a cold. Tried apple cider vinegar in very warm water with a little honey...for at least 2 days and, sorry, it did nothing! Perhaps it was the quality of the vinegar? Perhaps I should've tried capsule form? I was so encouraged by all of the positive stories but alas, mine didn't work out that way:(


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheila (Sterling Heights, MI) on 09/19/2008
★★★★★

Well all I can say is that so far ( knock on wood!) it is a true miracle that something as simple as apple cider vinegar can clear your poor clogged & throbbing head! I have been sick now for 3 days & it came on like gangbusters! from the get go I had SEVERE throbbing pain in ALL my sinus cavities, congestion worse than anything! I too had to take 800mgs of Motrin to get any relief ( & it was not much) every 6 hours! YIKES! Hot water bottles, steamy showers, decongestants etc..... I found this page early this am & went directly to the store for some ACV, I drank it with warm purified water as well as a good steam mixed 1/2 &1/2 WITH WATER boiled.....towel over my head 10 mins..... it did take about 2-3 hours but WOW my headache is all but gone !!!! My nose & sinuses are draining, in a few hours I'm going to repeat! It's really worth a try, cheap easy & it worked!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rev. Eric Welte (Niwot, CO) on 09/02/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has worked for me, except when mixed in hot (brown) tea with lemon. The citric acid and acidity from the vinegar cut right through the mucous and the heat and caffeine from the tea help dilate your sinuses and blood vessels. Overall it makes you feel pretty good. I wouldn't say it helps cure anything - but definitely provides relief.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jaimi (Orlando, FL) on 06/06/2008
★★★★★

WOW! I have come to love the wonderful product of ACV. I have had severe allergies and sinus problems since I could walk. Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis (they have lonce since been removed), rhinitis, etc... I have always taken prescription medication. However I am 8 mos pregnant and have not been able to take anything but over the counter Tylenol products. For the past 3 days I have been down and out with a severe sinus migraine, congestion and pressure. Nothing worked and I am sleep deprived! Adding these symptoms to 8mos of pregnancy spells MISERY for sure. I was desperate so I hopped online and what do you know? I found the same product that cured my husband of his pesky wart will also clear my sinuses. I only wished I found this info sooner! I took 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water and downed. Then I made a mixture and put it in my veggie steamer (ACV is also a great residue cleaner) and sat over it for about 5mins. Everything started to clear up within the hour. I then rinsed with saline solution and I can breathe out of both nostrils! My headache is almost gone and the pressure almost nil! Oh and by the way the ACV steam bath is great for oily skin. I noticed a difference immediately after the face bath. I was then curious to see if this was a known rememdy for acne/skin problems and sure enough it is!!! In fact, Earth Clinic was the first hit.
I am amazed that such a simple, inexpensive product can do so much. Thank you dearly for this site.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jaimi (Orlando, FL) on 06/06/2008
★★★★★

WOW! I have come to love the wonderful product of ACV. I have had severe allergies and sinus problems since I could walk. Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis (they have lonce since been removed), rhinitis, etc... I have always taken prescription medication. However I am 8 mos pregnant and have not been able to take anything but over the counter Tylenol products. For the past 3 days I have been down and out with a severe sinus migraine, congestion and pressure. Nothing worked and I am sleep deprived! Adding these symptoms to 8mos of pregnancy spells MISERY for sure. I was desperate so I hopped online and what do you know? I found the same product that cured my husband of his pesky wart will also clear my sinuses. I only wished I found this info sooner! I took 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water and downed. Then I made a mixture and put it in my veggie steamer (ACV is also a great residue cleaner) and sat over it for about 5mins. Everything started to clear up within the hour. I then rinsed with saline solution and I can breathe out of both nostrils! My headache is almost gone and the pressure almost nil! Oh and by the way the ACV steam bath is great for oily skin. I noticed a difference immediately after the face bath. I was then curious to see if this was a known rememdy for acne/skin problems and sure enough it is!!! In fact, Earth Clinic was the first hit.
I am amazed that such a simple, inexpensive product can do so much. Thank you dearly for this site.

Replied by Allbetter789
(Sacramento, California Us)
12/16/2010
★★★★★

I want to share my experience with people because I was so grateful that other people posted tips and facts that helped me in my time of need. When I Googled sinus infections just 3 days ago I was desperate for relief! I lost my job 4 months ago and although I have health insurance I really didn't want to pay $100 out of pocket for a doctor visit. I really wanted to beat this thing naturally without drugs or antibiotics. My right ear bled lightly for 3 days from the intense sinus pressure and I would go to bed with my heart just pounding in my head and ears. After long bouts of coughing up stuff I was gasping for air and the thought of laying down to sleep actually scared me.

Anyway the key to kicking this was good nutrition and HYDRATION! I literally beat this thing in one day and feel great. Here's how my day went. I woke up and ate just a banana for breakfast. Then I went to my favorite Indian buffet for lunch knowing that everytime I went there my nose would run because the food is so spicy. Then I came home and grabbed 2 bottled waters and went for a combination 3.5 mile jog and walk. This took one hour. Then I went to Jamba Juice and had a 16 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice, a 2 ounce wheat grass cocktail, and a power-sized pomegranite smoothie. I drank the first 2 at home and then walked out the door with the smoothie and one more 12 ounce bottled water. I repeated the same walk pattern for another 3.5 miles. I live in a rural area and the key to success was that on both walks I constantly coughed, spit, sniffed in and drank the whole time.

Replied by Es
(Nj, Nj/usa)
12/23/2010
★★★★★

I confess I didn't think ACV really did much since I've read all the testimonials for years now, but never noticed anything amazing when I took it. But one thing was that once when I was coughing all morning at my old job I didn't want to disturb my coworkers and the only thing I had onhand was a bottle of ACV on my desk. Took two swigs straight and the coughing. Stopped. Immediately. No kidding, my coworkers were amazed. Happened again the next day, did it again it worked. My coworker then started hacking away driving me nuts so I gave it to him. It worked.

Anyway so I started taking it in water a few days ago when I caught my fiance's cold because it soothed my soar throat. Now I did lose my voice for 3 days, vinegar or no vinegar. But I woke up in the morning able to breath through my nose, to my utter surprise. Now the past 3 days I can actually breath through my nose and I had been congested for about two months. It feels great to breath through my nose again. I'll keep taking it. Thanks. ES


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pam (Flower Mound, TX) on 03/12/2008
★★★★★

I must admit- I had little faith but was desperate. After three rounds of antibiotics and still constant congestion/ sinus infection, I became addicted to Afrin. Using it twice daily cleared my nose enough for me to make calls at work and sleep at night but after only two weeks, I had to increase to 4x's a day to stay clear. I realized this was a major problem and began searching for alternative solutions. After reading the earthclinic site, I threw out the Afrin, purchased apple cider vinegar and a Neti Pot (since lots of friend have been recommending it too). My nose was so clogged the Neti Pot was not effective- the water had no where to do. So, I mixed the one TBS. of ACV with 8 oz. of water and chugged it. I haven't been able to taste anything for over a week but could still feel the bitter tingle on my tounge. I was disappointed when I didn't feel relief within the hour. The evening passed and I realized as I went to lay down for the night- I could breathe through my nose. While it wasn't totally clear- I could sleep with my mouth closed- without using the dreaded Afrin! I followed the same procedure the next day and by the second night- I was breathing totally clear and feeling great! GOD BLESS YOU earth clinic. My taste buds are back and the ACV is terrible but I don't care- it's worth it x's 100 for the relief I finally feel!!! After reading the other benifits ACV offers- I have recommended it and your site to many family and friends. Thanks again!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pauline (Yuma, AZ) on 02/18/2008
★★★★★

After being overseas for awhile, I returned back to Yuma, AZ and seen a doctor about my sinus. Well, he made his diagnosis from my charts dated one year ago. I didn't take any free drugs that he had given to me and surfed the internet for cures. I tried the vinegar and it really helped my clogged sinus. The cayenne pepper in water also took out the soreness in my throat. The slice of apple really helped the acid reflux (loose water pipe that I hear at nights.) Many thanks. I hope that you will continue because there are MANY medical care people nowadays only looking to obtain more money instead of really caring for their patients. Very superficial care.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peggy Sue (no answer, USA) on 01/13/2008
★★★★★

I was referred to this site by a friend of mine and was amazed at all of the benefits ACV has. I suffer from chronic allergies/sinus infections. It has only been 24 hrs and I CAN BREATHE!! I had problems breathing out of my left nostril and my left side of my face always has sinus pain...it has completely opened up. I cannot wait to see other health benefits including some weight loss. It has suppressed my appetite today!

Replied by Whyitsme
(Renton, Wa)
03/02/2010

After spending years stuffed up, and trying everything including acv, I just wanted to post a possible cause to your congestion. Took me a long time to figure out with not much help from my Doctors. Congestion caused by food allergies and overgrowth of candida albicans (yeast) in body. Candida can cause a lot of problems from food allergies to muscle and joint pain (which I also suffered). I would suggest seeing a naturopath who can test you for food allergies and also help you try a candida diet. I am doing so much better, and with watching my diet I hope to be rid of allergies and get candida under control. Life is so much better when you can breathe and have energy. Candida feeds on sugar, yeasts and gluten to name a few, which are heavy in the american diet. Worth checking out.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (St. Paul, MN) on 12/10/2007
★☆☆☆☆

I recently tried the apple cider vinegar remedy for my plugged sinuses to no avail! Absolutely didn't work. I drank the stuff and steamed it in water and inhaled it. All that I accomplished was drying out my skin on my face incredibly so I look about 20 years older with wrinkles and my sinuses are getting worse. I would not recommend apple cider vinegar to anyone! It is a drying acid!

Replied by Kathy
(Little Rock, Arkansas)
10/24/2011

You don't inhale it and you don't steam it over your face/skin! Go to ACV.com or _____s.com and read the many uses for vinegar BUT YOU MUST USE IT CORRECTLY YOU CANNOT MISUSE IT AND SAY YOU DO NOT RECOMMEND IT! You could misuse anything and get bad results. Your post was ridiculous. Your own fault!



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