Quick Sinus Relief: Natural Remedies for Congestion

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Marie (Yuma, Arizona) on 04/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mische (Hamilton, Bermuda) on 03/29/2011
★★★★★

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!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Harry (Kingsport, Tn) on 03/20/2011

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

Exercise

Posted by Bret (Bean Station, Tn) on 03/15/2011
★★★★★

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne

Posted by Nicole (Tempe, Az) on 03/01/2011
★★★★★

Hello there! I want to thank you for this recipe my nose is instantly draining. My eyes were watering. Sweating a little bit. I added a little cinnamon to I guess cut the heat:). Thanks much. Idk if the cinnamon helped but for some reason I always have to modify things. LOL Thanks again!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Debbie (Clinton, Iowa Usa) on 02/28/2011
★★★★★

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!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Amine (New York, Ny) on 02/24/2011
★★★★★

I finally can breath!!!! thank god it worked... and thank you guys for sharing this with everybody ...i was in bed for three days.. I was feeling better.. Nd flu was going away.. Yet, nasal congestion was killing me.. it`s only now that I could breath .woof!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Keekey (Omaha, Ne) on 02/21/2011
★★★★★

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!!!

Horseradish

Posted by Still Stuffed... (Mucus, Usa) on 02/18/2011
★★★★☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

My dad and I do this it helps for about an hour though... :P

Steaming

Posted by Lauren (Austin, Texas) on 02/17/2011
★★★★★

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mrssunbaby (Medford, Oregon, Usa) on 02/15/2011

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!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Colleen (Greenwich, Ny) on 02/12/2011

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!!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Colleen (Greenwich, Ny) on 02/12/2011
★★★★☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jessica (West Union, Oh) on 02/12/2011
★★★★★

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!

Niacin

Posted by V (Seattle, Wa) on 02/11/2011
★★★★★

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kat (Austin, Tx) on 02/06/2011
★★★★★

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.

Knitted Hat

Posted by Dianec (Los Angeles, Ca, United States) on 01/31/2011
★★★★★

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

Neti Pot Remedy

Posted by Debrah (Oxford, Nova Scotia) on 01/31/2011
★★★★★

I've (always?) had a stuffy nose and finally got smart enough to check the internet and found out about using a neti pot for sinus congestion. So I tried it and the benefits that first time, have lasted overnight. I will do it again today and every time I start feeling slightly congested. Neti pots work big time!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Fox (Tucson, Az) on 01/30/2011
★★★★★

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

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by David (Grand Rapids, Mi) on 01/28/2011
★★★★★

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Yogitha (Singapore, Singapore) on 01/24/2011
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

So glad to hear ACV has worked for so many. I am 23 weeks pregnant and I had a debilitating cough for over a month which finally started to subside last week right when the mucous shifted to the nasal cavity. 6 days of no sleep, completely stuffed nasal passage, breathing through my dry mouth. Last night I tried ACV in water and honey and did experience some temporary relief but had terrible congestion all night. Started to have jaw and teeth pain now. I really had high hopes for this remedy cos I desperately want to avoid medication. After nausea, kidney stones, constant fatigue and now this, I am at my wits end. I didn't experience any of this in my first pregnancy..

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va / Usa) on 01/15/2011

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Helena (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 01/14/2011
★★★★★

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

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Silvurchrm (Atlanta, Ga) on 12/31/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and I didn't have any relief. In fact it irritated my stomach. I mixed 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 oz of water and drank the mixture. I waited and tried again with no change. Maybe I have something to severe or it just didn't work for me. On to something else

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Dee (Los Angeles, Ca) on 12/27/2010
★★★★★

WOW-- unbelievably quick relief! I have had a sinus infection for the past 5 days-- unable to breathe through either nostril, with ears popping, impaired hearing, and sore throat nightly after breathing through my mouth constantly. I tried everything-- at least six over-the-counter nasal sprays (both traditional and herbal remedies) as well as a neti pot/saline solution. Nothing seemed to do the trick and I was at wit's end. I just came across this site, immediately mixed up some ACV and water, and downed it. Less than 15 minutes later I am breathing clearly for the first time in almost a week! I would never have believed it was so good for this chronic problem-- I will keep this trick up my sleeve for future use! Many thanks for the tip...

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Es (Nj, Nj/usa) on 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

Garlic, Salt Water

Posted by Anon (City, State) on 12/17/2010

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Allbetter789 (Sacramento, California Us) on 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.

Cayenne

Posted by Tanya (Hailey, Id, Usa) on 12/13/2010

Wow! I'll have to remember this! Thank you for sharing! :D

Cayenne

Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 12/13/2010

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.

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.

Garlic, Salt Water

Posted by Alex (Toronto, On. Canada) on 12/01/2010
★★★★★

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!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Arsieiuni (Arley, Al, United States Of America) on 11/02/2010
★★★★★

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!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Georgeiou (London) on 08/31/2010
★★★★★

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.