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.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Demetrius (Austell, Ga, Usa) on 08/10/2010
★★★★☆
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
Posted by Judie (Roseville, Michigan) on 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 Baruch (Memphis, Tn) on 04/18/2010
TO: Jenny from Las Vegas, NV Please go to a good health food store purchase a copy of Dr. Paul _____s book on the many, many SAFE uses of ACV. He in now deceased. Just to add a bit of info for his credibility >> He passed away in a hospital at the age of 93 or so from pneumonia. The skeptic would say that there are a lot of people that live to be 93 or so. However, Dr. Paul _____ was in the hospital due to an accident. The skeptic says, "so what". The accident that put Dr. _____ in the hospital was a SURFING accident!!! He was surfing at 93!! He got pneumonia while in the hospital! You will be blessed indeed with all the information in his book. I do ACV regularly.
Be well, Baruch
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kevin (Old Lyme, Ct) on 03/21/2010
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kayla (Orlando, Fl) on 03/19/2010
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Venice, Ca) on 03/05/2010
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Whyitsme (Renton, Wa) on 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 Becca (Rockford, Illinois) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Ely, Mn) on 02/24/2010
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Ely, Mn) on 02/23/2010
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Vancouver, Wa, Usa) on 02/15/2010
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?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michael (Las Vegas, Nevada, Usa) on 01/24/2010
★★★★★
hello Ive been suffering from congestion in my chest/nose for the past 4 days. I tried the acv recipe and I can feel my sinuses draining thank god. tomorrow is my 21st birthday so I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow. I tried (every otc medicine I could get my hands on). With no results they seemed to be congesting me even more and I couldn't sleep more then 2 hrs at a time. So I jumped on the web and looked up natural remedies and came across this website. I didn't have all or any of the ingredients to make the spicy tomato drink. So I went to the next remedy I could find on the site. Its now 4:20 am and I can breath now!! I live alone so i don't have measuring spoons/cups so I just put 2 big splashes of acv into a 1/2 bottle of water. I couldn't taste a thing so i drank it down and now I feel great (well I can breath/sleep now) I cant tell you how thankful I am. thanks again. who would have guessed acv is all i needed to breath lol. from skeptic to believer
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nny (Katy, Texas, Usa) on 01/20/2010
★★★★★
Wow this apple cider vinegar is a definite Godsend, I am going to make certain to always have a bottle around. I mixed 2 1/1 tablespoons of ACV into one 8oz glass of water then warmed it in the microwave drank it and BAHM my nose opened up, chest felt better and I no longer feel dizzy, weak. Before the ACV, I was on 3 antibiotics, mucus relief pill, sudafed for sinus congestion and cough. All the medication only made me feel worse...weak, dizzy but the ACV is awesome! I highly recommend it. I am even doing ACV inhalations. I have only been on it one day but so far results have been very promising.
Apple Cider Vinegar Steam
Posted by Beck (Tuskawilla, Florida) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★
I found home remedies with acv and thought it worked great. For those who can't handle the taste try steam inhaling to clear the congestion. For a simple and quick session, I filled a small pan with half water and half acv and boil on the stove. Once it comes to a full boil turn off the stove and just breathe in the steam. My husband thought I just worked a miracle on him with this simple procedure. Good luck!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/22/2009 490 posts
Hello Tim from Strawn,
The first thing anyone with sinus problems should do is eliminate all things that might be keeping your sinuses constantly irritated, such as perfumes, smoking, after shave lotions, hair spray, cosmetics, paint fumes, etc. Always beware of anything you can see or smell in the air you breathe is my motto.
That said, now I'll tell you about my 73 year old brother with a longstanding history of sinus problems, who relates a long history of frequent visits to doctors (including the specialists called ENT doctors) with no lasting relief. After listening to his complaints I told him about swabbing my own nose out with hydrogen peroxide (H202) when the congestion or clogging would get so bad and suggested that he might try a 1:1 H202/water solution to spray in his nose to see if it would clear it up and explained that the H202 alone did sting. Well, he one-upped me. A couple of nights ago he called to tell me that he had started spraying the straight H202 up his nose a couple of months ago, that yes it did sting but he could put up with the sting for the good it was doing. The first thing he mentioned was that bleeding from one side of the nose that he had been having (for a year or more) had stopped. The second thing he mentioned was the nasty yellow gook was clearing up. He also said that just minutes after spraying it in his nose he could feel it breaking loose and running down his throat. At this point, I happily told him that it must be improving his hearing as I hadn't had to yell over the phone & keep repeating what I said several times as usual tonight. Another thing that helps to keep the nasal passages open is flushing with normal saline, which is rather pricey when purchased from the pharmacy. However you should be able to find how much NaCl (table salt) to add a pint of boiling water to make your own at home. You should also be able to skip the boiling part if you add it to distilled water.
For those curious enough to do the math, to realize how pricey it is from the pharmaceutical company, go price the small bottle of normal saline nasal spray, making a note of the cc or ounces in the bottle. Go home, grab a pencil & paper (or do it the easy way and grab your calculator) and knowing that 30cc=1 ounce, start multiplying 30cc x 16oz (l pint) x 8 (pints per gallon) will quickly tell you how much it would cost you per gallon. It won't make you any happier the next time you fill up your gas tank, but at least you'll know that you are paying less for the gas than you would for the gallon of normal saline (NS). After all the pharmaceutical doesn't have to pay a high price per barrel of oil and then refine. All they have to invest in is a gallon of distilled (or boil their tap water) water and add a few teaspoonfuls of table salt to it & bottle it up to make a big profit.
They make a little Neti pot especially for flushing your nose, but a small ear syringe or a 3 to 5cc hypodermic syringe purchased from the medicine section of your local farmer's co-op should work just as well, if not better. If it comes with a needle attached, please remove the needle before using it to flush your nose.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (Strawn, Il) on 12/21/2009
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Hi Gladys. Read your piece about ACV. I tried it, worked at first, then it didnt. I was wondering if you found something that works for night sinus pressure? Thanks Tim
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julieann110 (Alexandria, Va, USA) on 12/03/2009
★★★★★
I have had severe head congestion for nearly a week now and the over the counter stuff isn't working much. I just tried two swigs of ACV and wow! The relief is instant. Much like eating spicy foods. I suspect the amount of relief one gets is directly related to how diluted (or not diluted) the ACV really is.
Neti Pot Remedy
Posted by Jennifer (Dallas, Tx) on 11/16/2009
★★★★★
Nasal Irrigation/Neti Pot for Sinus Congestion
I developed a terrible cold over the weekend. Sore throat, drainage, etc. As the cold cleared up I developed a terrible sinus headache due to congestions behind my left eye. I am very prone to these type of headaches. I was already doing cayenne & ACV for the sore throat, but my head was still killing. My mom has used a neti pot in the past and suggested that I try that. Not having a neti pot on hand, I tried nasal irrigation using a bulb syringe. My headache was gone immediately. Will definitely be doing this every time I feel a sinus headache coming on.
I used a mixture of 1/4 ts salt in 2 c luke warm water. Fill the syringe as completely as you can. Lean slightly forward, insert the tip of the syringe approx. 1 in into nostril, and angle tip towards outside of eye. Squeeze syringe to flush saline mixture. Allow the saline mixture to drain back out (may drain through other nostril or back of throat). Repeat twice on each side.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne
Posted by Rae (Norwich, Norfolk, England, Uk) on 10/23/2009
★★★★★
ACV and cayenne pepper in hot water cured sinus congestion.
This simple remedy really works! My head was stuffed up for a few days and getting worse. Yesterday afternoon I took 1 tablespoon raw ACV in a mug of hot water with a big pinch of cayenne pepper. My nasal passages started to clear even as I was sipping and within an hour my head felt a lot clearer. I did this 3 times altogether, taking the last mug before bed and woke up this morning with a clear head!
I've used this remedy on two occasions now and with almost immediate results. I think it helps if you breathe in the vapours also.
Thankyou, Earthclinic! Love this site.
Sugar Water
Posted by Vanessa (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) on 09/24/2009
sugar water, sinus
Try a teaspoon of sugar in half a coffee cup of water, a few drops in the nostrils at a time works. Would someone please comment on whether this is good to do or not. I do know that it works rather quickly and seems far less harmful than medication all the time.
EC: Is this a remedy for sinus congestion, sinusitus, or sinus infections? Please clarify for us! Thanks.
Neti Pot Remedy
Posted by Cindee (Oakham, Ma.) on 09/16/2009
★★★★★
Allergies -- 20 yrs. ago I had allergies, to mold, dust, grass, trees(oak). I had head aches everyday for two years. I finally moved out of the house I lived in. It took two years for the headache to go away, ecept that in the spring they came back. It led me on along journey to health. I changed my diet to a healthy one. Fruits and veg. less red meat, more fish, pork and chicken. I also juiced and now grow seeds. in a jar for salads. One of the best things I did was the netti pot to clean my sinuses, especially when the allergie season came. I also made a tea with sliced garlic, and filtered water, (1clove in 1cup water). let it cool and put it in a spray bottle. I used it to spray my throat and nasal passages. Garlic is a antibaterial.You can use oregano too.(1tsp.in 8ozs.water) I do this when ever I feel a cold or a soar throat coming on. The next day its gone. If your ears hurt use 3% pure hydrogen peroxide. A few drops in ea. ear. I haven't been sick for three years now. Recently I read a website about vitamin A. It is so vital to our mucus membranes. My thoughts are that maybe we are defficient in vit. A. I think that everyone who has allergies should read that site. She was a very important figure in nutrition after world war I or II. I recently went on cod liver oil pills.(vit A} I remember years ago mothers gave 1tsp. of cod liver oil to their children. Why, I don't know. Adelle Davis has old books on health an nutrition. My elderly Aunt told me about her. Its amazing what you can heal yourself, with the knowledge. Research is everthing. Dr.Oz, on Opha said, if you give the body what it needs, the body has the amazing ability to heal itself, and I never forgot that. Life is wonderful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Visu (Fife, Wa., Usa) on 08/29/2009
★☆☆☆☆
hi i used 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 table spoons of honey to 8 ounces of water.(lukewarm) i drank this mix for atleast 3 times a day but this is the 3rd day with no relief. i am also taking steam ihalation but with no relief for my pain.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rosie (Glendale, Az) on 08/18/2009
Terrifying congestion.
I used the acv drink (i use it for nausea all the time - ice cold, sipping it...it works great! also, my father lost 20 pounds within two months just drinking it about five or six times a day - but he overdid everything...).
It gave "some" relief, but I was in a panic attack from not being able to breathe. Then i used the tomato tea....shiver!!! but i drank most of it and it also helped...but when i went to lie down, i was stuffed up again within a few minutes!
Then I used the combinatin of baking soda, salt and warm water in a neti pot (small tea pots work, too).
And now I finally can breathe. But it has been only about fifteen minutes. Longest yet. Also, i used the entire cup of warm water....
I have all of the recipes copied, each on a post-it sheet, lined up across the edge of my stove vent-top....if this one lets me down, I am on to the next one..
At least I have something to keep my panic attacks back. I really begin to panic because i already have asthma and a heart condition...so when i panic, it starts it all up... And i get very frightened. So if i have to go down the line, i will. I am willing to stay up all night and 'remedy' myself.
If this one is the 'winner' I will certainly return with my verdict..
I thank god for this site. He can give me relief directly, but he also uses people....and I think he did just that this time.
Thank you!.
Rosie in phoenix.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sara M (Cedar Rapids, IA) on 06/16/2009
★★★★★
ACV and Sinus congestion: Holy heck! In December, for the first time ever in my 32 years on this earth, I had sinus issues. They put me on steriods and antibiotics. I've never quite felt the same since. Then I developed allergy sypmtoms since then too. I've been battling the green, nasty, thick snot for about a week now. I lost my job and no longer have insurance so I hopped online and found this. Well, the ACV that I use to condition my hair also got rid of this congestion. I have a huge bottle of it so I made the mixture. It has been a 1/2 hour and I'm not kidding, it's a MIRACLE!!! It's almost too good to be true. Oddly enough, I love the taste of vinegar...I know I'm weird, so this is like an excuse to drink vinegar. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sara (Charlotte, NC) on 06/12/2009
★★★★★
ACV has helped my congestion; I have had sinus problems(congestion) for a few months and have tried prescription and OTC medicines. The over the counter stuff helped a little but not much and the prescription decongestant my doctor didn't want to prescribe it for me again after taking it for two months. I tried the ACV tonite and although it tasted bad I can breath out of my nose. I still have a headache and feel a little dizzy because I am still sick---but I can breath out of my nose. I drank this mixture: 2 tablespoons acv, 2 tablespoons honey and 8 ounces of warm water. I drank a tiny bit of soda afterwards to get the taste out of my mouth. I will try this again tommorow. It has been approx. 30 minutes since I drank the mixture and so far I am impressed with being able to breath thru my nose.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lady T (Tallahassee, FL) on 05/27/2009
★★★★☆
Awakened with nasal/sinus congestion on right side and irrigated with spray. It is now the end of the day, and the congestion has spread to the right ear with throbbing and pressure. I have a job interview tomorrow and HAVE to be alert and healthy. Decided to "google" sinus congestion remedies and found this amazing site. I found an unopened bottle of ACV, and I mixed about 2.25 TBS with a tall glass of room temperature water. Within the first couple of swallows, my sinuses began to drain, and my ear pressure was reduced. The taste is horrible, but I am encouraged already by the results. Will update my post in the A.M.
