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 Jamie (Austin, Tx) on 03/05/2013
★★★★★
This remedy really works.
I had a cold that turned into a sinus infection. After the sneezing/extreme runny nose symptoms of the cold subsided, I was left with a minor cough and a never ending supply of neon yellow snot to blow out of my right nostril.
I tried drinking warm milk with turmeric, but that didn't help much. After I discovered this remedy here, I intuitively knew that cayenne would kill whatever was producing this unnaturally bright yellow mucus. No pain no gain.
So I snorted up a bump of cayenne about the size of a pinky-nail in my right nostril... Sharp, severe burning pain in my sinus cavity that had me hyperventilating and gushing tears out of my right eye, occasionally rolling around on the floor. I sneezed a few times and finally after about 4 minutes the level of pain began to decrease. I could feel it killing the sinus infection, so the pain was reassuring to me.
I blew the rest of the bright yellow mucus out within minutes and haven't seen it since. It's been over 24 hours and I only had to blow my nose a few times today and it was clear snot. Cayenne snorting works.
Cayenne
Posted by Wrightclick (Nc) on 09/29/2014
Try adding Thyme to the water as well.
A good antihistamine is to take an orange, wash it good. Take a fork. Hold the orange as close to your nose as you can and press and drag the fork tines across the orange to cause it to spritz the oils out of the peel, inhaling that spritz. Do it several times for each nostril.
I have a nebulizer I put orange zest in it and breathe it in through my nose.
Cayenne
Posted by Bo (La) on 12/05/2014
★★★★★
I have suffered for years from sinus issues related to allergies. This last week I got a cold and things went from bad to worse, waking up 4-6 times a night because I couldn't breathe.
A friend recommended making a Cayenne pepper/lemon tea. I took half a teaspoon of the powdered pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and boiling water. Drank it down and in five minutes I was breathing as clear as I ever have. My only hope is that it lasts at least through the night.
Try this tea instead of snorting...no pain, and same immediate effect.
Cayenne
Posted by Irbgirl (Indian Rocks Beach, Fl, USA) on 05/20/2012
★★★★★
I used Cayenne, Peroxide and Kosher salt, hot water and a bulb syringe. I eat really hot food, so thought I'd be prepared for the cayenne. I think I overdid it! It burned for a bit, but then felt refreshing. When I blew the solution from my sinuses, lets just say the results were effective! What relief! I did it once in the morning and once in the evening. I woke up for the first time in over a week being able to breath and my voice sounds almost normal.
Cayenne
Posted by Candice (Vancouver, Wa) on 05/04/2011
★★★★★
Up until earlier tonight I'd been feeling miserable from a sinus infection since last weekend, so a couple of nights ago I started researching home remedies. I decided to try an unconventional method that I was pretty skeptical of to (hopefully) cure my sinus infection. Snorting cayenne pepper. Sounded completly backward and awful to me! I avoid the doctor like the plague though... And I was getting tempted to quit toughing it out and just go to the clinic.. So I needed to do something drastic. I spent so much time researching just because.. Well.. My Mother taught me not to put things up my nose.
Well, I was a little too wussy to actually snort it so I put a dash in my neti-pot. Much to my amazement- it's working wonders! I took a four hour long nap and a bunch of mucus has drained out of my face. It did sting a bit but wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as not being able to breathe through my nose, just a relief to feel some shift in the pressure in my head. Anyway... Yay! If you've been feeling like you have a sinus infection, and you don't want to take antibiotics, what do you have to lose? (I'm super prone to these so I usually I can feel them coming on and know when I have one before I get diagnosed. ) Anyhow, I wish I hadn't been so skeptical, I could have been out of my misery much sooner.
Cayenne
Posted by Olodus (Victoria, Bc, Canada) on 11/28/2009
★★★★★
I've been battling a cold / flu / strep, not sure but its been suppressed after a healthy dose of cayenne and ACV, but the sinus thing has been lingering and i am prone to infection on the left side so i figured i'd give this snort a shot.
This is not for the faint of heart.
I didn't measure out anything particular just a tiny pinch for each nostril and bam. In the past week i've probally consumed roughly an eighth of the bottle of cayenne and nothing could have prepared me for this experience.
Everything is drained, and my ear is feeling better already, my face is glowing and sinuses have been armed with napalm. This one is definately for the books.
Cayenne
Posted by Veronica (San Antonio, Texas) on 11/20/2008
★★★★★
I recently got a sinus infection and I tried many of the remedies on this site with mixed results. My mother gave me a bottle of Sinus Buster- a natural pepper spray- and I tried it.It stings some, but does it open up your sinuses. The sinus infection was gone in two days. I have since had another sinus infection and got the same results the second time I used it. It took about 1 spray in each nostril, 1x a day for 2-3 days.
Cayenne
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 09/10/2019 523 posts
My ex brother-in-law's doctor told him to use his nasal spray and then tilt his head back until he could see where the ceiling meets the wall behind him to get the medicine up into that part of the sinus cavity. Then sit and tilt your head back - then turn it slowly to the right - then the left. You'll feel it. I've been mixing a shot glass of warm water and cayenne and dipping my finger in it, sticking it up my nose and sniffing the mixture up. I did this several times on both sides and then did the head tilting things and could feel the pressure all over the place. And I do NOT have a stuffy nose and never get sinus infections so I didn't get the same result by blowing my nose as I got yesterday. After, I poured a small amount of cold water in my hand and snuffled that up and did the tilting again. I think I'm going to do the same small amount in the palm with the cayenne mix, instead of using my finger, next time. If I ever get a problem up in there. At the moment it's still warm up in my nose and generating a little bit of new mucous.
Cayenne
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 09/10/2019
I read a horror story about someone who did some tap water up the nose. Our guts have enzymes, acids, and bacteria to fight microbes. Our noses don't ....be very careful.
Cayenne
Posted by Peter (Sydney) on 05/01/2016
★★★★☆
Well I've just tried snorting cayenne for the first time. Maybe too much, it felt like my head was on fire spreading all the way to my ears for about 3 minutes, even got a bit dizzy. It got better after about 30 minutes. Yes it helped to clear my nose but think I'll need to do this several times a day to get it deep inside sinuses as my head still feels like a rock. I'm gonna keep snorting it but much less powder :-) it helps when sinus gets really bad so thanks muchly for the tip.
Cayenne
Posted by Rory (Houston, Tx) on 11/22/2011
★★★★★
This hurts, a lot. Do not use a lot! A little goes a LONG way. You do blow your knose a lot after, so that clears you up. Also, this pepper is a pain killer of sorts so it will make you feel better for a bit. But the initial pain was pretty amazing for me. Scale of 1 to 10 I'm thinking at least 7. It tappers off quickly, within a few minutes I'm down to a 5 or so. My nose feels like it's on fire. It seems to have helped. I used about 1/20th of a teaspoon, a very small amount. Then immediately blew my nose and most of it came out. I can now feel the pepper running down the back of my throat. Awesome.
My situation is I had a cold then got a sinus infection. I have had this for about 3 days or so.
I only did this 10 mins ago (etc) so I'm unsure of the long term effects but in the short term it does seem to have some beneficial effects.
Cayenne
Posted by Ray (Cranbury, Nj) on 02/04/2010
★★★★★
Snorting Cayenne Pepper - Absolutely Amazing
Reading the other posts I figured I'ld give it a try. My temperature was around 102 and my head and sinus areas killing me. Lots of yellow discharge. Lots of pain. I was not doing well. So, rather hastily and unscientifically I put a couple of shakes of organic Cayenne Pepper into about a Tablespoon of water in a teacup. I used a Q-tip to put it each nostril a couple times each and snorted it up. I then bent over and kept snorting. I followed with a Q-tip dipped in water to get more movement and snorted some more. My mixture may have been a bit intense. It burned alright, my eyes teared as if I was bawling like a baby and I had a few sneezing fits. I hung on for a few minutes and then blew my nose. Put some more water in there and snorted a bit more. Ten minutes later there was a definite change. My head still hurt and my nose was on fire! Then after about another 15-20 minutes most of the pressure in my head left and when I tried blowing my nose, no colored discharge! My temperature went down to 99 and I no longer had the chills. It worked! It worked! One of God's amazing wonders! Thank you everyone for sharing.
Cayenne
Posted by Rob (Anchorage, Alaska) on 05/23/2009
★★★★★
I use cayenne in a neti pot. I use the point of of a knife to measure the pepper, add warm water and use half a pot on each side. I use a very small amount, none the less it can produce rapid results that last the day.
Cayenne
Posted by Daren (Trenton, Mi, Us) on 02/21/2010
★★★★★
Dear EC, I too have used organic Cayenne pepper in my neti pot. My kind is actually the kind you squeeze not tilt your head and pour. My sinuses have been acting up like always. Along with my sinus cleanse saline solution (sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride (the little packets you can buy)) I added approximately 1/32 of a TEASPOON NOT TABLESPOON (1/8 of a 1/4 teaspoon). It was actually 1 dash of cayenne. But the holes on my container are a little bigger than typical so I did a light dash. I experienced great results! It cleared me up right away. It is intense for the first time so beginners may want to use EVEN LESS for their first try.
These ingredients were mixed with 8oz or 1 CUP of room temperature water. I have done it twice now in the past 18 hours and I am hacking out green stuff so I know it's working. I would advise not doing it more than 2 or 3 times in 24 hours and not more than a few days a week in time of need. But that is just my opinion.
I am curious if turmeric would be helpful in this application also has anyone tried it?
Thank you, and love you FOREVER EC!!!!!!
Cayenne
Posted by Roxanne (Ontario) on 02/12/2024
★★★★★
It's 3am. Have been suffering for 2 hours. So glad I sniffed the cayenne. It burns like hell but at least I can breathe again!
Cayenne
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/26/2017
Don, snorting grey salt dissolved in warm water works well too.
Cayenne
Posted by Elizabet (Texas) on 11/04/2013
Thanks for reminder. Tried this cayenne treatment 3yrs ago. Forgot how well it works.
Cayenne
Posted by Mary (Orlando, Fl) on 05/25/2012
★★★★★
Thank you for the information ~ I have been battling severve sinus pain. I tried the cayenne pepper on the end of a wet qtip. Yes it burned but I finally got relief. I am alternating it with saline spray. I am finally without pain at the moment ~ this really works ~ thank you so much
Cayenne
Posted by Rachelle88 (Ellenwood, Georgia) on 08/04/2009
★★★★★
i used the cayenne pepper and that may have been the scariest thing i have ever done..it really worked. i knew that i might burn so i was a little apprehensive..i used about 1/8 teaspoon and snorted it. OMG!!!! i tried to calm my nerves, but i was no use..i ran around the house sneezing..i had to blow my nose alot..once i calmed down, i was so exhausted that i went to sleep..but when i woke up, i was fine..i would reccomend it. i keep it in my medicie cabinet now
Cayenne
Posted by Diane (Clovis, NM) on 04/08/2009
★★★★★
I tried cayenne pepper for sinus pressure in my head, when every time I coughed I had excruciating pain. I put about 1/8 of an inch under my pinkie finger nail and snorted in each nostril. Wow! what a rush. I didn't cough or sneeze, it just burned for about 30 seconds, but the headache and pressure were gone. I hope it lasts longer than everything else I've tried. It works, for now at least.
Cayenne
Posted by Andrew (London, UK) on 01/06/2015
Tried this, it hurts at first for a few minutes. Sneezing, Tears but after that my sinus pain is reduced somewhat!
Cayenne
Posted by Liz (Fairfield, CT) on 03/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆
cayenne snorting....nah! Whew DOGGIES! I'm a tough 'ole broad, but this just kicked my ass! Damn, that HURT! It irritated my membranes and the back of my throat, causing uncontrollable coughing! Bad idea!
Cayenne
Posted by Megan (Cedar Falls, IA, USA) on 02/19/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I tried snorting cayenne pepper to relieve my sinus headache. I used roughly 1/32 of a teaspoon in my most obstructed nostril. Though my sinuses were cleared temporarily, the burning was hardly worth it. The left half of my face was inflamed, my eyes were running, and blowing my nose hurt like sin. I used my neti pot after, to try and quell the pain, with less than optimal results. Half an hour later, the burning has stopped and my congestion is back. Maybe I did something wrong, but I would not recommend this remedy.
Cayenne
Posted by Amy (Ocala, FL) on 02/03/2009
★★★★★
This has now become my favorite natural remedy for sinus infections!! My sinus infections are always so terribly painful that my teeth hurt...I woke up and knew I'd have to get on antibiotics if I didn't do something drastic so I snorted (as best as you can with both nasal passages clogged) cayenne pepper - not a huge amount, less than 1/8 teaspoon on the tip of my pinkie...it burns, yes, but I noticed almost immediate relief with breathing and pressure. Ten min. later and the burning sensation has dissipated (now it has a menthol type feeling) but the pressure/pain is completely gone. WORTH IT!!!!!
Cayenne
Posted by Ray (Tampa , Florida) on 01/29/2009
★★★★★
For a few years I was getting sinusitis which was dripping into my chest and causing further havoc. It would last several weeks usually and leave me miserable with a low grade fever the whole time.
I had used Cayenne Pepper before but sporadically. I was told (don't remember where) that Cayenne Pepper in liquid form mixed with Fizzy Vitamin C would help clear it up. I purchased some CP and mixed it 20-25 drops into one or two packs of Emergen C and poured approx. 10 ounces of lemonade into the mix and drank it down. The effervessence of the Fizzy C seems to help deliver the cayenne pepper more actively to the mucus membranes. The CP must also kill some of the bacteria that is forming in the sinus cavity and mucus lining.
I usually drink it slowy over a minute or two. It doesn't take long but I begin to expell mucus that seems to be loosened up. During the beginning of a cold or sinus condition I start this immediately and have never had a full or even annoying recurrence in almost 10 years. You can do the same thing with a nasal wash but be careful to use only a partial drop of cayenne with some dead sea salt and water to clear stubborn nasal passages if necessary. I have only had to do it once or twice but it is effective. My wife even used a mild cayenne wash for her eyes when we first met and it helped clear up a stubborn infection. I hope this helps someone as it has helped me many times over the years.
Cayenne
Posted by Kristi (Lebanon, Oregon) on 03/07/2009
I already take Apple Cider Vinegar 2 Tbs in in my water bottle all day long. I also have taken Cayenne pepper also, but I was wondering if any one has put a little cayenne pepper in their netti pot with the saline solution for sinus infection. I am tempted I might do before you get back to me, but please respond.
Thank You
Cayenne
Posted by Greg (Nashville, TN) on 10/31/2007
★★★★★
I was reading your cures for sinus infections. I had the worst one ever. I read that people were using cayenne, so I decided that mine was so bad I would just snort it. Well, yes it burns quite a bit, but the effects were immediate!!!! My headache went away and the pressure in my eyes quit also. Just wait a couple of minutes, sneeze and blow your nose. It's a pretty good rush and you will sweat, but it worked for me. I keep it in my medicine cabinet now.
Cayenne
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 07/24/2012
Not exactly snorting, but I got rid of my last two sinus infections with spicy food. VERY spicy food. The best one was my experience at an Indian restaurant having a chicken fal. Fal is spicier than both vindaloo and tindaloo. Bottled hot sauces won't work as well, best options are non-irradiated spices put in food or made as tea with hot water, or fresh chopped hot peppers added to food. The other time was a real spicy szechuan (sichuan) chinese food experience. Get your hands on some ultra spicy food, the hottest you can think of standing it, and then some. These spices are cleansing, simple as that. Have some rice, bread, or mango/strawberry lassi handy to assist, and some tissues. You will sweat out many toxins in addition to your nose running.
Cayenne
Posted by Samantha (Portland, Oregon) on 10/17/2007
★★★★★
I found cayenne a great cure for pretty much everything some time ago. It wasnt long ago that I came down with a bad sinus infection, cough, and fatigue. I decided to boil water on the stove, and add cayenne(open 3 capsules and pour them in), crushed garlic(4 cloves),half an onion, and grated ginger. THIS COMBINATION IS AMAZING. It is SO powerful. The most vital ingredients are the cayenne and garlic, but the onion and ginger are also very helpful. Make sure and boil everything until the onion is mushy, and the garlic is too. Keep a lid on, but every so often inhale the steam from the boiling remedy.. very soothing! Pour it into a glass and drink the whole thing. It is very potent, so what I do is add honey to it and it really tastes like liquid food- like a soup base or something.
Another remedy that I use is cayenne tea- just put a tea bag of your favorite tea in boiling water, and add a capsule of cayenne & some honey. Since I have been using cayenne in tea, and orally, and drinking the onion ginger garlic tincture, I rarely get sick.. and when I do, I can kick it within 3 days maximum. Cayenne is also extremely helpful for menstrual cramps.
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 breath much better.
Cayenne
Posted by Me D (US) on 10/23/2022
I just read an article about cayenne aspiration. I would not take the chance inhaling it!
Cayenne
Posted by Renee (Warren, Michigan) on 10/31/2014
Pain was UNBEARABLE! The cayenne pepper went through my throat and made it sooo hard to breathe without crying EVEN more than I already was.
Cayenne
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 11/01/2014
Renee, obviously you took to large of a dose for you.
