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Steaming with Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infection

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.
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Steaming With Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephz (New York, Ny, Usa) on 03/23/2011
 ★★★★☆

After a simple cold was exacerbated by two airplane trips and seasonal weather changes, it became a sinus infection after about a week. By the second day of the infection, I was experiencing terrible pressure in my face and pain in my teeth.

I don't usually get sinus infections, so I didn't know what to do. I'm young and healthy, normally take no medication, and am very wary of antibiotics. Usually home remedies do just fine.

Besides lots of sleep and fluids (water, broth, juice), and hot showers, I've tried a sea salt rinse, drinking Apple Cider Vinegar, and steaming with both water and ACV.

It seems each of these things brings some measure of relief, but I would say steaming with and drinking ACV were most effective.

I tried one of those cold, pre-mixed ACV drinks from Whole foods, chugged it all in one sitting, and literally minutes later, saw more productive nose-blowing.

I drank two double-doses of ACV "tea" over the next 24 hours - 8 oz boiled water to 2 tbsp of ACV, or 16 oz boiled water to 4 tbsp of ACV. I added as much honey as ACV each time, heated everything together on the stove, and sipped. I'm not a big fan of vinegar, but I found this ratio pleasant, certainly tolerable for most.

Felt lessened pressure in my face, and saw more productive nose-blowing. Mucous became more clear, less green.

I was a little nervous about steaming with ACV, but I went for it.

I used about 1/2 cup ACV, 1/2 cup water, boiled together on the stove. Once it came to a boil, I poured into a bowl, and inhaled with a towel over my head. You'll want to close your mouth and eyes, and there is a hot sensation, very slight burning. Just inhale gently and take breaks if you have to. It's not so bad. In fact, you may want to try it full-strength, I think I will next time, but then the burning will obviously increase.

I did this for 5 - 10 mins.

Did not create the productivity I was hoping for, but I can now breathe completely out of the nostril that had been blocked. I still feel pressure in my face, but it has lessened slightly, along with the tooth pain.

I'm drinking a big glass of water, (the ACV seems to dry you out just a bit) then getting a good night's sleep. Planning to repeat this technique, and hoping to see results in the next few days.

Steaming With Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ellen (Arlington, Tx) on 11/19/2009
 ★★★★☆

I have had a horrible sinus infection that was causing headaches and horrible pressure. I tried mixing 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1/2 cup of water and heating it on the stove until it gave off a good amount of steam. I inhaled the steam with my mouth and eyes closed and it has helped tremendously after 2 treatments. I plan to keep doing this until all symptoms are completely gone. I also made the spicy tomato juice, garlic, and cayenne "tea" and I'm sure that helped also.

Steaming With Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristen (Phoenix, Az) on 10/11/2009
 ★★★★☆

I have had a severe sinus infection for at least 2 weeks, but have head sinus problems with congestion for at least 8 weeks. I've been on an antiobiotic for the last 10 days and I'm still miserable, but not as miserable. I tried the steaming with the apple cider vinegar about an hour ago. I used one cup of water and one cup of apple cider vinegar put it on the stove top and put my sweatshirt hood over my head to help catch more of the fumes. I'm not 100% but I'm definitely much clearer. I'm hoping it works as well as everyone has been saying and that I'll be feeling much better in the next few days doing this a few times a day. The fumes are strong and it makes your house stink, but I feel better. I also use a neti pot daily twice a day as a preventative measure, and since my sinuses have been so clogged I can only use it about 1/3 of the time. 2/3 of the time my sinuses are so clogged that the water can't come out the other nostril.



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