How to cure a sinus headache. Natural methods to relieve sinus pain without medication. Tips to reduce swelling, thin mucus, and improve sinus drainage.

Treat Sinus Pain With Humidity

Dry, thick mucus in the nose and sinus passages can form crusts that block sinus drainage and trap viruses and other particles. Increasing humidity and getting more fluid into the body can help thin out the mucus and get it moving again. Some natural ways to get the sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, avoiding cold, dry air, taking plenty of steamy showers, and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.

Irrigate to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses, which can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. An over-the-counter saline nasal spray can be used, but a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit from the drugstore is recommended. An easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution can be made by filling an 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water, adding 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda.

Alternate Hot and Cold Compresses

Reclining with a hot washcloth over the eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions. Alternating warm and cold compresses can also relieve sinus pain and pressure. Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across the sinuses for about three minutes, then place a cold compress across the sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate two more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.

Spice Up Your Diet to Ease Sinus Pressure

Many people find that spicy food like peppers or hot mustard opens up their nasal passages and provides relief from sinus pain. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chile peppers, has been found to be effective in relieving some types of pain. While spicy foods may not be for everyone, they can be tried to help with sinus discomfort.

Differentiate Between Sinus Headache and Migraine Headache

It’s important to distinguish between a sinus headache and a migraine headache. Migraine pain can involve the same nerves as the sinus cavities and is frequently accompanied by nasal congestion, nausea, and aggravation by bright light. If sinus pain is caused by a migraine, the best natural treatment is lying down in a dark, quiet room.

Hum Your Way to Sinus Pain Relief

Some people report that humming for one hour improves sinus pain. Researchers have found that humming can increase airflow through the sinuses and the level of nitric oxide, which may reduce the risk of sinusitis. If you have a common cold or allergies and want to prevent a sinus infection, try humming a happy tune for an hour.

Make the Sinus Pain and Mind-Body Connection

Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain. These practices can help reduce stress and inflammation, which can contribute to sinus issues.

What are the main causes of sinus pain and headaches? The most important factor is swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing pressure and pain in the face and head. Symptoms include pain associated with congestion from a common cold or allergies, pain around the eyes, forehead, or over the teeth, pain that is worse in the morning, and pain that gets worse when bending over.

How can increasing humidity help relieve sinus pressure? Dry, thick mucus in the nose and sinus passages can form crusts that block drainage and trap viruses and particles. Increasing humidity and fluid intake can help thin out the mucus and get it moving again, relieving sinus pressure.

What is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses? Salt water irrigation, using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit, is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses and help prevent or relieve sinus pain. An easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution can be made with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water, non-iodized salt, and baking soda.

How can alternating hot and cold compresses help sinus pressure? Reclining with a hot washcloth over the eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions. Alternating warm and cold compresses can also relieve sinus pain and pressure by improving circulation.

What is the connection between spicy foods and sinus relief? Many people find that spicy food like peppers or hot mustard opens up their nasal passages and provides relief from sinus pain. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chile peppers, has been found to be effective in relieving some types of pain.

How can humming help with sinus issues? Researchers have found that humming can increase airflow through the sinuses and the level of nitric oxide, which may reduce the risk of sinusitis. Humming for an hour can reportedly improve sinus pain for some people.

What is the role of the mind-body connection in relieving sinus pain? Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain. These practices can help reduce stress and inflammation, which can contribute to sinus issues.