Blocked sinuses are mostly a result of a bout of common cold or allergic conditions. More often than not, the sinuses can be freed using prescription drugs or nasal sprays. The nasal sprays can have side effects and it is best to limit their use. You can try simple and effective home-made remedies which often work better than these sprays and pills. Here are a few remedies that you can give a try:
1 . Ajwain Steam Therapy
Add one tablespoon of carom seeds ( ajwain seeds) to a pot of boiling water. Place the bowl under your face and cover your head and neck with a towel so that the steam directly hits your face and does not escape. Take deep breaths to clean your sinuses. Else, you can also add peppermint oil or sage leaves to the water and inhale for 5-10 minutes.
2 . Turmeric
The quintessential Indian spice, turmeric contains an active compound curcumin which is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent besides being a powerful anti-oxidant. Chewing down a raw turmeric root on an empty stomach will loosen the accumulated mucus in the sinuses and let the blood vessels breathe easy thereby easing the blockage.
Also Read: Turmeric Benefits
3 . Garlic
We have been going on about the benefits of garlic for some time now. It is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics and helps cure blocked sinuses when the cause of blockage is an infection or allergies. Its active component, Allicin not only cures the clogging but even prevents it. Have a raw garlic clove on an empty stomach every day.
4 . Tulsi
Tulsi or holy basil is a revered Ayurveda medicine that boasts of a host of health benefits. Having a few raw tulsi leaves and honey on an empty stomach boosts the immunity and fights conditions like sinus infections, common cold and blockage of sinuses.
5 . Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties and provides instant relief from blocked sinuses. Add 3 to 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water in a large pot. Use a towel to cover your head and slowly inhale the steam through your nose for no more than 2 minutes at a time. Keep your eyes closed. Do it 2 times a daily. Or else, just pour 1-2 drops of the oil on a clean handkerchief and inhale a few times.
6 . Salt Water Rinse
Warm some water and add salt. Take a teaspoonful of the lukewarm water and snort it in with either your left or right nostril. It will come out through the other nostril. Do this a couple of time on each side and your clogging will reduce considerably. Use a Neti pot if you own one.