Nothing is more bothersome than having an itchy throat and runny nose.
When your sinuses swell up, hurt, and give you headaches, it gets even worse.
You will learn two easy techniques in this article to relieve sinus congestion over time.
How Sinuses Work
According to Healthline, “a sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed”(1). This can be caused by a virus, the common cold, or allergic rhinitis, although there are many other causes (2).About 37 million Americans experience sinus infections at least once each year.
Your sinuses are situated behind your nose, above, and below your eyes. Mucous membranes that react to allergies and infections line them. Your head, ears, teeth, jaw, and cheeks may hurt and feel dulled when they become inflamed.
Your sinuses become clogged with thickened mucus and inflamed mucous membranes when you have a sinus infection. Additionally, a greenish-yellow discharge may fill them. This discharge may irritate the tissue in your throat if it flows into it. This elucidates the sensation of tickling or itching in the throat during a cold.
How To Get Sinus Congestion Relief
These two remedies will pack a double punch for quick, lasting relief.
20-Second Trick
To stop a sinus headache in its tracks, push your tongue against the roof of your mouth as you press your thumb right between your eyebrows.
Hold the pressure for 20 seconds. When you release, it will stimulate the vormer bone in your nasal cavity and cause it to vibrate (3). Immediately, your sinuses will drain into your nose and throat and give some relief.
Repeat every hour or so as needed to treat sinus headaches and sinus pressure.
Germ-Busting Drink
Drink this mixture to kill the bacteria or virus responsible for your sinus infection.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tps. minced ginger
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
- Boil water and combine with apple cider vinegar.
- Add the honey and cayenne and stir.
- Lastly, add lemon juice.
- Drink multiple times a day until your sinuses clear up.
How It Works
Lemon reduces inflammation of the mucous membranes and boosts the immune system to fight off an infection on your own (4).
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which thins mucus to help it drain out (5).
Ginger kills bacteria and viruses to fight the cause of infection. It also soothes throat irritation and fights headaches (6).
Lastly, ACV fights sinus and throat pain through its antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties (7).