Sinus cleansing can benefit your health and well-being in a number of ways. It can help you get some relief from cold symptoms as well as allergy symptoms, and there are plenty of natural ways to do it. Learn more and check out the best natural products and home remedies for sinus cleansing.
Why Sinus Cleansing is Important
You clean your skin, your hair, your teeth, your ears and even your body with a detox, but sinus cleansing probably isn’t something most people think to do. However, adding this task to your hygiene regimen could benefit your health.
Sinus cleansing can provide relief from allergies. Cleaning your sinuses can help to wash away the dirt, dust, pollen or other irritants that are causing your allergies. Learn more about your sinuses and allergies here.
Sinus cleansing can provide relief from cold symptoms. If you’re feeling congested and stuffy during cold season, cleansing your sinuses can help to thin and wash away mucus that’s keeping you blocked up.
Sinus cleansing can help maintain sinus health and comfort year-round. Many people find that regularly cleansing their sinuses can help keep them feeling good no matter the season. By making it a point to keep sinuses clear, you may be able to keep sinus problems from developing in the first place.
Most sinus cleansing techniques and products can be used by adults and children (with a little help and supervision, of course). Plus, they don’t have many of the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter decongestants.
Types of Sinus Cleansing
Nasal Flushing: ie The Neti Pot
Like a clogged drain, sometimes your sinuses need a good cleaning to get rid of the buildup. This is sometimes called nasal flushing or nasal irrigation.
The basic process involves filling a neti pot or other nasal tool with a solution of warm water and salt, and pouring it into each nostril, tilting your head to allow the solution to flow through the sinuses and out the other nostril. The salt water solution helps to thin mucus and wash it out – like a drain cleaner cleans out a drain.
If you’ve never done it before, you can click here to learn more about how to use a neti pot. It might feel strange at first, but it shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort (if you experience a burning sensation, that probably means your solution contains too much salt). Many people make it a regular part of their routine. However, if you have an ear infection or if one or both of your nostrils are very blocked, consider one of the options below, first.Â
We have a variety of nasal irrigation systems and kits. To get you started, try this Neti Pot Sinus Care Kit from Baraka. And for other products for your sinus health, like the Sinus Rejuvenation Oil, shop the entire Baraka brand.
Nasal Sprays
If you’re not too keen on the idea of pouring a liquid through your sinuses, nasal sprays are another option. Like the saline solution used with a neti pot, nasal sprays deliver a fine mist of saline solution to your nasal passages and sinuses, helping to thin and clear mucus, wash away pollutants and allergens, and provide important moisture. Some natural formulas include xylitol or essential oils, providing extra support without the common side effects of some over-the-counter decongestants.
Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils can also be helpful for sinus cleansing. You know the cooling sensation you feel when you taste peppermint or smell eucalyptus? Oils such as these help to open nasal passages and have what feels like a clearing effect. If you don’t like the idea of putting a solution up your nose, inhaling some great-smelling essential oils might be the right choice for you.
Look for oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, menthol, lemon, oregano and lavender and chamomile. A variety of handy, essential-oil-infused products are available, or you can shop our wide selection of essential oils to create your own unique blend.
Home Remedies
If you’re feeling stuffed up, try a nice hot shower. The steam created can help soothe sinuses and loosen mucus so it can more easily exit your body, providing sinus cleansing without the use of any special tools. A warm compress has similar effects. You might also want to run a humidifier in your home, especially during dry winter months. Moisture in the air helps your sinuses and nasal passages stay moist and healthy.
Other Tips
Stay hydrated. To stay healthy, the tissues of your sinuses need plenty of moisture. Drinking plenty of fluids helps them get it. Besides, drinking more water is good for just about every aspect of your health.
Blow your nose. You don’t see many people carrying handkerchiefs anymore, but that doesn’t mean blowing your nose stopped being important. Mucus in your nose and nasal passages traps dirt, dust and other bad stuff to keep it out of your body. When you sniff it back up instead of blowing it out when you feel a sniffle, you’re not getting rid of it – you’re just moving it. Take a lesson from your grandma or your mom and keep a tissue on hand.
For more information about nasal irrigation, check out this post from WebMD. And to get all kinds of natural, healthy information and tips sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to our blog:
Have other ideas or questions about keeping sinuses clean? Comment below!
