For the past 40 years I have suffered from allergies. Not only am I allergic to the summer triggers such as grass, trees, and weeds, but I am also allergic to molds, feathers, cats, and mildew. Unfortunately for me, this means I have allergies year round.
One of the health problems associated with my allergies is sinus pain and pressure (as well as ear infections). It got to the point where I was almost living on antibiotics. I would go to the doctor, be diagnosed with either an ear or sinus infection, and I would be placed on antibiotics. No sooner would I get off the antibiotics and I would be back in the doctor’s office again with the same diagnosis.
Finally my doctor sent me for a cat scan of my sinus’s, which came back normal. The next step was to refer me to an Ear Nose & Throat doctor. I was in pretty bad shape when I stepped into his office. He was even considering putting ear tubes in my ears so my Eustachian tubes would drain properly. Instead of going that route, he was more conservative and asked me to use a sinus rinse every day.
He sent me home with the Neil Med Sinus Rinse Bottle and premeasured saline packets, and after using this method for two months my ears and sinus cavities were cleared up. The thought of doing a sinus rinse really grossed me out, but this is a very valid remedy for sinus pain. I first used a Neti Pot a few years ago. It comes with pre-mixed packets of a sodium solution, and you mix this in the pot with warm water.
To use the Neti Pot, you place the spout in one nostril, bend over the sink and let the salt water solution run through your nostril, up through your sinus cavities, and it will come out the other nostril. Keep your mouth open and breathe evenly as you do the rinse. I feel relief almost immediate relief! Comparing the Neil Med Bottle to the Neti Pot, I like the bottle more. I don’t have to tip my head as I do with the Neti Pot, and I can use more pressure when I squeeze the bottle. The Neti Pot works on gravity alone and you cannot control the pressure. Both the Neti Pot or the Neil Med Sinus Rinse are good ways to rinse allergens out of the nose after I mow the lawn, so it is great for allergy relief as well.
Another doctor recommended method that helps relieve my sinus pain is messy but effective. I pour boiling water into a glass bowl, I place my face above the bowl, and I breathe in the steam. To help even more, I place a towel over my head. By the time I am done with this, my hair and face is dripping wet, but I can breathe so much better.
Sometimes I take a hot shower or bath. When I take a bath, I get the water as hot as I can tolerate, then as I lay my head against my bath pillow, I wet a washcloth and apply it while still partially wet onto my face. When it starts to get cold, I dip it back into the hot bath water and do it all over again.
When suffering with sinus pain and pressure, I sometimes turn to a gel filled eye mask. Not only can these masks relieve sinus pain, but they can also provide relief from headaches, head colds, and the discomfort of allergies. There are two ways they can be used. You can use them either cold or hot. To chill, place in either a refrigerator or freezer (don’t freeze for more than 10 minutes). To heat up, you can microwave for up to 15 seconds, or soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
I have had a problem with the last two gel eye masks that I have purchased. I followed the directions for heating in the microwave, and the first one popped a seam on me and started to leak. Knowing this, I heated the second one for only 10 seconds, but it still leaked on me.
After my gel eye mask popped on me the other night, I was desperate for relief from the pain in my cheeks caused by my sinus pain. I got a clean washcloth and soaked it in very hot water. After wringing it out I folded it into fourths and placed it inside a zip lock style plastic bag. I used the thinner sandwich style bags because they would be more pliable and they would also let more of the heat radiate through the bag. This is a great way to get relief from sinus pain, and this remedy actually retained heat much longer than using the gel eye mask that I used to warm in my microwave.
You can try adding more moisture to your home. I love my hot mist vaporizer, but many doctors recommend a cool mist version. Our air is very dry in the winter months, and the dry air just aggravates my sinus problems. I try to run my humidifier several times a week to put much needed moisture back into our air.
Herbs can be a natural remedy for sinus pain, and now you can buy eye masks that contain beneficial herbs! I have tried these, and although they made my eyes burn and water, they might work for you. They are worth a try.
There are many different ways of treating sinus pain naturally, but if you are at all uneasy about using a natural remedy, do be sure to see your doctor about what is the best course for you. I hope you find one of the following natural remedies helpful to you.
