3 Natural Remedies For Sinus Headaches

If you've ever had a sinus headache, you know that one side effect is inflammation.  As the sinuses are located near the surface and they are just over and just under your eyes, they can cause most of us to develop some of the facial characteristics of the Klingon race of Star Trek.  Not a pretty sight.

Thankfully, there are things you can do that don't call for you to pop an allergy tablet or swallow some aspirin.  Some may seem a bit unorthodox but they have been used for generations; long before the first allergy medication was developed.

Cool Compresses:  Dampen a cloth with cool water and lay it across the painful areas.  Turn it over when it warms up.  If you happen to have a raw cucumber handy, you can substitute slices of it for the cloth.  If possible, do this laying down in a dark room.

Eucalyptus:  This can be used two ways.  A eucalyptus cough drop can be beneficial, and you can use the essential oil for an aromatherapy session.  Don't use the oil around children under two and never give eucalyptus to children six and under.

Garlic:  On the off-chance that the pain is being caused by an active infection, garlic supplements and increased garlic in your food may be helpful.  It has a natural antibiotic action similar to a weak form of penicillin.  Use caution if you are on blood thinners, as garlic can do the same thing.

Lemon Balm:  This relaxing herb is often suggested for its antihistamine action.  If the headache is caused by allergies, this herb could counter the allergen.

Saline Solution:  You can mix it yourself or buy it premade, but rinsing your sinuses out with saline solution (basically salt water) is sometimes helpful in reducing inflammation and congestion.  

Vinegar and Water:  Any sort of steam is helpful, but the addition of vinegar makes it even better.  I have a hard time convincing people to try it the first time, but after that they don't hesitate to use it.  Either apple cider vinegar or a garlic vinegar solution can be used.

Willow Bark:  Prior to the invention of aspirin, willow bark was the go to remedy for all types of pain.  That's because it has the same active ingredient as aspirin.  You can make a tea and drink it, but dipping a cloth in the tea and laying it over the painful area may work better.  Don't use it if you are allergic to aspirin, and don't give it to children under the age of 18.

It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.  Make sure the doctor knows of any medical conditions, medications and supplements you have or use.  This will help prevent side effects and harmful drug/herb interactions.

My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:

Sprains: Page 33
Colds and Flu: Page 59
Herbs for Male Health: Page 72
Women's Issues Page 83

Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com