There’s so much to love about spring. It’s a beautiful time of the year; nature is coming back to life, flowers are in full bloom, and some of the healthiest fruits are in season. However, all of that beauty tends to come with a downside for any people: seasonal allergies. Allergies can manifest through a range of symptoms, but one of the most common (and most aggravating) issues that arises is painful sinus congestion. Luckily, there are a few ways to mitigate this issue naturally.
To learn more about how you can relieve sinus pain from allergies, we spoke to Dr. Shara Cohen, founder of Cancer Care Parcel. She told us that using steam and nasal irrigation are two of the best natural remedies to try this spring. Learn more about each of these methods below.
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1. Steam with eucalyptus or peppermint oil
Using steam to relieve nasal congestion is one of the oldest tricks in the book—and according to Cohen, it's also one of the best.
"Steam relieves sinusitis naturally," she tells us. "Warm, moist air thins mucus, easing nasal congestion." To reap these benefits at home, she says you should simply inhale boiling water vapor for 10-15 minutes. And if you really want to kick things up a notch, you can add some eucalyptus or peppermint oil (turns out it's not just good for hair growth!). "This relieves nasal allergy symptoms," she explains.
Peppermint and eucalyptus oil contain anti-inflammatory compounds like menthol and eucalyptol that can not only help open up your nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and clear at mucus, but can also soothe irritated nasal tissue and reduce sinus pressure. Plus, the smell of these oils can have a calming effect to help you destress and relax as an added bonus. (Some essential oils may even help promote weight loss, BTW.)
2. Saline nasal cleaning
Another great method for clearing your sinuses is nasal irrigation using saline solution (a.k.a. a mix of salt and water, which may also help detox your body if you soak in it!). "Saline nasal cleaning may alleviate nasal congestion naturally," Cohen tells us. This is because, as she notes, "flushing allergens, irritants, and mucus improves nasal congestion." Additionally, saline solution can help moisturize your nasal passages, thin out mucus, and reduce inflammation and swelling, all of which can help you breathe easier.
There are a few ways you may go about this, but some of the most popular options include using nebulizers and neti pots. Cohen recommends using sterile or distilled water in order to reduce the risk of infection. "This simple approach clears the sinuses and reduces discomfort," she says.
The bottom line
Of course, it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional before you try any new treatments—including natural remedies for nasal congestion and allergies. However, when it comes to some of the best options out there for relief, steaming with essential oils and clearing your nasal passages with a saline mix are two of the best, safest ways to go.
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