How to get rid of a sinus headache with Ayurveda?

Sinus headaches can be a real pain when it comes to causing pressure and aches around the nose, forehead, and eyes. They can be irritating as well as disturbing for the pain bearer, which often makes them wonder how to get rid of sinus headache instantly. Patients might get some relief from conventional treatments but ‘how to cure sinus permanently at home’?

Let’s first understand what are some common ‘Sinus Symptoms’?

Sinus headaches occur when the air pockets within your skull (sinuses) become inflamed, usually due to infection or allergy. The inflammation results in a buildup of mucus that clogs these passages, causing pressure and pain. There are common symptoms of sinus headaches like:

• Pain and pressure around your forehead, cheeks, and eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Thick-colored nasal discharge
• Decreased ability to detect odors
• Fatigue
• A toothache on the upper jaw

Now, let's explore how to relieve sinus headaches immediately and naturally.

How To Relieve Sinus Headaches at Home

• Steam Inhalation with Essential Oils

Instructions:

1. Take a bowl of water and boil it.
2. Put a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil into the boiled water.
3. Cover your head with a towel forming a tent shape, inhale deeply, and take the steam for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits:

• Opens up blocked nasal passages.
• Loosens mucus so as to ease congestion.

• Nasya (Nasal Drops)

Instructions:

1. Take some warm sesame oil or Jiva’s Anu Taila, if available.
2. Lie down flat, looking up.
3. Drop about 2-3 drops of oil in each nostril.
4. Keep lying for some time till the oil gets absorbed in the nose.

Benefits:

• Lubricates nasal passages to ease breathing through them.
• Clears sinus symptoms by relieving nasal congestion.

• Saline Nasal Rinse (Jala Neti)

Instructions:

1. Prepare a saline solution using warm distilled water mixed with a small amount of salt.
2. Pour the solution from the neti pot into one nostril and let it come out from the other side. Breathe from your mouth while you do that.
3. Repeat the same for another nostril.

Benefits:

• Removes mucus and allergens.
• Keeps nasal passages clear.

• Ginger and Turmeric Tea

Ingredients:

1. 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2. 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric
3. Honey (optional)

Procedure:

1. Boil one cup of water adding ginger and turmeric into it.
2. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the concoction before adding honey if desired.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing sinus inflammation.
• It promotes the loosening up of mucus from your sinuses.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea

Ingredients:

1. A handful of fresh tulsi leaves or one teaspoon of dried tulsi leaves.
2. Honey (optional)

Procedure:

1. Put a cup of water on heat, then add tulsi leaves to it.
2. Wait for ten minutes, then remove from the heat source.
3. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

Benefits:

• Antiviral and antibacterial components in it help you fight seasonal allergies.
• It helps decrease congestion while boosting the immune system.

• Spiced Milk

Ingredients:

1. One cup of warm milk.
2. Half a teaspoonful of turmeric powder.
3. A pinch of black pepper.
4. Honey (optional)

Procedure:

1. Take some warm milk and mix turmeric powder and black pepper into it.
2. Drink it just before going to bed.

Benefits:

• The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin reduce sinus inflammation.
• Clears mucus due to piperine contents found in the black pepper used as an ingredient here.

• Cinnamon and Honey Mixture

Ingredients:

1. 1 tsp cinnamon powder
2. 1 tsp honey

Procedure:

1. Mix cinnamon powder with some honey until a paste is formed.
2. Consume this mixture twice every day without missing any dose at all.

Benefits:

• Include spices such as garlic, ginger, and black pepper in your meals to help you produce more mucus.
• Hot foods and spices can assist in draining off mucus and reduce congestion.

• Drink Water

Take warm water throughout the day. Additionally, you can drink herbal teas or broth.

Benefits:

Loosens mucus to facilitate its removal and, as a result, relieves nasal congestion and other sinus symptoms.

• Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)

Tips:

• Try out Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) or Kapalbhati.
• For about 10-15 minutes every day, do these exercises to relieve sinus symptoms in the long run.

Benefits:

• Increases airflow through the nasal passages
• Reduces sinus congestion and fosters relaxation.

These natural remedies are effective for getting immediate relief from sinus and common allergies. Now that you know effective tips on how to get rid of a sinus headache at home, it’s time to know ‘how to cure sinus permanently’? Well, considering the long-term impact of Ayurvedic interventions, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it’s possible with Ayurveda, but only if it's authentic and requires personalized advice from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. 

However, by incorporating these practices into daily routine, patients can effectively manage sinus issues while at the same time enhancing overall respiratory health. It would be appropriate to see a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if symptoms still persist for a personalised treatment plan.

Contact your nearest JIVA clinic or get a video consultation booked here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can sinus cause dizziness?

Yes, sinus congestion can definitely cause dizziness. Severe congestion can make it difficult to breathe, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.

• How does Ayurveda treat sinusitis? 

Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to treat sinusitis. It involves a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, herbs, and panchakarma therapies.

• Can Ayurvedic treatment cure sinusitis permanently? 

Ayurveda aims to manage sinusitis and prevent its recurrence by addressing its root cause. However, the effectiveness of a cure can vary depending on the expertise of the Ayurvedacharya.

• What foods should I avoid if I have sinusitis? 

Dairy products, cold and oily foods, and heavy meals can aggravate sinusitis.