Home Remedies for Sinus Infection: 8 Natural Treatments & When to See a Doctor

Home remedies for sinus infection, such as saline rinses, eucalyptus steam, and turmeric tea, may help relieve congestion, facial pressure, coughing, and excess mucus. Their anti-inflammatory, expectorant, or soothing properties may also reduce sinus irritation.

Other options include baking soda rinses, peppermint and nettle juice, ginger and garlic tea, and thyme with honey. These remedies may help loosen mucus, moisturize the nasal passages, and make the sinuses easier to clear.

Home remedies for sinus infection may be used for up to 2 weeks, but they should not replace medical treatment when symptoms persist or worsen. A healthcare provider should be consulted if symptoms do not improve within 7 days, as prescription medication or other treatment may be needed.

Some home remedies for a sinus infection include:

1. Baking soda nasal rinse

A baking soda nasal rinse may help relieve nasal congestion caused by a sinus infection, reduce inflammation, and remove mucus that contributes to a stuffy or runny nose. Baking soda may also help reduce bacterial growth, relieve nasal dryness, and loosen thick mucus.

Ingredients

• 1 nasal irrigation device or one 20 mL needle-free syringe

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• 1 cup of lukewarm distilled or sterile water

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients and pour the solution into the nasal irrigation device or fill the syringe.

Lean forward and tilt the head slightly to one side. Place the tip of the irrigation device or syringe at the opening of one nostril and gently press until the solution flows out through the other nostril.

Keep the mouth open and breathe through the mouth during the rinse.

Repeat the process 2 to 3 times per day in each nostril.

The nose can also be rinsed with sterile 0.9% saline solution or a saline solution prepared with salt and safe water. According to the CDC, only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water should be used for nasal rinsing.

2. Eucalyptus steam inhalation

Eucalyptus steam inhalation may help relieve nasal congestion because eucalyptus has expectorant and antiseptic properties. However, some people may be sensitive to the essential oil released by eucalyptus, which can make symptoms worse.

Eucalyptus steam inhalation should be stopped if symptoms worsen.

Ingredients

• 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 liter (about 4 cups) of boiling water

How to prepare

Pour the boiling water into a bowl and add the eucalyptus essential oil and salt. Cover the head and bowl with a towel, then inhale the steam as deeply as possible for up to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day.

If eucalyptus essential oil is not available, a few eucalyptus leaves can be placed in the boiling water. The plant’s natural oil will be released into the steam.

3. Peppermint and nettle juice

Peppermint and nettle juice may be a good home remedy for allergy-related sinus inflammation. These plants have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and decongestant properties that may help reduce sinus irritation and clear mucus.

Ingredients

• 5 g of nettle leaves

• 15 g of peppermint

• 1 cup of coconut water

• 1 tablespoon of eucalyptus honey

How to prepare

Cook the nettle leaves in a pot of water. Place the cooked nettle leaves, peppermint, coconut water, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth.

Drink twice per day between meals.

Nettle leaves must be cooked before use because raw nettle can cause skin irritation. Cooking the leaves eliminates this effect.

4. Chamomile steam inhalation

Chamomile steam inhalation may help relieve sinus discomfort because chamomile has soothing properties. The steam also warms and moisturizes the upper airways.

This remedy may be used by adults or children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hot liquids and steam are common causes of burns in young children, so an adult should always supervise children during steam inhalation.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of chamomile flowers

• 1.5 to 2 liters (about 6 to 8 cups) of water

How to prepare

Bring the water to a boil and add the chamomile flowers. Let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Place the face over the bowl and cover the head with a towel. Inhale the steam for at least 10 minutes.

5. Turmeric tea

Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation and relieve facial pain, pressure, and general discomfort caused by a sinus infection.

Ingredients

• 200 mg of turmeric powder

• 1 cup of water

How to prepare

Bring the water to a boil and add the turmeric. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain and drink.

Turmeric tea can be consumed 2 to 3 times per day.

Another option is turmeric in capsule form. The original source recommends two 250 mg capsules every 12 hours, for a total of 1 g per day.

Turmeric should not be used during pregnancy or by people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, because it may increase the risk of bleeding.

6. Ginger and garlic tea

Ginger and garlic tea contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory substances. These include allicin in garlic and phenolic compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone.

These substances may help relieve sinus infection symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat, and general discomfort. This tea may also help support the immune system and shorten the duration of symptoms.

Ingredients

• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half

• 1 cm (about ½ inch) of fresh ginger root or ½ teaspoon of ground ginger

• 3 cups of water

• Honey to taste, optional

How to prepare

Boil the water with the garlic. Remove from the heat and add the ginger and honey. Strain and serve immediately.

People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should talk with their healthcare provider before consuming ginger, especially in large amounts or as a supplement. During pregnancy, ginger should only be used after discussing it with a healthcare provider.

7. Thyme and honey infusion

Thyme and honey infusion contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances, including thymol, carvacrol, cymene, and linalool. These substances also have expectorant properties that may make mucus easier to clear and relieve a runny or stuffy nose.

Honey may help reduce inflammation, soothe the throat, and relieve coughing and mucus. People who are allergic to honey, propolis, or pollen should prepare the infusion without honey.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme extract or 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

• 1 liter (about 4 cups) of boiling water

• 1 tablespoon of honey

How to prepare

Add the thyme to the boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day.

Thyme infusion should not be used by people with stomach conditions such as gastritis or stomach ulcers, liver disease, or by people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or clopidogrel.

8. Peppermint steam inhalation

Peppermint has antimicrobial properties and contains essential oils, particularly menthol. These substances may help clear the sinuses and promote mucus drainage because of their decongestant effects.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of whole or crushed dried peppermint leaves, or 2 to 3 dried leaves

• 150 mL (about ⅔ cup) of boiling water

How to prepare

Place the peppermint leaves in a cup and add the boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 5 to 7 minutes, then strain.

The steam can be inhaled by covering the head with a towel to keep the vapor concentrated. The tea can also be consumed 3 to 4 times per day.