Do you know you can clear your sinuses only by using your tongue and a thumb? It takes less than 20 seconds!
A stuffy nose often occurs as a sign of another health problem such as a sinus infection or the common cold. Typically, these health problems are minor, i.e. allergies, nasal polyps, chemical exposures, environmental irritants and hay fever.
When the lining in the sinus cavities gets swallen due to irritants, bacteria or viruses, your nasal passage gets blocked up, making it hard for you to breathe.
Nasal congestion usually clears up within a week, but using this natural treatment, you may not wait that long to breathe with ease again!
Ready to breathe easy? Follow these simple actions:
Push your tongue against the top of your mouth and place your thumb between your eyebrows.
Apply pressure with your thumb on the area for 20 seconds. Your sinuses will start to drain.
How does it work?
You might be wondering how come a little pressure on a bone can lead to a drain of sinuses. But it has a scientific reason behind the technique. According to Lisa DeStefano, D.O., an assistant professor at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, this method causes the “vomer” bone to rock back and forth. The back and forth motion loosens congestion, allowing your sinuses to drain.
If the method mentioned above doesn’t work for you, don’t rush to your drugstore for a solution just yet! Try the following four natural home remedies. You may already have these ingredients at home.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix eight ounces of warm water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey, or take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar three times daily. Your sinuses should clear up in a few days. [1]
You could also mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water, heat it on the stove, and inhale the steam with your mouth and eyes closed.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which adds to this spice its anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkling a little turmeric on your next meal can help to treat the nasal inflammation that is blocking up your sinuses. [2]
Nasal Saline Rinse
This method is not the most comfortable one, but many people rely on a saline rinse to clear up their sinuses. [3]
The mixture can consist of a quarter teaspoon of sea salt/pickling salt with one cup of lukewarm water. This mixture gets poured through one nostril and out the other to clear the sinuses.
If you have never done a saline rinse before, ask someone to assist you and read and follow the instructions on the package very carefully.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil isn’t as widely available or as cheap as the above natural remedies, but if you happen to get your hands on one, ingest it, or steam it over the stove and inhale it to clear up your sinuses completely. This oil is an effective sinus infection treatment. [4]
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