It is a misconception that the sinus is a name of a disease. According to human anatomy, sinuses are the connecting system present inside the skull. These tiny structures are present in different regions such as inside the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses), bellow center of the forehead (frontal sinuses), between the two nasal cavities that means at the nasal septum (ethmoid sinuses) and the back of the nasal cavity (sphenoid sinuses). These hollow cavities are packed with air and covered with cherry-colored membranes which produce mucous. The outlet of the mucous is present in the middle meatus at the nasal septum. The air which we inhale becomes moistened by the release of mucous. Sinuses help to intensify our voice. The disorder which is related to the sinus is known as sinusitis. The microbial attack which causes cold or any other upper respiratory tract infection blocks the drainage passage of mucous and restricts the flow of mucus via the middle meatus. The blockage of these passages generates pressure inside the wall of the sinus cavities and gets swelled. Generation of the increased pressure causes unusual headaches that can be characterized as tedious, hammering sensation between the eyebrows and extended up to the forehead. The predominance of sinus pain is increased due to infection at the upper air passage during seasonal change, specifically in the winter season. 

Natural Sinus Relief

Although before the COVID era, we had a practice of using some quick-relief medications for sinus treatment without concerning side effects. But the COVID makes us more health-conscious. Many of us have started traditional natural treatment to avoid common illnesses, especially cold and cough-related conditions. Following are some natural therapy that I recommend for prolonged sinus relief and reducing reoccurrence:  

Water Vapor with Peppermint Oil

Water vapor is a natural mucolytic. Mucolytic helps to liquefy the congested mucous and helps to expel out from the nasal passage. It also helps to have proper moisture balance in the nasal cavity and protect from unnecessary drying. For achieving sinus relief by water vapor, you need to take a bowl full of hot water, peppermint oil, and a clean towel. Keep the hot water bowl on the table and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil contains menthol that synergizes the mucolytic effect of the water vapor. Sit comfortably in front of it. Bend your neck towards the bowl and inhale the water vapor by taking a deep breath. You cover your head during inhalation with a clean towel to prevent the escape of vapor and menthol (volatile that easily gets vaporized) to the surrounding atmosphere. 

Rinsing of Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity rinsing practice is a debatable process. But studies had been proven that it is very effective for sinus relief. You need to take 1 cup of lukewarm water and mix 1teaspoonful of salt for preparing the rinsing fluid. Stir the liquid until it becomes a solution and let it become cool. Then, stand comfortably in front of a washbasin. Take a small quantity of solution in the palm. Inhale the liquid. Then forcefully exhale to bring out all the congested mucous and other dirt particles that you inhaled during breathing. Initially, it produces discomfort. But the regular practice may become a habituation. 

Topical Application of Garlic- Cinnamon Paste

Garlic is a natural antimicrobial. It has bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on a varying range of micro-organisms. Cinnamon has an anti-inflammatory property as it helps to release the mucosa and reduces the swelling. Cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon is a good antibiotic for respiratory infectious agents. Take 4-6 cloves of garlic and one tablespoonful of cinnamon powder to prepare this paste. Make a paste of garlic cloves and add cinnamon powder to it. Locally apply this paste to the affected area (the forehead and nose). This application gradually reduces sinus pain. 

Inhalation of Black Cumin Seed

Black cumin seed has several active constituents that make it a precious natural ingredient for effective relief of all kinds of ailments. The tiny black cumin is effective for sinus relief. Take a clean muslin cloth and add some quantity of black cumin seed. Tie the cloth properly and make a ‘potli’ (a small wrap with thread). Keep this potli with you during winter or when sinus pain occurs frequently. Inhale the smell as much as you can and get rid of sinus problems. 

Mustard Oil Drop

Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds. Mustard seeds can break the mucosal congestion by increasing the fluidity of the mucous. It also reduces the pain by blocking the neurotransmission. Mustard seeds can also decrease prostaglandin (pain mediator) production. Moreover, mustard oil also has an antimicrobial property. Take one small cup of mustard oil and add one teaspoonful of mustard seeds and boil it. Then, wait for a few minutes until the preparation cools down. Then, filter the oil and store the mustard oil drop in an air-tight container. Add two drops of mustard oil in each nostril with the help of a dropper. Apply this thrice a day. Otherwise, take some oil in the palm and rub both palms to generate friction between palms. Massage the feet in the same way by using this oil. During the massage, produced heat is a very effective treatment for cold. Add some garlic cloves and black cumin seeds with the oil for a better result. 

Sinus Relief Medication

Hot Lemon Syrup

Lemon is full of vitamin C that increases our immunity against cold. Honey is a good antioxidant and helps to reduce inflammation. These two main ingredients and the other two magical additives make the preparation active against sinusitis. The names of the two other additives are cumin seed and fenugreek seeds. Cumin seeds decrease the production of mucous and reduce the inflammation of the mucous membrane. To prepare this syrup, first, you have to roast cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds with two tablespoonfuls each and then grind them together. Keep this mixture in an air-tight container. Squeeze one lemon juice and add one teaspoonful of honey just before taking the syrup. Slightly heat and add the crushed spices (cumin seed and fenugreek seeds) into it. Individuals who have sinusitis during winter or climate change can administer this syrup with a twice-daily dose for every day. This remedy is helpful to prevent infections and also gives relief from sinusitis.