Steaming is an ancient method of relieving sinus pressure without the use of chemicals or drugs. Steam helps open the nasal cavities and loosens mucus that sometimes thickens, thereby allowing it to escape from the sinuses. Steam treatments can be used in conjunction with over-the-counter pain relievers, antibiotics, and antifungals prescribed by a doctor. If you are on medication, continue to take the medication while doing the steam treatment. However, do the steam treatment first if you haven't consulted a doctor. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you don't feel better within five days.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Steam Only
Step 1. Fill a 1 L pot with water
Boil the water on the stove for a minute or two, or until it releases a lot of steam. Then, remove the pan from the stove.
- Place the hot pot on a heatproof mat on the table.
- Keep pots out of reach of children when boiling and steaming. Try doing a steam treatment when there are no small children around.
Step 2. Cover the head
Put a large clean cotton towel on your head and lean your face over the steaming pot.
Close your eyes and keep your face at least 30 cm from the hot water. You want the hot steam to get into your nose and throat, but not to injure and burn the skin of course
Step 3. Breathe
Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth for a count of five. Then reduce the duration of inhalation and exhalation to two counts.
- Repeat for 10 minutes or while the water is still evaporating.
- Try blowing your nose during and after the steam treatment.
Step 4. Use this steaming technique regularly
Evaporation can be done every two hours or as often as possible according to the schedule of daily activities.
Step 5. Consider steaming in the midst of other activities
If you're busy and don't have time to boil a pot of water and do a steam treatment, consider leaning your head over the steam from hot tea or a bowl of soup while at work or outside. The goal and the effect to be obtained are still the same, even if the steam source is different!
A humidifier (humidifier) can also be used in a way to relieve these sinuses
Method 2 of 3: Steaming Using Herbs
Step 1. Fill the pot with 1 L of water
Boil the water on the stove for a minute or two, or until it releases a lot of steam. Then, remove the pan from the stove.
Step 2. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil
Start with 1 drop of essential oil per liter of water. These essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal, or antiseptic, which means they can kill bacteria and other microorganisms that cause sinus infections.
- Spearmint or peppermint - Both spearmint and peppermint contain menthol which has antiseptic and immune-boosting properties.
- Thyme, sage, and oregano - These herbs can boost the immune system and contain antibacterial properties. It also improves blood circulation by opening blood vessels.
- Lavendel - Lavendel is known as an herb that has soothing properties and also contains antibacterial properties. Lavender can help the body and mind to be calm and relaxed, besides that it can relieve anxiety as well as depression.
- Black walnut oil - If you know that your sinus infection is due to a fungus, add black walnut oil which contains antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to the solution for evaporation.
- Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil contains antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties and can relieve sinus infections in some people.
Step 3. Use dried herbs
If you don't have any of the above essential oils, substitute tsp of dried herbs per liter of water.
After adding the herbs, boil the water for one minute, turn off the stove then move the pot to a comfortable place and start steaming
Step 4. Always test any herbs to determine the sensitivity level of the body
Whenever you try a new herb, test yourself to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction, such as sneezing or skin irritation. Make a mixture of herbs and water, then steam your face with the new herbs for about a minute. Then, turn your face away from the steam for 10 minutes and wait.
If you don't see any irritation or other reaction, reheat the water and do a full steam treatment
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Home Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure
Step 1. Use a humidifier
Put a humidifier in the bedroom when you sleep to improve sinus health. A humidifier produces steam and moist air, which can help clear the nasal cavity.
- When the nasal cavity is blocked, focus on keeping the sinuses and nasal cavity moist. Although many people think that dry air can overcome a runny nose, in fact it will only further irritate the membranes in the nasal cavity.
- Humidifiers are especially good during the transition season because the air in the house is generally very dry.
- Placing a hot water bottle near your ear even has a similar effect and can help drain the fluid out of it.
Step 2. Take a hot shower
Bathing with hot water for a long time also works like the steam treatment described above. Hot water when bathing produces warm and moist air which is beneficial in removing blockages in the nasal cavity and relieving sinus pressure.
A similar beneficial effect can also be obtained by placing a warm compress on the face to help open the blockage in the nasal cavity and relieve any pressure that may be felt in the sinuses
Step 3. Drink fluids
Be sure to drink plenty of water (at least 8 full glasses a day) as this loosens mucus and helps prevent sinus congestion, thereby reducing the pressure you feel.
Watery mucus tends to be easier to expel. Whenever your sinuses feel strained, try to keep yourself hydrated
Step 4. Keep your head higher than your body
When sleeping at night, place two pillows under your head so that it is in a higher position. This can make breathing easier and keep sinus pressure from building up.
Tips
- Steam treatments can be used in conjunction with medical treatments, such as taking antibiotics and oral antifungals. There is an additional possibility of irritation caused by steam when using nasal sprays. Consult a doctor before using a steam treatment if you are currently using a nasal spray.
- Call your doctor if the steam treatment doesn't make progress within five to seven days.
Warning
- Avoid leaning your face too close to the pot of steam and be sure to keep it a safe distance of 30 cm from the steam.
- Never perform a steam treatment using boiling water as it can cause burns.
- Always keep boiling water out of reach of children.
