Sinus infection congestion is the worst! Unbearable sinus pain. Mouth breathing so attractive. We’ve all been there… an estimated 37 million people get at least one infection a year. There are many fabrics! There are ways to ease the discomfort without going to the doctor for antibiotics or developing an addiction to decongestant nasal sprays. After suffering from sinus congestion for years, I have compiled my 3 favorite remedies whenever my sinuses start to ache.
1. Hot Toddy! Yes, hot toddy is number one. Because? Because hot drink is the best thing to do when you’re feeling like crap and have sinus congestion! And also, because they do work. A hot toddy is basically liquor, honey, lemon, and warm water or tea mixed together. I usually go for Jack Daniels, but you can use any type of brandy, whiskey, or rum you like. I also don’t feel like reaching for the measuring cup when I’m really congested, but if you must measure, here’s a guide:
The best hot toddy in the world
1 ounce brandy, whiskey, or rum (or 2 ounces if you really want to get rid of this sinus congestion!) 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 lemon 1 cup hot tea or hot water
Hold your nose and throw him out the hatch! A cinnamon stick, six to ten cloves, or a couple teaspoons of brown sugar can be added to the mix if you’re new to hot punch or drinking. You should feel relief immediately, and if you don’t, rinse and repeat!
2. The Recently Popular Neti Pot: I have to be honest. I don’t understand what all the hype is about the neti pot. Although it feels great, the relief is short-lived. In my experience, I’m congested again in about 5 minutes, no exaggeration. However, I am including it on my list because it has helped prevent my allergies, colds, etc. from becoming a full-blown infection when used as soon as symptoms appear: runny nose, stuffy nose, etc. The neti pot has never done much for me if I already have an infection. So as soon as your nose starts to run, use your neti pot twice a day or more.
3. Mucinex! Mucinex! Mucinex! People don’t realize how important mucinex is when you have an infection. When I go to the doctor for a sinus infection, and I used to do a lot, he would put me on mucinex and send me home. That’s right, no antibiotics, mucinex. Because? First, antibiotics are not the cure for sinuses as we once thought. More studies show that antibiotics can reduce the infection time by one day, if so. In my experience, doctors try to avoid giving you antibiotics. So, back to the mucinex. If you have sinus problems on a yearly basis like I do, take mucinex as directed on the box as soon as your nose starts to run. Most of the time, the mucinex will prevent your cold or allergy from becoming a full-blown infection. Because? Because the bacteria that causes the infection lives in your mucus. Mucinex thins the mucus, making it easier for your body to break down and therefore get rid of the infection. In addition, the removal of mucus relieves the congestion of the sinus infection.