Are you having a tough time with a sinus infection? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11.6% of adults are diagnosed with sinusitis. However, the good news is that a simple home remedy such as garlic can offer you great relief from sinusitis. In this article, we explain in detail how to use garlic for sinus infections.
How Does Garlic Work Against Sinusitis?
Garlic possesses anti-tumour, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, according to a research article published on PubMed Central in 2014. A natural antihistamine, garlic also contains anti-inflammatory properties. When you consume garlic, it leads to a reduction in histamine release which influences allergic reactions, thus offering relief from symptoms such as sneezing and running nose. Furthermore, garlic has immune-boosting properties that help prevent respiratory infections that may aggravate sinusitis or rhinitis.
How To Use Garlic For Sinus Infection?
Let’s quickly go through some garlic-based home remedies that offer you great relief from sinusitis.
1. Garlic Steam
For garlic steam, you need 3 to 5 garlic cloves, a pot of boiling water, and a bath towel.
1. The first step is to bring the water to a boil in a pot.
2. It should be followed by crushing the garlic cloves using the flat side of a chef’s knife. Now, remove and dispose of the skins.
3. The next step is to put the crushed garlic cloves into the pot of boiling water and turn off the heat.
4. Now, keep your head at least two to four inches away from the pot. Using the towel, cover both your head and the pot so that the steam does not escape.
5. The last step is to take long deep inhales and exhale for a couple of minutes or until you feel that it has started working.
Now you might be curious to know how it works. As you know garlic has anti-bacterial properties and on crushing it, it releases allicin, a curative component. It aids in thinning the mucus that is blocking your nasal passages. The other benefit is that it reduces the inflammation that makes your airways clogged.
2. Garlic Sinus Concoction
1. Take 200ml water
2. Add 3 to 4 crushed garlic, 1 to 2 peppercorns, 1 tsp of turmeric, and a dash of cayenne pepper to it.
3. Boil the water, reduce it to half, and then strain it.
4. If you wish, add 1 tsp raw unpasteurized honey to it.
Consume the garlic sinus concoction 1 to 2 times daily. It offers amazing relief from that nagging problem of sinusitis.
3. Garlic And Tomato Juice
1. Boil 1 cup of tomato juice in a pan.
2. Chop garlic finely and add it to the tomato juice.
3. The last step is to add 1 tsp of lemon juice and salt to taste.
Drink this hot juice two times a day so that it will reduce the infection caused due to sinusitis.
4. Garlic Oil
1. Add 3 tbsp of crushed garlic to 1 cup of olive oil and mix it in a pan.
2. Keep the stove on medium flame.
3. The next step is to heat the oil for two minutes.
4. Now strain it and store the oil in an airtight jar or bottle.
Apply the garlic oil on your nose, chest, neck, and forehead so that you will get relief from sinusitis. When you apply the oil regularly, you also benefit from fewer blocks and congestion.
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5. Raw Garlic
Do you hate the odor of raw garlic? It’s high time to realize that chewing a few pods of raw garlic daily is a good remedy for curing sinusitis. It also aids in keeping your blood pressure under check and helps fight allergies.
If you find it really difficult to eat more than 1 pod of raw garlic daily, crush garlic in a mortar and pestle. Further to that, add a dash of olive oil and salt to it. For a week, eat a spoonful of this mixture before meals so that it will help get rid of the infection.
Conclusion
Garlic can be an effective natural remedy for sinus infections due to its antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. Eating raw garlic, taking garlic supplements, or inhaling garlic steam helps clear nasal congestion and reduces inflammation. Garlic juice or a poultice placed on the forehead also provides relief. Along with proper rest, hydration, and OTC medications, garlic can help alleviate sinus pressure and congestion. Check with a doctor before use and avoid applying garlic on an open wound.
