I grew up in Los Angeles, California, where the Santa Ana winds whip up a wicked stew of dust and smog, blowing hot air and debris across the city!

The deadly winds roll in from the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada during the Autumn months.  And as a result I remember all too well my aching sinus pressure, the headaches and red itchy eyes.

As someone prone to sinus infections, I know what a pain they can be, and unfortunately they aren't always easy to get rid of. Particularly for those of us who don't want to go to the doctor for steroids or antibiotics.

Thankfully, several home remedies can help you treat and prevent sinus infections, so you don't have to worry about losing your voice or spending an uncomfortable week at home. 

In this blog post I dig a little deeper into ways you can clear and soothe those irritated nasal cavities with some effective remedies and all natural solutions to a very common ailment.

Let's start by defining a sinus infection.

Sinusitis, also called sinus infection, is the inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses. Most sinus infections are viral and will go away with time. Sometimes, a bacterial infection can develop on top of the viral infection, and this is where things can get tricky!

Left untreated could develop into a more severe and chronic condition, ultimately spreading to the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and reduced vision. It can even cause blindness in severe cases when an infection spreads to the eyes.

Sinus infections can also spread to the brain, but this is rare. It can cause either a brain abscess or meningitis, which can be life-threatening. A sinus infection that persists or improves but returns quickly requires medical attention, which is why it is imperative to prevent sinus infections.

What is the cause of a sinus infections?

Several factors can cause sinus infections. However, the absolute most common cause is a dirty air passage.

With air pollution, for instance, certain chemicals can build up and irritate the membranes, so getting rid of these is your first step.

At the same time, it's essential to tackle any underlying causes that might have contributed to your sinus infection from the very beginning to prevent it from flaring up again in response to different triggers, which would only make things worse.

So what is the best way to care for my sinuses?

There are two safe and natural ways to do it: using essential oils through inhalation and using an Ayurveda Neti Pot.

My recommendation is to make these two vital elements a part of your daily routine.   

However I have to let you know once you start this life-changing practice of daily Neti treatment, you will never stop, as the benefits you receive are profound. 

I have practiced Neti for over 25+ years. I had ongoing chronic sinus infections before doing neti and defusing essential oils. Now, I can't go without my morning neti ritual any more than I can go without a morning shower.

Just like our bodies, our sinuses also become dirty and dry.  When we breathe, we inhale particulates that are part of our environment. 

It's like when we go to the gas station, all those toxic fumes! We inhale indoor and outdoor dust, both of which contain a multitude of harmful pathogens, and indoor synthetic VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Most of which are emitted by building materials, electronic devices, and household cleaners. Since we are exposed to these pollutants daily, we must take good care of ourselves by detoxifying our bodies and nasal passages to reduce and eliminate harmful bacteria and viral particles.

And what about treating a sinus infection naturally?

Again the best treatment is taking preventative steps to maintain healthy sinuses, with neti practice and aromatherapy. However, once a sinus infection has taken root, it is recommended to administer treatment sooner than later, and there is no better way to start than with neti irrigation.

 

How does Neti irrigation work in the treatment of Sinus Infection?

A neti pot is a small teapot-shaped, ceramic, copper, plastic or a Prana+Therapy bamboo container. The classic neti pot looks like Aladdin's lamp. Neti pots are used to flush out your nasal and sinus cavities when you have colds, allergies, chronic sinus problems, or to practice daily detox and maintain good sinus health.

To help flush the mucus out of the nasal passages, the neti pot thins the mucous. The cilia that line the nasal and sinus cavities wave back and forth as they direct mucus to either the back of the throat, where it can be swallowed, or the nostrils, where it can be expelled. The cilia may beat slowly and uncoordinated due to chronic sinus problems. 

In addition to clearing sinus cavities, irrigation with a saline solution can improve the speed and coordination of the cilia. In turn, they become more effective at removing bacteria, allergens, and other irritants that contribute to sinusitis.

Efficient drainage

The neti pot stimulates the tear ducts (Ethmoid air cells) and glands, which relax and irrigate the eyes. 

It is simultaneously flushing the Frontal sinus and Maxillary sinus. As a result of nasal irrigation, the left and right nostrils are balanced as are the left and right hemispheres of the brain. 

It also induces a state of harmony and balance throughout the entire nervous system, which regulates the rest of the body. 

Interestingly, the brain's frontal lobes, responsible for the higher mental abilities, begin to function optimally.

How to use the Neti pot

1. Boil filtered water and let it cool down to body temperature or mix 2/3 cold water with 1/3 hot water. Make sure to check the temp before administering into nasal passage.

2. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of good quality salt into the warm water. I recommend using Celtic salt, as it has a high mineral count and softens the water for a more pleasant treatment. For extra anti-bacterial benefit add 1 tsp of Prana+Therapy. Mix well

3. Lean your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle. Put the tip of the nozzle in your top nostril and gently pour the water into that nostril.

4. Breathe through your mouth while keeping your mouth open. As the water flows through your nasal cavity, it will exit through your other nostril.

5. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid

6. Refill the neti pot and repeat the process on the other side

 

Benefits of Neti Irrigation

• Remove excess mucous.

• Reduce pollen or allergens in nasal passages.

• Relieve nasal dryness.

• Reduce cold and flu symptoms.

• Alleviate sinus headaches.

• Improve sense of smell and taste.

• Reduce snoring.

• Clear the nostrils to allow free breathing.

By the way, is not just for clogged sinuses. It also improves skin tone reduces tension and anxiety.

It probably never occurred to you that practicing neti on a regular basis can ease muscular tension of the face, resulting in a youthful and wrinkle-free appearance. 

Relieving muscular tension also has a soothing, relaxing effect on the mind, and can help reduce emotional tension and anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as improve mental clarity.

Ayurvedic medicine, known as Ayurveda, has used neti pots for centuries. In the West, nasal irrigation is becoming increasingly popular. People are discovering the benefits of nasal irrigation.

The reason why using Essential oils are effective for a Sinus Infection!

A number of studies have proven the effectiveness of essential oils in treating viral and bacterial infections. Hence, inhaling them through steam or diffusing them in your home can be a great way to treat sinus infections.

As mentioned above, when you're fighting an infection, you want to target the source of the problem. For a sinus infection, that means going after whatever is causing problems in your sinuses, namely bacteria and viruses. 

Using the right essential oils, you can treat bacterial and viral infections.

You can also help prevent sinus infections by cleaning your home with essential oils. Cleaners made from essential oils have been shown to remove harmful bacteria and fungi from surfaces more effectively than chemical-based cleaners.

I recommend using caution when mixing and blending your own remedies since essential oils are volatile compounds and can cause irritation and other unwanted reactions.

Here are some ways to use  Prana+Therapy "Life's Essential Remedy" for treating your sinuses and sinus infection.

1. Breathe Prana+Therapy directly from the container. 

When inhaling Prana+Therapy, not only do you receive the benefit for your sinuses, the micro partials easily enter the bloodstream through the lungs.  

2. You can also add boiling water into a bowl. 

(Do not boil Prana+Therapy. Add it to the hot water and then lean over the bowl, drape a towel over your head, and breathe in the steam. Note: Stand at least 1 to 2 feet from the hot water.

3. You can use a diffuser. 

I suggest using one that has a good output. Just add Prana+Therapy full strength, up-to-the maximum waterline. Please put it on the most extended setting, keep close by and let it run throughout the day.

4. Clean your house with Prana+Therapy using the spray method. 

As you clean, you are inhaling the micro essential oil molecules. As well as treating your sinus infection, this is a great way to get rid of airborne and surface pathogens. 

Other options : 

Many people swear by vinegar as a cleaning agent, but vinegar is loaded with harmful bacteria that can make you sick if not diluted correctly (which most people neglect to do). 

 

Last but not least

The 5000-year-old science of Ayurveda focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. This system originated in India and is still used today, thousands of years after it was developed. The theory is based on the balance of the body's energies, called doshas, and to treat physical ailments; it examines how they may be related to other aspects of us, like our emotions.

Ayurveda describes the sinus cavity, or air pockets in the head, as the gateway to the brain, the mind, and consciousness. Many therapies such as Nasya address memory, emotions, thoughts, and imbalances above the clavicle bone (the collar bone).

Nasya is the application of oil or other medicated substances to the nose. 

The mind and consciousness have a tremendous balancing effect on the head and neck area, which includes the sinuses, brain, eyes, ears, nasal passages, throat, and teeth.

Nasya involves placing medicinal oils in the nose. They stimulate circulation where they're applied and throughout the rest of the head. Migraines and anxiety can be treated with this method, promoting decongestion and drainage.

To perform nasya, you can either lie on your back with your head slightly elevated or sit upright in a chair. You can lie down on a pillow if it's more comfortable for you. Take a small amount of oil or ghee and apply it to the inside of each nostril. 

Next, breathe deeply through each nostril and try to get as much oil into your sinuses as possible. It is normal to feel some dripping down your throat. 

Before eating breakfast, Nasya should be done every morning after brushing your teeth and neti Irrigation.

 My personal preference is to switch out my Nasya oils. I sometimes warm organic sesame oil or infuse it with herbs. I love my Mana Bohdi Butter on the go since it is easy to apply and smells divine! 

Another little item in my sinus arsenal ket is the Prana+Therapy Vital Clear. This is yet another Prana+Therapy game-changing product for keeping your sinuses healthy and clear of harmful pathogens and accumulated particulates.

Here are some other ways to help with your sinus infection:

* Drink plenty of water to thin mucus to help it flow more easily out of your nose and sinuses

* Spice up your food with ginger and turmeric, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties and help clear inflammation from sinuses

* Sip hot tea with honey which helps soothe irritated membranes in the sinus cavity

A few things you may want to avoid during the winter months

* Prolong indoor heat

* Consuming cold beverages

* Cool foods

* Avoid dairy products since they increase mucus production

* Avoid the use of chemical cleaners

I hope you have found this helpful information, and I wish you the best of health as we enter the winter season. Don't forget to steam, flush, eat well, and keep warm! 

In case you have questions about this blog or Prana+Therapy products, please contact me at : info@pranatherapy.nz