- Shower power
Take a hot, steaming shower. The steam will relieve discomfort and may open your nasal passages.
- Have a cuppa …
Sipping on hot drinks such as herbal tea or hot water with lemon can also help to clear nasal passages and keep you hydrated
- … but steer clear of milky beverages
While hot chocolate or a cappuccino may be a hug in a cup on the worst days, milky drinks will only aggravate mucus production when you have a sinus infection. Unpleasant, but true.
- Use hot and cold compresses
If you are battling a sinus headache, hot and cold compresses on the face may help to soothe the pain. While a hot compress may promote the cavities to open up, the cold will soothe inflammation and pain.
- Opt for a saline nasal spray
Saline nasal spray will reduce inflammation in the nose, moisten nasal passages and help treat your sinuses, which will reduce the headache over time.
- Apply essential oils to the temples
While an aromatic smell can be the last thing you want when you have a sinus headache, some essential oils can soothe the pain. Massage lavender or eucalyptus oil on the temples, putting pressure on your nasal cavities to loosen the congestion.
- You are what you eat
Incorporate vitamin C into your diet when you have a severe sinus headache – it contains antioxidants that will fight against any infection and help boost your immune system. Sugar and alcohol will only aggravate a sinus infection, so limit these. Spicy foods, however, will help drain the sinuses.
