Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation or infection of one or more of the paranasal sinuses caused by bacteria that has traveled from the nasal passages. Sinusitis can result in headaches or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area or on one side of the head. It can also cause coughing, fever, bad breath and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions.
Sinusitis is categorized as acute or chronic which is the most common type. Acute sinusitis will last eight weeks or less or occur for a maximum of three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Acute sinusitis may be caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, or from allergies.
Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting for more than 20 days. Bacteria and fungi (especially in persons with a weakened immune system) are involved in chronic sinusitis.

Home Remedies for Sinus

1. Eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion associated with colds and flu. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water in a large bowl. Place face a few inches from the bowl and cover with a towel. Inhale steam for 10 minutes or as desired.
2. Inhale steam using a hot shower, vaporizer or facial sauna to help relieve sinus congestion.
3. Use a salt water rinse to clear the nasal passage as an alternative sinus remedy. Mix together 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt, 8 ounces filtered room temperature water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Using a bulb syringe, tilt the head down and place the syringe into one nostril. Give it a gentle squeeze so that the water comes out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side. Coughing may occur as fluid drain to the back of the throat.
4. Consume ample amounts of water throughout the day and especially at night before retiring to bed to help clear the airways.
5. Use medicated vapor rubs at night by applying to nose and other nasal areas. In the event of flu or cold, apply vapor rub to chest and back to help ease congestion and sinuses. For external use only!
6. Avoid irritants such as household chemicals and cigarette smoke that will make breathing more difficult.
7. Massage the sinuses by pressing thumbs firmly on both sides of the nose for 15 to 30 seconds, release and repeat. Massaging will temporarily relieve sinusitis because it brings a fresh supply of blood to the area.
8. Drink hot tea made from thyme, garlic or peppermint.

Runny Nose Remedies

Let us look at some of the possible home remedies to deal with a runny nose.

1. Brine solution: This is a simple, if not the simplest, solution to clear out toxins that cause a runny nose. To make the brine solution, dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a dropper to draw some of the mixture. Insert the tip of the dropper into one nostril and inhale deeply to draw in the solution. Use a few drops per nostril until you experience some positive relief. Blow your nose to clear out any excess water or nasal discharge.
2. Nasal Sprays: Although it is ideal to make your own salt solution at home and use it, another alternative is to use nasal sprays. You can use quality nasal sprays that are available at most drugstores and supermarkets. These over-the-counter sprays assist in thinning the mucus and help to flush out the irritants that bother the nasal passage.
3. Mustard oil: Heat a little mustard oil. Drip a small amount into one nostril, using a dropper. Give it a couple minutes to be absorbed, then repeat the same for the other nostril.
4. Chew a piece of ginger: Chew a small piece of ginger to help increase blood circulation and help to drain your nose. Chew small pieces and drink the juice of the ginger.
5. Honey and lime: Another home remedy that is said to give some relief from a runny nose is to drink lukewarm water after mixing a teaspoon of honey and lime juice in it.
6. Turmeric: Soak dry, ground turmeric in linseed oil. Pure linseed oil can be found at health food stores. Hold the turmeric over a heat source until it begins to smoulder. Inhale the smoke carefully, through your nose.
7. Antihistamine: Runny noses due to allergens cause the release of histamine in the body. An antihistamine will block the histamine from interfering with the tissue in the nose, and thus, lessen the presence of a runny nose. The downside of antihistamine medication is the side effect of drowsiness. The best time to take an antihistamine is right before going to bed at night.
8. Blowing your nose: Sometimes, blowing your nose offers effective relief. Use a very soft cloth or tissue while blowing your nose, and do this several times daily. Using rough materials to aid in blowing your nose will result in irritation of the skin around the nose, including redness, sores and dryness. Should this happen, you an apply some petroleum jelly on the affected areas.
9. Thyme: Finely crush a tablespoon of dry thyme until it is completed powdered. Gently inhale the resulting powder in the same way as inhaling the mustard oil. A mortar and pestle will work perfectly to crush the thyme, but if you do not have one, the back of a spoon is an a useful alternative.
10. Propping Up Your Head: To help the nasal discharge drain out instead of running down your throat and causing a persistent cough or ear infection, prop your head up with a pillow while sleeping.
11. Diet for runny nose: While suffering with a runny nose, it helps to have spicy, healthy soups such as garlic soup to give some comfort to your burning throat. It also helps to consume diets rich in broccoli, cabbage and spinach. Also, having juices rich in Vitamin C will be helpful.
12. Drinking lots of fluids: Increase your fluid intake and keep having warm, comforting soups, soothing tea and warm milk with a pinch of turmeric. Needless to say, avoid drinking cold water.