October 03, 2022

Sinus Relief. Here! Now!

Beyond the common cold, whose symptoms are acute, a sinus infection can last 10+ days— and if you suffer from allergies you know waiting it out won’t cut it. While there is no magic pill to cure the aforementioned, there are some things you can do to try to speed up the recovery process.

We have some ideas.

EAT FOODS WITH ANTI BACTERIAL PROPERTIES

Adding garlic, and onions to your cooking is a *ninja* move to get more antibacterial foods into your diet. Also, research indicates, ginger can inhibit and kill bacteria— making it an effective, natural antibiotic. We recommend making a Makhir Ginger hot tea batch and sipping it throughout the day. And when you add Raw Manuka Honey... you get an extra boost.

Why Manuka Honey? Manuka Honey is full of antibacterial properties and active enzymes. This rare form of honey has a rich golden texture and sweet earthy taste. It’s best taken internally for daily immune support (but also makes a banger base for a DIY facial mask). We carry Activist 850+MGO as it’s one of the highest concentration of Mānuka available

ACCUPRSSURE

Boketto Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher, Olivia Yohai, shared on her IG this past week 4 easy acupressure points for sinus relief and breath— especially good for fall and allergy season. She illustrates using her fingers, you can also use our Obsidian Gua Sha tool.

Another great way to balance the lungs, breath, and body is through Pranayama. And Olivia’s new class Pranayama & Mantra at The Yoga Dojo is another way to support lung + sinus well-being.

ADD MOISTURE

Keeping your sinuses hydrated can help relieve pressure. Here are some tips to for hydrated sinuses:

At night, sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages.
During the day and before bed, use a natural nasal spray to soothe and protect your nasal passages while also allowing you to breathe clearly and maintain natural hydration. ION Sinus Support Spray seals cells in the nasal lining while strengthening the terrain upon which your microbiome can diversify.
Expose your sinuses to steam. During a warm shower add a few drops of Breathe Essential Oil Blend to the shower floor and breathe in the damp air. You can also fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it for 10 minutes. Cover both your head and the bowl with a thick towel. Keep your nose 10 inches above the water.

TRY GENTLE NASAL IRRIGATION

Nasal irrigation is a process often used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. A salt inhaler, also known as a salt pipe, is a small device that allows you to breathe in air that has been permeated with microscopic salt particles.

Breathing in salt-rich air is known as dry salt therapy, otherwise known as halotherapy, which reduces inflammation, and promotes better respiratory functioning

We recommend Living Libations Petite Salt Inhaler paired with their Revive Alive Blend or Himalayan salt. Himalayan salt contains 84 essential minerals and trace elements vital to your body’s health and well-being including zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

AVOID ALCOHOL & DAIRY

The consumption of alcohol creates reactions in the body that lead to swelling of the sinuses and thickening of the mucus membrane. This can often be uncomfortable and even painful. Also consider the fact that sinus infections can leave you dehydrated— and alcohol continues to dehydrate you leading to worsening sinus symptoms.

While not all dairy causes excessive mucus production, studies have found that milk, ice cream, and many kinds of cheese have been shown to not only thicken mucus but stimulate its production, too.