Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Methods with only steam
• Method 2 of 3: Inhalation with herbs
• Method 3 of 3: Using other home remedies to relieve sinus pressure
• Tips
• Warnings

Steam inhalation has long been used as a means to relieve sinus pressure without the use of various drugs and chemicals. The steam helps open the nasal passages and looses sometimes thick mucus, allowing it to drain out of the sinuses. Steam inhalation can be used along with pain relievers, antibiotics, and antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor. If you are already taking any medications, you can continue to take them and still take inhalation. If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, then try these steam inhalation methods first. If you don't see any improvement within five to seven days, make an appointment with your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Methods with only steam

1. 1 Pour 250 ml of water into a saucepan. Boil water on the stove and simmer for 1-2 minutes until strong steam forms. Then remove the pot from the stove.
   • Place the hot pot on the table, on a heat-resistant base.
   • Keep children away from the pot while steam is still coming out of it. Try to inhale when there are no children around.
2. 2 Cover your head. Cover your head with a large, clean cotton towel and lean over the saucepan.
   • Close your eyes and keep your face no closer than 30 cm from the water. The heat should penetrate your nose and throat without harming or burning them.
3. 3 Breathe. For five seconds, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Then reduce the time of inhalation and exhalation to two seconds.
   • Breathe in for 10 minutes or while steam is emitting from the water.
   • Try blowing your nose before and after inhalation.
4. 4 Breathe steam frequently. Breathe in the steam every two hours, or as often as your schedule allows.
5. 5 Breathe steam whenever possible. If you're busy and can't boil water, sit and breathe in the steam, then lean over the steam that comes from hot tea or a bowl of soup while you work or walk. The purpose and effect of inhalation remains the same, even if the source of the vapor is completely different.
   • A humidifier can also be used for a similar method of cleansing the sinuses.

Method 2 of 3: Inhalation with herbs

1. 1 Pour 250 ml of water into a saucepan. Boil water on the stove and simmer for 1-2 minutes until strong steam forms. Then remove the pot from the stove.
2. 2 Add 1-2 drops of essential oil. Start with 1 drop in 250 ml of water. The following essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal or antiseptic, which means they can kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can infect the sinuses:
   • Spearmint or peppermint... Peppermint and spearmint contain menthol, which has antiseptic and immunostimulating properties.
   • Thyme, sage and oregano... These herbs stimulate the immune system and have antibacterial properties. They also speed up blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels.
   • Lavender... Lavender is known for its soothing and antibacterial properties. It will help you calm down and relax, as well as relieve you of anxiety and depression.
   • Black walnut oil... If you know you have a fungal sinus infection, add black walnut oil to your water. It has antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
   • Tea tree oil... Tea tree oil has antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It also relieves symptoms in some people with sinus infections.
3. 3 Use dried herbs. If you don't have the aforementioned essential oils on hand, you can substitute half a teaspoon of dried herbs for 250 ml of water.
   • Add the herbs and let them simmer for a minute, then turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove, then start inhaling.
4. 4 Always check herbs for backlash. Every time you try a new plant, try it first to make sure there is or isn't an adverse reaction like sneezing or skin irritation. Prepare the decoction and inhale the steam from the new herbs for a minute. Then move your face away from the steam and wait 10 minutes.
   • If there is no irritation or other adverse reaction, warm up the water and inhale.

Method 3 of 3: Using other home remedies to relieve sinus pressure

1. 1 Humidifier. To improve the condition of your sinuses, place a humidifier in your bedroom at night. A humidifier creates steam and moist air that will help cleanse your nasal passages.
   • If the nasal passages are blocked, you should keep the nasal passages and sinuses moist. Many people think that dry air is needed if you have a runny nose, but it will only further irritate the lining of the nasal passages.
   • Humidifiers are especially useful in winter when the air in most homes is kept dry due to central heating.
   • Even having a hot water bottle near your ear will have a similar effect and help draw fluid out of your ears.
2. 2 Take a hot shower. Taking a long hot shower will have the same effect as the steam inhalation described above. Hot water from the shower creates warm, moist air, which helps to cleanse the nasal passages and relieve pressure in the sinuses.
   • You will achieve a similar beneficial effect by placing a warm compress on your face to help open the nasal passages and relieve the pressure you feel in your sinuses.
3. 3 Drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters per day), as this will loosen mucus and prevent sinus congestion, thereby relieving pressure.
   • The thinned mucus is more likely to leak out. If you start to feel pressure in your sinuses, try to drink plenty of fluids.
4. 4 Keep your head up. When going to bed, place some pillows under your head to lift it up. This will help you breathe easier and prevent mucus from accumulating in your sinuses.

Tips

• Steam inhalation can be used in combination with oral antibiotics and antifungal medications. If you use a nasal spray, the steam may irritate you. If you are using a nasal spray, you should consult your doctor before starting inhalation.
• If you do not feel any improvement within five to seven days of inhalation, call your doctor.

Warnings

1. • Do not lean too close to the steam pot and keep your head a safe distance from the water (no closer than 30 cm).
   • Never inhale over boiling water, otherwise you can burn yourself with the steam.
   • Keep children away from boiling water.