Clogged sinuses and clogged ears often affect people at the same time. That's because sinus infections are one of the top causes of blocked ear passages and ear infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinus infections lead to inflamed mucous membranes. Home remedies for sinusitis can treat both clogged sinuses and ears, or you can add herbal ear drops if clogged ears remain a problem after sinuses clear.
Steam Inhalations
Herbs or essential oils added to steaming water release their properties directly into your nasal passages when used in steam inhalation therapy. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eucalyptus essential oil, while Barbara Griggs, author of "The Green Witch Herbal," suggests a generous handful of either chamomile or yarrow flowers. Pour a kettle of boiling water into a basin and add 3 to 5 drops essential oil or the fresh flowers. Bend over the sink, keeping your face at least 8 inches from the steaming water. Hold a towel over your head to trap the steam inside. Stay inside the steam tent for at least 10 minutes.
Turnip Syrup
For congested chests and sinuses, try the "old country remedy" Griggs relates. Remove the inside of a large turnip, much as you would a pumpkin when making jack-o'-lanterns. Fill the turnip cavity with honey. Let sit overnight, and take 2 tsp. of the resulting syrup every few hours.
Garlic Nose Drops
Another remedy mentioned in "The Green Witch Herbal" involves infusing 3 chopped garlic cloves in a small glass of cold water. Leave overnight and strain. Put the garlic water in a clean nose drop bottle, or snort the liquid by putting a small amount in your hand and breathing deeply. Plug one nostril, place the liquid under the other nostril, and breathe in through your nose. Reverse the process with your other nostril.
Forehead Pastes
Forehead pastes are a home remedy mentioned by the website GrannyMed for unclogging sinuses. Mash up the recommended botanicals with enough of the liquid to adhere to your forehead. Recipes include cinnamon-water, ginger-milk or ginger-basil leaf-garlic. Moisten the latter with olive oil, if necessary.
Herbal Eardrops
Warm oils are a time-tested method for treating clogged and aching ears, Griggs notes. Prepare herbal ear drops in the summer by filling a clean jar with equal parts chopped garlic and mullein flowers and steeping on a sunny windowsill for two weeks. To use, gently heat a small amount of the oil and have someone add 5 drops to your ear as you lay on your side. Hold the oil in place with a cotton ball. Repeat on the other side if both ears are clogged. Alternatively, use 1 tbsp. of warm olive oil and 1 to 2 drops lavender essential oil.
Foods
Griggs suggests adding specific vegetables and herbs to your meals that have "unclogging" properties. They include horseradish, onions, turnips, garlic, watercress, plantain and sage. GrannyMed website additionally recommends jalapeño peppers and grape juice.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinusitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ear infection
- GrannyMed: Treating Sinus Infections with Home Remedies
- "The Green Witch Herbal"; Barbara Griggs; 1994
