Herbal Teas to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Herbal Teas to Relieve Sinus Pressure
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Sinus pressure is another way to describe congestion. Congestion occurs when the lining of the nasal passages become inflamed due to an irritant such as a virus or allergen. Various types of herbal teas may help remedy the discomfort associated with sinus pressure. They may even improve other symptoms that accompany the underlying cause, such as thinning mucus or soothing a sore throat. Consult a health care professional before using herbal remedies.

Basic Herbal Tea

Herbal teas can be made by steeping various parts of different herbs in hot water and consuming the liquids. Purchasing any type of herbal tea at a store and drinking it can improve sinus pressure in a number of ways. Commercial herbal teas may contain several herbs including fruits, plants and other caffeine-free herbs. MedlinePlus suggests inhaling steam to calm congestion and help thin mucus. Preparing the water for tea can give off steam that can be inhaled. Drinking warm liquids of any kind can thin mucus secretions that often accompany sinus congestion. Adding honey and lemon to any herbal tea can make it a cough suppressant and mucus-thinning beverage.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is a type of herb often used to treat or prevent the cold or the flu. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the herb's ability to prevent or treat these ailments has yet to be fully proven, but suggests that some studies have led to the conclusion that the herb can make a person feel better faster, implying that echinacea tea may boost immune system functioning. When considering echinacea tea, it is important to consult a health care professional or other qualified professional for assistance in acquiring a high quality supplement.

Ginger Root Tea

Ginger root tea can be made by chopping fresh ginger and boiling it in water. The tea can be sipped as it cools. The flavor of ginger can be bold, even spicy to some individuals. This form of herbal tea can calm a sore throat, and the spice can help relieve sinus pressure by helping to open the constricted nasal passages suggests the New York Times Health Guide.

Menthol Teas

Menthol vapors can reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Examples of this type of tea include eucalyptus leaves, peppermint and spearmint. Eucalyptus leaves can be steeped in hot water to form an herbal tea remedy for sinus pressure. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the leaves are thought to have expectorant, antiseptic and inflammation reducing abilities. These three characteristics contribute to the reduction of sinus pressure and mucus thickness. To prepare the tea dried leaves are used. Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested. Eucalyptus oils and other forms of eucalyptus can give off soothing vapors to reduce congestion. Similarly, peppermint and other menthol herbs can provide this benefit.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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