By now, you probably already know that Apple Cider Vinegar is a true lifesaver. Whether it be used to flavor salads, clean the home or treat illness, raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar is much safer and just as effective. If you experience sinus headaches and congestion, drop the decongestant spray and pills and grab a spoonful of vinegar instead!
1. Minimalist ACV Drink
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains vitamins B1, B2, and B6; biotin; folic acid; niacin; pantothenic acid; and vitamin C (1). It’s a safe and time tested remedy, having been used in medicine for over 2000 years.
Vinegar has antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties that work together to fight the cause of your sinus pain (2).
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of ACV
- 8 oz. of boiled water
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients together and drink quickly to clear your sinuses and soothe a sore throat.
2. Vinegar Steam
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Get one daily health post update delivered to your inbox each AM.Steam helps thin and loosen mucus to clear your airway and makes it easier for you to breathe. The steam also moisturizes and soothes swollen sinus tissue.
Combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of ACV, this steam treatment is the perfect non-invasive treatment for instant relief.
You’ll need:
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of ACV
- A towel
- A small saucepan
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a saucepan and heat until it gets steamy.
- Pour the water into a large bowl.
- Lean your face over the bowl and place towel over your head. This will keep the steam around your head and relieve your symptoms.
3. Sweet ACV
Viruses cause 90 – 98% of acute sinusitis cases, although bacterial and fungal infection may also cause the condition (3). While ACV can fight them on its own, vinegar and honey have been used as a combined treatment for hundreds of years .
Honey boosts the immune system to fight off infection and promote the healing of sore and inflamed nasal and sinus tissue. Just like it repairs intestinal mucosa, honey heals the tissues lining your sinuses to prevent future infection (4).
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 8 oz. of hot water
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients and make sure to inhale the steam as your drink.
4. The Ultimate Decongestant
Instantly breathe easier with this powerful combination.
Lemon fights inflammation and boosts the immune system while capsaicin, the active compound of cayenne pepper, thins mucus to help it drain out (5,6). Ginger, on the other hand, kills the bacteria, virus or fungus causing you pain and swelling (7).
Ingredients:
- ¼ a cup of apple cider vinegar
- ½ a teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ½ a teaspoon of powdered ginger
- 3 tablespoons of raw organic honey (manuka if possible)
- Juice of a ¼ lemon
Instructions:
- Combine ACV and lemon in a small saucepan over low heat and simmer fro a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and add other ingredients.
- Let it cool.
- Store in a glass jar with a lid and take 1-2 tablespoons every two hours to heal sinus infection.
5. Spicy Sinus Tonic
Horseradish is known for leaving a powerful sting in your nose after eating it. This slight discomfort actually helps fight sinus pain and infection (8). If you want give it a try, keep the tissues nearby: your sinuses will really drain.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of ACV
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey
Instructions:
- Combine vinegar and horseradish into a small glass and quickly drink and swallow it.
- Although you will be tempted, do not eat or drink anything for 5 minutes to let the root do its magic.
- After 5 minutes, follow up with a teaspoon of honey the relieve your mouth and throat.
- Take twice a day for best results.