Natural Sinus Relief: Holistic Options for the Whole Family

If you're new to homeopathy, let me give you a quick overview of what homeopathy is. Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that has been used for over 200 years to support the body’s healing process. It works on the principle of “like cures like,” meaning that a substance that can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person can also help relieve those same symptoms in someone who is unwell when given in diluted doses. You can learn more about this principle here.

Homeopathy offers a wide range of remedies to address sinus pressure, congestion, and recurring infections. Each remedy is chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms. Below are some of the most commonly used options for both adults and children.

This is my favorite remedy for all things sinus related. Sanguinaria is helpful when sinus pain occurs at the root of the nose or centers around the right side of the face or head. There's often a burning or throbbing pain and discharge from the nose may be yellow. It's my personal go-to when my sinuses just feel dry and congested. And when clients tell me they have sinus headaches, I often recommend this remedy in combination with Belladonna which I will discuss below.

Belladonna is such a wonderful pain remedy in general. So when there's a sudden and intense onset of sinus pain, reach for this remedy. The person needing Belladonna may have flushing of the face, a heavy and/or throbbing feeling in the head, and sensitivity to light and noise. They may also experience nosebleeds and frequent sneezing along with the sinus complaints. I like to use this remedy in a 3c potency combined with Sanguinaria 200c for sinusitis. This is a wonderful protocol used by the Banerji family of homeopaths in India.

This is probably the second most used homeopathic remedy in my practice for sinus issues. Kali bi is indicated when nasal mucus is thick, sticky, and stringy and green or yellow in color. It's so thick that the person will constantly be trying to hawk up the mucus. Similar to Sanguinaria, the person may feel pressure at the root of the nose and they may lose their sense of smell. Sinus issues that call for Kali bi are often worse from damp weather.

When there's chronic post-nasal drip from the sinuses, consider Hydrastis. Discharge from the nose can range anywhere from white to yellow to green, and it will be fairly thick. It’s often chosen when the person has a dull headache behind the eyes or a sore throat from the post-nasal drip.

Hepar sulph is known as our homeopathic antibiotic. And what do doctors prescribe for sinus infections (when bacterial in nature)? An antibiotic. So reach for this remedy instead. It's helpful for sinus discharge that is thick and yellow and smells like old cheese. There can be post-nasal drip and painful sores in the nostrils. Someone needing this remedy may sneeze or have sinuses that become congested when they go out into cold air

Choose this remedy when sinus congestion is linked to allergies or the flu. Sneezing fits, watery eyes, and itching inside the nose are common. One side of the nose or the other will be stuffy rather than both sides at the same time. And symptoms that may respond well to Sabadilla tend to worsen from strong smells or exposure to flowers.

Lycopodium is a right sided remedy which makes it a good choice when sinus pressure affects the right side. There could be a feeling of fullness and difficulty breathing through the nose causing the person to mouth breathe. Nasal discharge is generally thick and yellow and the person may feel the need to blow their nose often.

When a person has recurrent sinus infections or suffers from chronic allergies that affect the sinuses, Calc carb is a must. Use this remedy on a more long term basis and choose some of the other remedies mentioned above for the acute sinus condition when it presents. I like to use a 200c potency every other day for a few months to see if the person's overall health state improves.

Helpful when nasal discharge is thick, yellow-green, and changes throughout the day. Symptoms are often worse in the house and improve with fresh air. Pulsatilla could be a good remedy if the sinus issues are accompanied by frequent sneezing and a frontal headache.

SinusCalm is a combination remedy made by Boiron that can easily be found in most health food stores and drug stores. It combines three homeopathic remedies (two of which I've discussed above) that can be helpful for general sinus pressure, congestion, or headaches when you’re unsure which single remedy fits best. It's a mainstay in our household because the kids don't have to guess which individual remedy they need to use.

When you are dealing with acute sinus issues, you can use one or more of these remedies that best match the symptoms you are experiencing. Use them every 1-3 hours depending on the severity. If you find after 4 doses that you're not getting any relief, stop and reconsider your remedy choice.

For your convenience, I've added a Sinus Relief area in my Fullscript Dispensary where you can find many of these remedies for easy purchasing.

Homeopathic remedies work best when paired with simple habits that keep the sinuses clear and calm. These gentle approaches can support healing for both kids and adults.

Hydration - Drinking enough water helps thin mucus so it can drain more easily. Warm teas, bone broth, and water can be especially soothing during congestion.

Saline rinses or sprays - A saline rinse can gently flush out irritants, pollen, and thick mucus. For children, a simple saline spray may feel more comfortable and still provide good relief.

Steam inhalation - Warm steam can loosen congestion and ease facial pressure. You can sit with a warm shower running in the bathroom or use a bowl of hot water and a towel for older kids and adults.

Air purifier - An air purifier with a HEPA filter can improve indoor air quality and help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants that trigger congestion. This can be especially helpful during allergy seasons or in homes with pets, carpets, or older ventilation systems.

Avoid irritants - Perfumes, chemical cleaners, smoke, and other scents can irritate sensitive nasal passages. Consider switching to fragrance-free or natural cleaning options to reduce flare-ups.

Warm compresses - A warm cloth over the cheeks or forehead can offer simple relief from the discomfort of sinus pressure.

Immune support - Consistent sleep, nutrient-rich meals, time outdoors, and regular chiropractic care can help the body respond more effectively to sinus triggers.

Most sinus issues clear with rest, gentle home care, and the right homeopathic remedies. However, it's never a bad idea to get yourself or your child looked at by a medical provider if you have concerns. If there is a high persistent fever that won't go away, severe swelling around the eyes, thick discharge with a strong odor that doesn't improve, or difficulty breathing, these could be instances when you'd want to seek medical attention. This evaluation could provide you some peace of mind and give you a clear plan for moving forward.

Sinus discomfort can take a toll on the entire family, but gentle, non-drug support is available. With the help of homeopathic remedies and simple daily habits, many parents find that congestion, pressure, and recurring infections become easier to manage. Homeopathy works with the body’s natural rhythms, which makes it a comforting option for families who want relief without relying on harsh medications.

The next time you or your child has sinus pressure and/or congestion, opt for homeopathy first. If sinus conditions become chronic and recurring, reach out to me for a consult so that we can address the underlying cause and eliminate this issue for good. I love supporting families as they navigate using homeopathy in their healing journey.