Dealing with sinus infection is too frustrating and annoying – Isn’t it? However, it isn’t too hard to treat sinus infection at home with home remedies like apple cider vinegar. Yes, it’s true because it contains anti-inflammatory, mucus thinning and anti-bacterial properties.
Why do we get sinus infection? Sinuses are small cavities present in the skull which produce mucus and warm up the inhaled air. When bacteria enter into these cavities, sinus get inflamed restricting the flow of mucus. The mucus gets clogged up and creates congestion in the sinuses leading to pain, fever and headache.
And here in today’s article, we will explain how you can use apple cider vinegar for sinus allergies effectively and get instant relief.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help a Sinus Infection?
- The acidic content, antiseptic and antibacterial properties of ACV eliminate the bacteria and prevent the infection from getting chronic.
- When taken orally, the high pH levels of ACV breakup the mucus and clears the airways. Therefore, you can consume apple cider vinegar for stuffy nose problem as well.
- It contains B1, B2, A, and E, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients which clear sinus cavities, reduce allergy symptoms, boost immune system and prevent infection.
- It acts as natural antihistamine which prevents the production and release of histamines.
How to Cure Sinus Infection with Apple Cider Vinegar?
There are several methods of using apple cider vinegar for treating sinus infection. For your convenience, we have mentioned them below.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This method works perfectly for treating sinus infection, allergies and sinus headache. If you are having ACV for the first time, then it is better to start with small amounts like 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoon.
- Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of lukewarm water.
- To enhance the flavor, add enough amounts of stevia as per your taste.
- Mix well and consume it.
- Repeat the method 2 times in a day for best results.
- Gargle with this mixture for added results.
Note: Alternatively, you can combine 16 ounces of water and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. You can sip throughout the day.
2. ACV Steam
The steam vapors help to open up the blocked nasal passages and thin down the mucus which in turn helps to drain out the sinuses.
- Combine 1/2 cup each of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Heat the mixture on the stove for 5 – 7 minutes.
- Once the mixture is boiled, remove it from the flame.
- Inhale the steam coming from the mixture for 3 – 5 minutes. Close your eyes and mouth while inhaling the vapors. Make sure you are not too close the mixture as it can cause burns.
- Repeat the process regularly for best results.
3. ACV Brew
This process makes a DIY decongestant which clear the mucus from the nasal passages and helps in proper breathing. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which helps to reduce inflammation. Honey contains strong anti-bacterial properties. Lemon juice contains vitamin C which cures and prevents infections.
- Combine 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Bring the mixture to boil and remove from the flame.
- Now, add 1 tablespoon of honey and cayenne pepper into it.
- Add some lemon juice, stir well and consume it.
- Repeat the process regularly to achieve the desired results.
Note: For extra benefits, add a pinch of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder into it.
4. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Allergies
Honey contains strong antibacterial properties which fight with the bacteria causing infections.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey into a cup of warm water.
- Stir well and consume the mixture immediately.
- Repeat this method regularly to cure sinus infection.
5. ACV for Sinus Rinse
This process makes a DIY nasal spray which helps to get rid of sinus infection. Apple cider vinegar rinse eliminates the mucus that clogs the cavities and clear out the nasal passages. It also loosens the mucus and prevent the infection from becoming chronic.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into cup of lukewarm water.
- Using a spoon, snort a tablespoon of the solution in one nostril.
- Tilt your head back and allow the solution to run down the back of the nose and down the throat.
- Either spit out or swallow the solution.
- Repeat with the other nostril.
- Follow the process whenever required.
Note: If you know how to operate neti pot, then you can use it for this process.
6. ACV with Honey and Flaxseed
- Mix 2 tablespoons each of ACV and V8 or orange juice.
- Add the liquid to flaxseeds and add a little honey.
- Drizzle the mixture over a salad and eat it.
- Repeat regularly to get relief from sinus infection.
Tips and Precautions:
- If you cannot withstand the taste of ACV then you can take it in supplements form or capsules to fight sinus infection.
- Practice healthy habits like drinking plenty of water, washing your hands, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Use saline sprays frequently to keep your nose moist.
- Place a warm compress on you face covering nose and eyes for as long as possible and several times in a day. It helps to thin down the mucus, reduce pain, headache and facial soreness.
- Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks which lead to dehydration. It is also one of the reasons for sinus infection.
- Consuming excessive amounts of apple cider vinegar for sinus infection can irritate the esophagus, damage teeth, cause canker sores or sore throat. So, it should be diluted before consuming ACV if concerned about these risks.
- ACV can react with other drugs and supplements such as diuretics and insulin, leading to medical problems like potassium depletion.
- Always consult your doctor before trying out any remedies for treating sinus infection.
- Avoid trying the above mentioned remedies, if you are pregnant, diabetic or breastfeeding.
- Avoid consuming cold drinks and ice-creams until you get relief from sinus infection.
- As dairy products increase phlegm, it is better to avoid them in your daily food routine.
- Taking ample amount of rest helps supports speedy recovery.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep your nasal passages moist.
If you are using apple cider vinegar for sinus allergies, keep a track of how you are feeling and the improvement you are making. If you haven’t seen any improvement even after few days, then consult a doctor.
You can share your queries, suggestions and experiences in the comment section below. We will reply to your queries as soon as possible.
75 comments
Hello,
In regard to the sinus remedy: 2 tablespoons of ACV and 1 cup of water seems to be a little too much. Does the entire mixture have to be used or do we just use what we need?
As a naturopath who uses 2 oz – not 2 tb – in warm ginger tea – sometimes with a bit of marshmallow and/or sage with added depending on my need at the time – plus raw honey in an amount a bit less than is recommend here (it goes w/o saying standard liquid honey is devoid of all but sugars, and thus useless to our common goal) in 12 oz tea cups, which I drink within 10 minutes of its making, I can say both through personal experience and professional opinion, the former of which is of most import
as the one recipe fits all dictum, which is no better than what allopaths are taught in medical school – that there is one dose for each drug for each individual no matter hight, weight, metabolism, or sex – that the 2 tb recommend in 6 oz of warm water is about on the general mark. But as I said and will say again – everyone is different and thus requires varying amounts of any ingredients listed anywhere online, in books, heard of from friends, etc. and one may either experiment by following intuition or see a trusted herbalist or certified naturopath (though honestly we all have an innate ability to know what is right for us as individuals and I would certainly choose experiment over appointments and money).
Great question. I’m feeling nervous of trying this concentration. Admin: any comment?
PS. .. According to wikipedia: “a United States tablespoon is approximately 14.7 ml, a United Kingdom tablespoon is exactly 15 ml,[1] and an Australian tablespoon is 20 ml.[2]” I wonder what is being recommended here. (I’m in Australia).
We have mentioned quantities in standard format. Slight change in the quantities will not have any major changes so you can follow the quantity as per your country.
If the mixture is too strong for you then dilute apple cider vinegar in more amounts of water.
I’ve been using acv as a nasal rinse for years. I mix the acv with warm water and use a bulb syringe to squirt it up my nose. I do feel this helps with my seasonal allergies and helps to speed up recovery from a cold.
Hi, I have had weekly 2 day headaches for 4 years. Nothing helps with the pain (I’ve had everything under the sun) apart from Tramadol. I would normally avoid alcohol when I have a headache but I’d had such a bad day at work yesterday that I bought a few bottles of Cider on the way home. When I’d drunk 3/4 of one bottle I discovered that my headache had nearly gone! My headache came on again today so I tried it again and it’s worked. I’m thrilled as my headaches are ruining my life (2 days a week, not thumping but continuous pain) but I don’t want to become an alcoholic. After reading this article I’m putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with Apples. I have eaten apples when I have a headache and nothing happens so would you recommend Apple Cider Vinegar in this case?
Have you tried mangosteen juice? it took my headaches away. I think it could help you too.
My daughter is suffering from allergies and sinuous all her life.With apple cider vinegar rinse for the nose it is improving and under control..Is it safe to use the vineger rinse daily? Salt water rinse does not work too well with her..
Instead of repeating daily, try apple cider vinegar method till it clears the nostrils and sinuses. Once they get cleared, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it. It strengthens the immune system and prevents sinus infection.
What is the amount i use??
How do i make it?
I tried two tablespoons in a cup of warm water for a sinus rinse, using a Neilmed sinus rinse bottle, and it felt like someone stuck a hot poker up my nose. I am going to try a small amount and work up from there to see what is reasonable. Does anybody else have advice on what works? Have you used two tablespoons and *not* felt searing pain?
I use it too but I also use the salt that comes with the bulb and a pinch of baking soda kills the burn, sinuses burn because they are raw and inflammed. I have dizziness with mine so I hope as I use this mixture it goes away fast.
Baking soda will react with ACV and probably weaken the acetic acid in it, which is actually good for you; even if your nose objects to it. LOL.
For sInus fungus, I use saline solution mixed with a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to clean the nose (make sure you bend you head DOWN as much as you can while rinsing the sinuses) – after a few weeks of this, your SMELL should come back… that is if you can”t smell because of the Rhino fungus in the sinuses.
With ACV, I use 1 tablespoon with a small glass of water (~ 4 inches tall glass) and drinking straight up.
Then I rinse my mouth and also gargle with water a couple of times to protect your teeth enamel.
Yes! Worst pain I have ever felt! I tried lowering the amount in the water, but still killed!! I will try using the salt and a littler baking soda as someone it
I just tried this solution and it worked. I just used a tablespoon in each nostril, waited about 20 minutes and my sinuses are clear. I’ve had bad congestion for about 4 days and tried different allergy and cold medicines and the acv/water worked faster than anything else.
Good to hear your experience Dierdra.
I have been advised by my Dr to have sinus surgery.
To remove a thick coat of mucus in my sinuses cavity. It is on my bone. I refused, hoping I could find a more natural remedy to remove the infection. I am constantly get pneumonia and bronchitis every 3 to 4 weeks along with sinus infection and the headaches…
I do salt water nasal flushes. I drink ACV with ginger, cinnamon and lemon juice on a daily basis. I drink Essiac tea and also do Coconut oil pulling.
I want to try the ACV nasal flush also to avoid surgery. Anyone gone thru this. I have been suffering with this for a straight 18 mths.
I didn’t know I had this bad of infection till 2 mths ago.
Hi Dear Sir /Madam
Is there any anti-fungal to drop in my Nostril ? to stop Chronic RhnioSinusitis?
Regards
Ahmad
We only recommend natural solutions to problems here. Use the methods mentioned in the article as per your convenience. Apart from that avoid sugars and mycotoxic foods. Consume omega 3 fatty acids. Get proper sleep and perform meditation.
I just tried the 2 tbsp of acv in a cup of warm water for a nasal rinse. It really burned going down.and it wasn’t the water. It isn’t hot. Oye, I hope it works.
How did it go, Jill?
i also tried putting a cold compress over my nasal sinuses and it didn’t help at all either….. 🙁 i used this remedy in my neti pot and it’s been really terrible. full disclosure: i have used this remedy before… and it seemed fine after just a few minutes of sinus burning torture. I have been stuffed up for 4 months from seasonal allergies… but no green or yellow snot so there’s no infection it’s just hay fever. last time i used this remedy, there WAS green and yellow snot and it got rid of the infection lickity split with no side effects…. last night I used this and it’s still crazy today. immediately i felt like someone filled my sinuses with a thousand fire ants… so i tried to take a hot soak bath and occasionally put my face in the hot water to warm up my sinuses and hopefully make them drain some of it. that didn’t help. i blew and blew and stuff came out just not all of it. that was all after trying to just flush with plain distilled water at first. so i tried taking a nap with no pillow so hopefully my head would be cocked back just enough to let it drain out the back and just escape down my throat but it did barely anything. so i was woken up from a phone call and then i went back in the bathroom and took a realllly long realllllly steamy shower to see if that would help… nope didn’t really help.. i even put vapo rub on my chest so when some of the steam and hot water hit, it would create a cloud of menthol that should help de-stuff that should go straight to my nose…… this really didn’t help either… so i flushed again with the plain distilled water….which helped for all of 2 seconds. the only time i got any relief was when i was eating or once i could finally fall asleep. it also made me weirdly dizzy like with vertigo so I felt unsafe to drive as one of my thoughts was to maybe go around the corner to walmart to get some afrin or mucinex to clear it out. Well so now i’m 12 or so hours later and while i’ve had some relief that weird sinus burning sensation is still there. it’s not as bad as last night but it’s still there. it reminds me of how it felt when i was a kid and we would do hand stands or other upside down swimming things in the pool and the chlorine water burned. that feeling of needing to violently shake your head to get it out that lasted 20minutes at the most with that situation lasted over 6 hours with this. that “chlorine water burnt the crap outta my sinuses’ feeling that lasted a few hours to the rest of the day is still lingering. I’ve run out of ideas and i suppose it’s tolerable now… my theory now is that it’s just tolerable enough i should just leave it alone because the body will shed it or whatever naturally and in time i hope i don’t have any lingering weird side effects. the suggestion to say “if you think this concentration is too strong, then dilute it” doesn’t make the most sense because like me, you’d never know it was too strong until afterwards. I did make it the same concentration as before and i didn’t put the neti pot wash packet in the water as i did last time i used this remedy successfully. idk what to say but that i won’t likely be trying this again….. though i might try drinking the acv drink that boosts immune system. i will note that we had a cold front moving in yesterday (which i didn’t know until after i’d done this) which i think was why the sinus pressure felt unusually bad which was what led me to wanting to use this remedy in the first place.
I did the nasal rinse with the cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ACV, trying a tablespoon in each nostril. It BURNS. I know it has to be doing something because my nose is running and I’m blowing out large amounts of mucus. I tried to snort it 2 days but I couldn’t keep torturing myself like that. I stopped for 2 days and then I put the rest of it in a NeilMed bottle. I have been doing it 2 days now with that. Still burns but I get the whole tablespoon in each nostril because I don’t have to inhale at the same time. Today my ear hurts so I’m using Willow/Garlic ear oil because it takes the pain away almost instantly. I’m using Olive Leaf complex for my throat being sore now. I will probably take a tablespoon of local honey to soothe my throat as well. My chest now feels heavy so I’m wondering if i should add Fenugreek and Thyme in the mix so I don’t develop and upper respiratory issues. I’m guessing all of this is from the large amounts of mucus I have draining now. I’m really trying to do more natural remedies but I just wanted to make sure this is all to be expected. I have used other natural remedies and I know they aren’t always instant so I feel worse for a day or 2 then I’m great. Is this what I should expect and need to give it some time or am I doing something wrong?
Oh, also everything smells like a wet dog, dog poop, or old cardboard. It makes the smells go away for a while or not be as bad.
All these effects like sore throat might be due to mucus. As you already home remedies take some time, follow the process you have been using for another 2 – 3 days. If the problem still persists, then consult a doctor.
The nasal rinse was only supposed to be 1/2 teaspoon to one cup water and snort up a little up each nostril That would burn! The way you did it was meant to drink
I”ve had a ad sinus headache for the past two days. I read several things online about ACV rinse but was very skeptical. I took the plunge last night and added 1/2 tsp into my neti rinse bottle and it burned like crazy BUT … when I was done, my nose started to run (all clear mucous thank goodness) and my headache was instantly gone. I was amazed. I did it again tonight and honestly the burn was awful. I didn’t have nearly as much mucous but I think I might try to use less ACV because the pain is brutal ?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
To avoid burning, make sure to add Neil med salt packet and 1/2 to 3/4 tea spoon ACV in Neil med bottle. Without salt, you will experience burning sensation.
I have used salt water solution for a sinus rinse before. I use 1/4 tsp of salt to 1 cup of water. Can’t I simply add the ACV to this? Would mixing salt with ACV be a bad thing?
You can just add 2 -3 drops of apple cider vinegar into salt and water rinse solution. More than 2 -3 drops of acv can cause severe burning sensation in the nostrils.
Thank you. I have been using 1/2 tbsp in 1 cup of water and it does burn a lot. I will reduce the amount the next time. I also put 1/4 tsp od salt in the same mixture, hoping this would reduce the burning, but it doesn’t. The apple cider vinegar has helped tremendously, though.
I have many sinus problem. too side in my nose.i want regularly use this medicine.please tell me ..can thise medicine completely empty my sinus?
Yes, it can help to clear the blockage and congestion in the sinusitis which eventually helps to eliminate the sinus problem.
Hi I just tried the ACV rinse yesterday for the firstime in long time since 2008 i had clear nose no bleed and no mucus with a Fresh breath. but it felt so hot in my nostrils and eyes turned red. ? But am gonna try its again. For howlong can I use this?
You can repeat until the symptoms reduce.
So, I started drinking a ACV mixture every morning 2 days ago. (10oz water, 2 tbsp ACV, and 1 tbsp RUHoney) And, now my nose won’t stop running? It’s clear and watery like allergies and I’m sneezing a lot, too. Is this from the ACV or is it just a coincidence? Could I be allergic to ACV??? Or is this a detox thing? Not sure if I should do this tomorrow morning…
Your sinus cavities should drain out the mucus and allergens causing the sinus infection. So, don’t worry and continue the process for another 3 days. The sneezing and draining should reduce in this time period. If the draining and sneezing doesn’t reduce in 3 – 4 days then stop using this method and try a different one.
I tried 2 tablespoons of apple cider with 1 tablespoon of honey with a cup of warm water, took two sips of it and my head started to feel uneasy as if it was pulling something out and it affected my breathing. Do anyone know what could be going on? Should I continue ?
Avoid continuing the acv process and try different remedies. You can find more remedies in this article – http://wellness.guide/sinus-infection/
Hi everyone, I have had a chest infection which went on to tracheitis and airway problems, I have so much mucus in my tubes and have a hard job trying to cough it up, would the Apple Cider Vinegar actually help shift this problem? I have had 2 lots of antibiotics, but the infection had gone now but not all the mucus. Any suggestions would be very welcome. Thank you.
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels which break up mucus and clear airways. Add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a glass of warm water and drink it. Repeat this process 3 times in a day. If you haven’t seen any improvement within a week then stop using this method.
i tried to use a pure acv as a nasal spray in my nostril and it feels like a punch my nose, and thats my first time of this remedy and i did this last night, but what can i say is… this is very effective!
my question is.. is this safe?? and can i continue this method??
Yes, it is safe. You can repeat whenever you need to get relief.
I got great benefit with acv….for very severe format of cold allergy and sinusitis….along with honey ginger garlic….now the question….whether acv alone give the same benefits..now ..as the problem is almost 60 to 70 % controlled?
Yes, ACV alone can also provide relief from the sinus infection.
How do u drink this?? I’ve been in an out of dr office they keep telling its ur sinuses last week I did antibiotics I still have pressure in the back of my head ears I’m so over it!!! Can I just drink 1 tablespoon in a cup of water??
Perhaps you should edit your original post to reflect your response to Kevin in which you say to lower the amount of ACV for nasal rinses considering how many are having a hard time with two TBSP per cup as per your original directions.
The quantity of apple cider vinegar depends on the person’s capability of handling it. Some people can handle it while others cannot. If that quantity is causing unbearable sensation then you have to reduce it and try it.
I agree with Bob. Would you consider including your above Admin comment and give the lower dose option as well to your readers, please? Really enjoy your site by the way!!! ?
I suffer from a stuffy nose for almost a couple of months now and use different medicated nasal sprays to combat this. Would using ACV as a drink or ACV rinse help better?
ACV helps to get relief from stuffy nose. For more methods you can read this article – http://wellness.guide/stuffy-nose/
Just tried the nasal cleanse. It was the most painful thing I ever sucked up my nose.
Reduce the amount of salt next you try the process to decrease the pain and burning sensation.
Good rule of thumb is to taste test the solution. Generally if the mix (with salt and/or vinegar is strong to the taste buds then it will be too strong to sniff into the nostrils.
Thanks for your suggestion.
I use 1/2 tsp per warm cup (8 oz) and have no burning.
I m suffering frm sinusites frm last 1 year.The doctor hv adviced fr a nasal surgery but i dnt want to go with that…….is there any best home remedy which i shall use so that i will get rid of this infection in future…plz reply
Steaming is one of the best ways to prevent sinusitis. Apart from that maintain good sinus hygiene by drinking plenty of water to keep the mucus thin. Stay away from pollution, avoid strolling in dusty environments and keep away from allergens.
I had sinus issues and would get bad headaches esp when the barometer pressure changes. The last month or so I’ve been drinking ACV with water and honey and apple cinnamon tea and just a couple days ago I realized my nasal passage way was clear. I didn’t even feel stuffy nor did I get headaches. I didn’t realize it honestly until recently. So I googled to see if ACV had any effects on this and I guess it did. I too am not quick to take medicine and like to cure things naturally if I could so knowing this is great!
Should I use natural cider vinegar or organic apple cider vinegar?
You can use organic apple cider vinegar.
I did the 1/2 tsp to 1 cup warm water acv flush with my neilmed sinus rinse bottle. I did not put the salt in. Yes it burnt terribly for a minute each time i squeezed the mixture up into my passages but I even felt the burn where my headache has been in the back of my head. Which is great I did get relief for a few hours but its coming back. How many times a day and how many days do I do this for before it should be cleared up if its going to work? Is the way I mixed it the correct or best way to get rid of this sinus infection/inflammation i have going on? I am also drinking 2 tablespoons diluted with a couple ounces of water 2 times daily as well. Today was my first day for both.
Repeat the sinus rinse process twice or once in a day until you get relief from the sinus.
Does the burn diminish after you use the sinus rinse for a few days? 1/2 tsp to 1 cup of water. Should I stop nasal rinse after I feel better or use it indefinitely to prevent infections?
The Dr. Prescribed antibiotics, which I took for 14 days. My infection was not gone. Prescribed another antibiotic, Leviquin, and the side effects were horrible after only one pill. He prescribed another antibiotic in the same family. I’m not going to take it. As painful as it is, I hope this nasal rinse works! Thank you!
Is it safe or beneficial to inhale heated acv vapors from a saucepan? Would this clean your airways or cause damage?
my baby of 2yr has a serious case of sinusis can I use the apv strategy for him
Everyone who has posted that a one table spoon to one cup ratio of acv to water burned their sinus a little need to clarify. It doesn’t just burn a little, it feels like someone poured acid into my sinuses followed by gasoline and a match. It has been half an hour sinse I neti pot rinsed the mixture and I cannot handle the pain. It is brutal. Like cry all the way to the ER brutal. I don’t know what to do. Deactivate the vinegar with baking soda? Can’t find an answer.
I figured that would be the case.
Don’t have a solution for you, but a drop of malt vinegar went up my nose while I was eating over Christmas and that was agony.
No idea how the author expects people to intentionally snort the stuff.
This is a very good article on the benefits of ACV yet there is also another natural remedy which many users have had positive experiences with and that is Oregano Oil. A very effective combatant against the dreaded sinusitis.
Oh yes, oregano oil has many of its own benefits
Can you use an ACV rinse in a neti pot ?