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Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

Amish home remedies for sinus pain – onion poultice, garlic tea, neti pot, and horseradish honey that are safe, effective, and have stood the test of time.

As someone prone to migraines and sinus congestion, I know first hand that sinus pressure can make your face and head feel like it’s going to explode.

When our sinuses get clogged, pressure gets put on the surrounding areas leading to headaches and pain.

Instead of using prescription or over-the-counter medication, the Amish have relied on natural home remedies that are safe, easy to use, and provide fast relief.

I’ve included three that I found in an Amish home remedy book that I picked up from St. Mary’s County on one of our trips down south to the racetrack.

The onion poultice and horseradish honey are my favorites. The honey is also great as a condiment on salads and savory meats like pork chops or roasted chicken.

Traditional Amish Home Remedies for Sinus Pain

Onion Poultice

natural remedies for sinus pain headaches

An onion poultice is one of the best known Amish home remedies used to break up mucus, reduce inflammation, and clear blocked sinuses.

Onions contain sulfur compounds which have antibacterial, antiviral, and expectorant properties. This makes them highly effective at loosening mucus and congestion.

How to Make an Onion Poutice:

  • Chop 1 medium onion (yellow or white works best) into small pieces.
  • Lightly sauté the onion in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until warm but not browned. This activates the sulfur compounds.
  • Wrap the onions in a thin, clean cloth. A piece of an old cotton t-shirt or well-loved dish towel works well for this.
  • Apply the onion poultice to your chest, throat, or sinus area (around the nose and forehead). If it feels too hot, place a thin cloth between the poultice and your skin.
  • Leave it on for about 15 minutes and breathe slowly but deeply while the vapors work to break up mucus.

Use the onion poultice while lying down and relaxing. The warmth and onion vapors help open airways and improve circulation in the sinus area. It can be repeated 2–3 times a day, as needed.

Garlic Tea

natural remedies for sinus pain headaches

Garlic is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powerhouse. Garlic contains allicin, a divine compound that helps to fight infections, reduce inflammation, and thin mucus so it can drain more easily.

Drinking garlic tea supports the immune system and is a great way to help clear sinus congestion and infection naturally.

How to Make Garlic Tea:

  • Peel and crush 2 to 3 garlic cloves. Damaging the clove releases allicin which is the active healing compound we need
  • Add the garlic to a small pot containing 2 cups of water and bring to a low simmer.
  • Let simmer for 15 minutes then remove from heat.
  • Remove the garlic either with a fine mesh strainer or spoon and pour the tea into a cup.
  • Add raw honey and fresh lemon juice as desired to boost taste and provide extra immune support.

Drink 1 to 2 cups daily when dealing with sinus congestion or an infection. It will help clear mucus, fight bacteria, and soothe irritated sinuses.

Horseradish Honey

natural remedies for sinus pain headaches

Horseradish is a natural decongestant that quickly clears stuffy sinuses, promotes drainage, and reduces nasal swelling.

Horseradish contains compounds that stimulate circulation and break down mucus making it easier for sinuses to drain. When mixed with honey, the combination soothes the throat and enhances antimicrobial properties.

How to Make Horseradish Honey:

  • Grate 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh horseradish root using a fine grater or zester.
  • In a small glass jar, mix the horseradish with ½ cup of raw honey.
  • Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Take 1 teaspoon every few hours to help ease sinus congestion. You can also mix it into warm water or herbal tea if you prefer. The horseradish will stimulate nasal drainage, while the honey will coat the throat and help fight bacteria.

Don’t Forget About the Neti Pot

natural remedies for sinus pain headaches

When I first heard of the concept of a neti pot (even as a nurse), I immediately shot down the suggestion. On my worst day, I was not interested in doing anything that required me to blow water from a silicone tea pot up one nostril and out the other.

That position changed when I ran out of my migraine prescription for Imitrex, had a raging sinus infection, and was nearly desperate. I pulled the neti pot out and have been a changed person ever since. It’s actually not as bad as it seems.

As I’ve preached to many of my patients (and can now personally stand by!), rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can clear out mucus, allergens, and bacteria that cause sinus congestion.

I am now a proud believer that a neti pot is a simple yet powerful tool used for this exact purpose.

How to Use a Neti Pot

Mix a cup of warm distilled water (water that has been boiled and allowed to come to room temperature) with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda.

Pour the solution into a clean neti pot. Tilt your head sideways over the sink and place the nozzle in one nostril. Let the solution run through one nostril and out the other.

Clearing the sinuses a few times throughout the day will help keep the sinuses clear and prevent mucus buildup that leads to pain and headaches.

More Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu

Homemade Vapor Rub for Congestion

Amish Fire Cider

Amish Cough Syrup with Flaxseed, Honey, and Lemon

Natural Remedies for Coughs in Babies & Toddlers

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