A sinus headache is usually caused by blocked sinuses or a sinus infection. This is due to thick mucous that blocks the nasal and sinus passages. The resulting headache may be difficult to get rid of. Continually taking medications can cause side effects and may be responsible for long-term damage of internal organs such as the liver.

Here are some natural sinus headache remedies that you can try.

Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated. As mucous thickens, it blocks the sinus and thus causing a headache. At the first signs of a sinus headache you should increase your water intake. If possible stick to clear liquids such as water and tea as these help irrigate the body quickly. You may not be drinking enough if your nose is stuffy. Keep a bottle of water with you and take small sips from it throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to a headache.

Sinus headaches are most common in dry weather because sinuses become dry and clogged. There are ways to increase the humidity in the air. You can either use a portable humidifier or boil some water on the stove to humidify the air. A common sinus headache remedy is to create a steam tent for your face. Lean over a pot of steaming water and place a towel over your head to help keep the steam in. Inhale the steam for 5 minutes at a time. This will help thin the mucous and relieve a sinus headache.

Another sinus headache remedy is to apply a hot wet compress to the face. Wet a washcloth with hot water and fold to fit over the nose and cheeks, putting warmth directly over the sinus and nasal cavities. This will help loosen the mucous and ease the pressure of a sinus headache. You can use a cold compress on the forehead to help shrink the membranes and ease the pain of a headache. This is especially helpful at the onset of a headache and may lessen the severity.

There are herbal remedies for sinus headache that can be just as effective. Some herbs can ease the pain associated with a sinus headache.

Add peppermint or eucalyptus to boiling water and inhale the steam. This helps to immediately open up nasal passages and makes breathing easier.

Grapeseed extract helps to ease sinus headache pain and shrink membranes.

Feverfew contains substances that inhibit the release of mood hormones in the brain. For best results, use fresh feverfew. When this isn't available, consume as tea or in capsule form. Some doctors recommend taking feverfew with bay to prevent a sinus headache. You can often find this combination available in a health food store.

Ginger has long been known to relieve and also to prevent headaches. It is anti-inflammatory and contains substances that help to relieve pain. Take in capsule form, according to directions.

You may need to try several sinus headache remedies to find one that works for you. Most of the sinus headache home and herbal remedies mentioned above are safe and effective, without the negative side effects associated with drug medications.