Dear Mama Tenza: Sinus A Pop Mi Dung

Dear Mama Tenza,

My sinuses are driving me crazy! I’m dark like chocolate but, di way mi a sneeze, mi a guh redder dan Santa jacket at Christmas! I’m not sure if something is going around in the air but I can’t seem to get over these allergies. I don’t want to be visiting the doc’ for the rest of 2019! What do I do? Mi seriously frustrated.

                                                                                           – Clog-up Claudia

ADVICE

Oh Putus! There are things you can do that will help alleviate your discomfort. Many things can be the cause of sinus infections or inflammation at this time of the year. Let’s take it step by step, ok?

Strengthen Your Immune System

• Garlic has powerful antimicrobial properties (agents that kill or stop the growth of tiny organisms that cause infections) that help in boosting the immune system and aid in the prevention of possible congestion and inflammation related to allergies. Taking a clove at nights before bed should be good for you.
• Echinacea Tea in the morning and evening for ten days can also boost immunity.

Headache Relief

A build-up of mucus tends to increase tendencies of headaches. This build up, or congestion, is a major contributor to sinus pressure headaches. Loosening the mucus can be done by:

• Having spicy foods like Cayenne, Chili, or Jalapeno: These help with the secretion of mucus. Mucus draining will definitely help with headache relief – it might mek yuh nose run … But dat betta dan headache, don’t it?
• Acupressure Massage: Applying pressure to the back of the head, where the neck meets the skull, tends to relieve tension. Circular motions with moderate compression and deep breaths will allow for relief.
• Aromatherapy Compress or Diffusion: Diffusing Menthol Crystals, Peppermint, Lavender or Eucalyptus essential oils can offer soothing relief of congestion, or even coughs, that may cause headaches. Also, soaking a towel in warm water infused with these oils, then wrapping it around one’s head for compression, can also allow for relief. 

Sore/Itchy throat and coughs 

• Thyme and honey, elderberry or ginger and lemon teas, can all lessen the effects and, also, completely get rid of sore or itchy throats related to nasal irritations. These herbs are antispasmodic as well – so coughing shouldn’t be an issue either.

Try these remedies, keep hydrated, exercise daily and you should enjoy your 2019. Stay warm too and remember to always live well!