6 spicy foods to reduce nasal congestion and headaches caused by sinusitis in cold weather

Often, the stuffy nose and headache caused by sinusitis will put your taste buds in a dormant state. By adding a little spice to your meals or drinks, you can help awaken your taste buds and relieve the discomfort caused by a sinus infection. These spicy foods are not a cure, but only a temporary relief.

1. Ginger reduces congestion, swelling, and pain caused by sinusitis

Ginger is widely used in Asia as a spice and medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Ginger is extremely useful in treating sinus infections. Ginger is rich in natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines. These natural agents reduce congestion, swelling, and pain and will help relieve the painful symptoms of a sinus infection.

Ginger helps the body fight off colds or flu. Chinese medicine recommends ginger to help relieve coughs. A popular tea (originating in India) made from ginger, lemon, and honey is said to help clear nasal passages by steeping the tea so that the warmth and steam help relax and clear the nasal passages. The pain-relieving properties of ginger will also help the body relieve the aches and pains of congestion and headaches.

2. Radish helps relieve sore throats and stuffy noses

Regardless of the color of radishes, they act as a natural decongestant and also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. They have a spicy kick, so they can help relieve sore throats and nasal congestion because they are rich in vitamin C.

White radish has the ability to improve blood circulation and dilate blood vessels, thereby helping to prevent and treat migraines. If you suffer from migraines due to sinusitis, add white radish to your regular meals to improve this condition.

Take some raw radish and chew it or drink its juice or cook it in your dishes. Drinking radish juice not only clears clogged airways and removes excess mucus but also helps fight diseases.

3. Garlic has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao, Hanoi Medical University Hospital: Garlic contains compounds that help the immune system fight viruses. Garlic contains a compound called alliin, which when crushed or chewed, turns into sulfur-containing allicin, giving garlic its distinctive smell and taste, creating the healing properties of garlic.

For deep sinus infections, garlic can be especially helpful. When crushed, garlic actually has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that can help speed up the body's healing process.

Garlic has an active ingredient in garlic called allyl thiosulfonate that is thought to temporarily relieve nasal congestion. Eating raw garlic will give you a spicy taste that will overwhelm your taste buds and may make your eyes water, but it will make breathing a little easier.

Eating raw garlic has the downside of unpleasant garlic breath but mixing it into salads or even dressings can reduce that.

4. Onions help clear clogged sinuses

Onions have a pungent, spicy flavor unlike chili peppers, and this pungent vegetable not only makes your eyes water when sliced, but also helps clear up clogged sinuses. Onions are high in quercetin, a flavonoid that improves respiratory function by reducing inflammation and acts as a natural antihistamine to combat allergic reactions. Chop raw onions to add a delicious flavor to salads, or chop them up and add them to baked goods and stews.

Brown onions have the most pungent flavor, followed by white onions.

5. Spicy mustard reduces nasal congestion

A delicious condiment that helps relieve congestion is mustard, the spicier the better. When eaten, mustard will reduce nasal congestion, clear the nose, watery eyes, and be a little strong in the head. The reason is that rapeseed oil stimulates the 5th cranial nerve, stimulates the sympathetic system, contracts the nasal mucosa, and contracts the lacrimal sac. Take a teaspoon mixed with soy sauce, lemon and chili spices... to make a great dipping sauce, sauce for sashimi, grilled dishes...

6. Chili peppers help loosen clogged mucus and clear congested airways

Chili peppers help loosen clogged mucus and clear painful congested airways.

Chili peppers are the hottest on the list and also the most effective. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a natural pain reliever. In addition, the reaction or the body has to runny nose and watery eyes will help to release clogged mucus and open up the blocked airways that cause pain. Chili peppers can be eaten raw, or chili peppers can be pickled in fish sauce, vinegar, or chili powder in dishes.