Help for the cold that won’t end

Spring weather changes can trigger sinusitis, swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining the sinus passages. And the stuffiness, headache and facial pain can seriously sap energy: A Harvard study found sinusitis sufferers had more severe fatigue than folks with heart failure or COPD! Luckily, these tricks can help

Make a mist

Switching on a humidifier is one of the easiest ways to break up mucus and soften air ways. Always be sure to drain and clean the humidifier daily to prevent bacteria growth, and use distilled water since tap water has minerals like calcium that can collect in the unit. When dry, it can enter the air as dust and make breathing problems worse. Don’t have a humidifier? Standing in a hot, steamy shower helps too.

Spritz with this

Oil of oregano combats bacteria and fungi that cause sinusitis. In a study in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, using a spray containing the oil t wice daily reduced sinusitis symptoms like congestion and pain better than a steroid spray. Try: North American Herb & Spice Sinu-orega Nasal Spray ( Vitacost.com).

Squeeze and release

Squeezing the tips of your f ingers and toes for 15 seconds each signif icantly eases sinusitis symptoms, suggests a University of Wisconsin study. Stimulating pressure points here ups blood f low to sinuses, increasing delivery of oxygen and taming inf lammation.

Rinse right

Nasal irrigation rinses f lush mucus from sinus cavities, easing pressure and congestion. Supercharge your rinse by using Dead Sea salt saline. It has a higher concentration of magnesium, which Malaysian researchers found inhibits histamine release and produces an anti-inf lammatory response.