How to Use Steam to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD

Last Updated: October 29, 2024 Approved

Steaming is an old method of relieving sinus pressure without chemicals or drugs. The steam helps open up the nasal passages and thin out the sometimes thick mucus, thereby enabling it to drain out of the sinuses. Steam treatments can be used along with medicinal pain relievers, antibiotics, and antifungal treatments as prescribed by your physician. If you are already on medication, continue taking the medication along with steam treatments. However, if you have not yet consulted your physician, try these steam treatments first. If you don't experience relief within five to seven days, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Steam Only

Download Article

1
Fill a one-quart pot with water. Boil the water on the stove for a minute or two or until it is steaming vigorously. Then remove the pot from the heat.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Place the hot pot on a heat resistant mat on a table.
- Keep any children away from the pot while it is boiling and while it is steaming. Try to do a steaming treatment when there aren't any children around.
2
Cover your head. Drape a large, clean cotton towel over your head and then place your head over the steaming pot.
- Close your eyes and keep your face at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) away from the water. You want the heat to enter your nose and throat, but you certainly don’t want to damage or burn yourself.
Advertisement
3
Breathe. Inhale through your nose and out through your mouth for five counts. Then reduce the inhales and exhales to two counts.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Repeat for 10 minutes or for as long as the water is still steaming.
- Try to blow your nose during and after the treatment.
You can give yourself a steam every two hours or as often as your schedule permits.
5
Consider steaming on the go. If you're busy and not able to boil a pot of water and sit over it, consider placing your face over the steam coming from a hot tea or bowl of soup when you're at work or out and about. The goal and effect is still the same, even if the source of steam is different!^{[3]
X
Research source}
- A humidifier can also be utilized for this method of relieving the sinuses.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Steaming With Herbs

Download Article

Boil the water on the stove for a minute or two or until it is steaming vigorously. Then remove the pot from the heat.
2
Add 1-2 drops of an essential oil. Start with 1 drop/quart of water. The following essential oils have either antibacterial, antifungal or antiseptic properties, meaning they can kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can infect the sinuses:
- Spearmint or peppermint - Both peppermint and spearmint contain menthol which has antiseptic and immune-boosting properties.^{[4]
  X
  Research source
  Kamatou GP, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Lawrence BM., Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties.Phytochemistry. 2013 Dec;96:15-25.}
- Thyme, sage, and oregano - These herbs boost the immune system and have antibacterial properties. They also increase circulation of the blood by opening up blood vessels.^{[5]
  X
  Research source
  Fournomiti M, Kimbaris A, Mantzourani I, Plessas S, Theodoridou I, Papaemmanouil V, Kapsiotis I, Panopoulou M, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou EE, Alexopoulos A. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cultivated oregano (Origanum vulgare), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2015 Apr 15;26:23289.}^{[6]
  X
  Research source
  Sienkiewicz, M.,Łysakowska, M., Ciećwierz, J.,Denys, P.,Kowalczyk, E.Antibacterial activity of thyme and lavender essential oils. Med Chem. (UAE); 7(6): 674-689, 2011.}
- Lavender - Lavender is known as a soothing herb that also has antibacterial properties. It will help you feel calm and relaxed and can relieve anxiety and depression.^{[7]
  X
  Research source
  Ait Said L, Zahlane K, Ghalbane I, El Messoussi S, Romane A, Cavaleiro C, Salgueiro L.Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Lavandula coronopifolia essential oil against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Nat Prod Res. 2015;29(6):582-5.}^{[8]
  X
  Research source
  Sienkiewicz, M.,Łysakowska, M., Ciećwierz, J.,Denys, P.,Kowalczyk, E.Antibacterial activity of thyme and lavender essential oils. Med Chem. (UAE); 7(6): 674-689, 2011.}
- Black walnut oil - If you know you have a fungal sinus infection, add black walnut oil, which has antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties.^{[9]
  X
  Research source
  Rathi,P. Ahmad, M., Tomar,A. Study on Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of WALNUT (Juglans nigra) OIL.Int.J.Curr.Res.Chem.Pharma.Sci.1(7):51-55. 2014.}
- Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil has antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties and has provided relief to some people suffering from sinus infections.^{[10]
  X
  Research source
  Hammer, KA., Carson, CF., Riley, TV. Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil}
3
Use dry herbs. If you don’t have the above essential oils on hand, you can substitute ½ teaspoon of dried herb per quart of water.
- Once you add the herbs, boil for another minute, turn off the heat and move the pot to a comfortable area and begin steaming.
4
Always test any herb for sensitivity. Each time you try a new herb, give yourself a test to make sure that you don't have any adverse reaction, such as sneezing or skin irritation. Make the concoction and steam your face with the new herb for about a minute. Then, take your face away from the steam for 10 minutes and wait.
- If you don't notice any irritation or other reaction, reheat the water and do the full steam treatment.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Other Home Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Download Article

1
Use a humidifier. To help improve the health of your sinuses, place a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. A humidifier produces steam and moist air, which will help clear out the nasal passages.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- When your nasal passages are blocked, you need to focus on keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist. Although many people think that if you have have a runny nose, that dry air is the trick, dry air only further irritates the membranes in your nasal passage.
- Humidifiers are especially good during the wintertime because the air in most homes is very dry due to central heating.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Even placing a hot water bottle near the ear may have a similar effect and help to draw out ear fluid.
2
Take hot showers. Taking a long, hot shower works very similarly to the steam treatments described above. The hot water from the shower creates warm, moist air that is useful in clearing out blocked nasal passages and relieving sinus pressure.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You also achieve a similar beneficial effect by placing a warm compress on your face to help open up your nasal passages and relieve any pressure you might be feeling in your sinuses.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
3
Drink fluids. Make sure that you drink lots of water (at least 8 full glasses a day) because this will thin out your mucus and can help prevent sinuses blockages, and thereby ease pressure.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Thinned out mucus is much more likely to drain. Whenever you feel the beginnings of sinus pressure, make a concerted effort to stay hydrated.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
When you go to sleep at night, place a couple of pillows beneath your head so that it is elevated. This will make breathing easier and keep the sinus pressure from building up.^{[17]
X
Research source}

Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series

Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief.

1

Expert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home

2

Clear Your Sinuses and Ears

3

Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube

4

16 Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion

5

How to Clear Your Sinuses at Home

6

Clear a Sinus Infection

Video

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I treat a 2 year old baby with a sinus infection?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

I would use caution using steaming techniques to relieve sinus pressure in a child. I would seek medical attention from a trained pediatrician instead.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question

Is there a plant that helps with sinusitis?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Eucalyptus has a real and positive affect on the sinuses. I recommend using products with Eucalyptus extract to reduce sinusitis symptoms.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Steam treatments can be used along with medical treatments like oral antibiotics and antifungals. If you are using nasal sprays, there may be additional irritation caused by the steam. Consult your physician before doing a steam treatment if you are currently taking a nasal spray.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If the steam treatments do not provide improvement within five to seven days, call your physician.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Avoid leaning in too close to the pot of steaming water and be sure to keep your face a safe distance of 12 inches from the steaming water.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Never do a steam treatment over boiling water due to the risk of burning yourself.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 9
Always keep children away from boiling water.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 8