Halt Headaches Fast

Ahh, fall. Turning leaves, crisper air … and colds, stuffiness, and allergy attacks, all of which can leave your head pounding. Sinus headaches are as much a part of autumn as tailgate parties, and not nearly as fun. You know you’ve got one when pain and tenderness is concentrated behind the eyes, over the bridge of the nose or in the middle of the forehead or cheeks. What to do? Our dream team of experts weighs in.

the m.d.
Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor for NBC News, medical expert for BeWell.com and member of the Spry Support Team
Over-the-counter remedies like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help dull the pain. But to ease pressure, try using a neti pot once or twice a day. Fill this teapot-like ceramic container (available at health food stores and pharmacies) with a cup of warm water and a little salt, tilt your head back and pour the fluid into one nostril and then the other. No relief? You may have an underlying infection, so see a doctor.

the mind-body expert
Dr. David Simon, medical director and co-founder of Chopra Center for Wellbeing and co-author of The Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices
Put a drop of nasya oil (available at health food stores) in each nostril. It’s gentle and has a low concentration of essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus and peppermint that are released throughout the day to keep sinus passages open.

the nutritionist
Cheryl Forberg, Spry columnist and Spry Support Team member
Treat yourself to a cup of chicken soup. Although no one knows exactly why, a slew of doctors agree that it seems to work wonders. It may be that the steaming broth acts as a decongestant or a combination of ingredients elicits an anti-inflammatory response. Either way, few foods offer the same soothing combo of savory flavors and old-fashioned memories.