What is the Best Drink for Sinus Congestion?

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Staying well-hydrated is one of the most effective strategies for managing sinus discomfort. In fact, drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, promoting better drainage. To find out what is the best drink for sinus congestion, consider your options beyond just water.

Quick Summary

The best drinks for sinus congestion are warm, hydrating liquids like herbal teas, clear broths, and hot water with lemon and honey. These beverages help thin mucus and provide soothing relief. It is also important to avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeine.

Key Points

Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of water is the most crucial step for thinning mucus and relieving congestion.
Warm Liquids Soothe: Warm drinks like herbal teas and broths provide soothing relief, while the steam helps loosen mucus.
Herbal Teas Offer Benefits: Ginger and peppermint teas act as natural decongestants due to their anti-inflammatory and menthol properties.
DIY Remedies Work: Homemade concoctions using apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon can aid in sinus drainage and provide antibacterial support.
Avoid Dehydration: Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided as they can worsen dehydration and swelling of the nasal passages.
Complementary Therapies: Combining hydrating drinks with steam inhalation and humidifiers can provide even more comprehensive relief.

Why Hydration is Your First Defense Against Congestion

When your sinuses are congested, the mucus in your nasal passages becomes thick and sticky, making it difficult to drain. Staying properly hydrated is the most fundamental way to combat this, as it helps to thin out the mucus. This simple act allows your body to clear the nasal passages more easily, relieving pressure and stuffiness.

The Power of Water and Broth

Plain water is your most essential tool. Drinking eight or more glasses throughout the day can make a significant difference. However, for an added boost of warmth and electrolytes, especially when feeling under the weather, clear broths are an excellent alternative. Chicken or vegetable broth provides essential nutrients and hydration while the steam offers an additional decongesting effect.

Soothing Warm Herbal Teas

Warm herbal teas are a beloved remedy for colds and congestion, and for good reason. The warmth and steam can help open your airways, while specific herbal ingredients offer therapeutic benefits.

Popular Herbal Tea Options:

Ginger Tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the swelling in your sinus cavities. The pungent flavor can also help to clear your nasal passages.
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural decongestant. The strong aroma and hot steam can help break up mucus and provide a cooling, soothing sensation.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help relax the body and mind, promoting rest. While not a direct decongestant, good rest is crucial for recovery.
Turmeric Tea: The active compound curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce sinus inflammation.

DIY Sinus-Clearing Concoctions

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, several homemade drinks can be prepared to help alleviate congestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Drink

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains potassium, which can help thin mucus. The acetic acid in ACV may also prevent bacteria growth. When combined with honey, a known throat soother and potential antibacterial agent, you get a powerful drink. To prepare, mix:

1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV
1 tablespoon of honey
8 ounces of warm water

Lemon and Honey Hot Water

This classic remedy is effective for a reason. The warm liquid soothes a sore throat and helps with hydration. The lemon provides a dose of Vitamin C to support the immune system, and the honey offers a mild antibacterial effect. Simply mix the juice of half a lemon and a spoonful of honey into a mug of hot water.

What to Avoid When Congested

Just as some drinks are beneficial, others can make your congestion worse. It's crucial to know what to steer clear of.

Dehydrating Beverages

Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. It also causes swelling of the nasal and sinus lining, which worsens congestion.
Caffeine: Drinks like coffee, black tea, and soda with caffeine also have a diuretic effect. It's best to limit or avoid them when trying to rehydrate.

Comparison of Sinus-Relief Drinks


Drink	Primary Benefit	Additional Perks	Avoid When	Best Time to Drink
Warm Water	Thins mucus	Simple, pure hydration	Not applicable	All day
Herbal Tea	Decongestant steam	Anti-inflammatory properties	Caffeine-containing	Morning or evening
Clear Broth	Hydration & electrolytes	Soothing, anti-inflammatory	High sodium content	Anytime, especially with meals
ACV & Honey	Thins mucus, antibacterial	Supports immune health	Stomach sensitivity	Once or twice daily
Lemon & Honey	Soothes throat	Vitamin C boost, antibacterial	Lemon acidity bothers stomach	As needed for throat pain

Complementary Remedies for Added Relief

Beyond what you drink, other actions can help relieve sinus congestion. Combining these with a hydrating diet can provide comprehensive relief.

Steam Inhalation: Breathing in the steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower can significantly loosen mucus. For an added benefit, consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Be cautious to avoid burns from hot water. You can find more information about effective home remedies for sinusitis from the American Rhinologic Society.
Humidifiers: Using a humidifier, especially in a bedroom overnight, adds moisture to the air and helps soothe dry, irritated nasal passages. This is particularly helpful in dry climates or during winter.
Saline Rinses: A neti pot or saline spray can flush out mucus and irritants directly from the nasal passages, providing immediate relief from pressure and congestion.

Conclusion

While a warm, herbal tea or a clear broth are excellent choices for soothing and hydrating the body during a period of sinus congestion, the single best drink is simply water. Optimal hydration is the foundation for thinning mucus and allowing your body's natural drainage processes to work effectively. By combining plenty of water with warm, therapeutic beverages and avoiding dehydrating culprits, you can significantly improve your comfort and help speed up your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

While simple water is the most important, warm liquids like herbal teas (especially ginger or peppermint), clear broths, and hot water with lemon and honey are highly effective for relieving sinus congestion.

While there is a common belief that dairy increases mucus production, scientific evidence does not consistently support this claim. However, some people find that dairy products thicken their phlegm, so it may be beneficial to temporarily reduce your intake if you notice it exacerbates your symptoms.

No, it is not safe to ingest essential oils unless they are specifically formulated and approved for internal use by a medical professional. The best way to use essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint is through inhalation, such as in a steam bowl or a diffuser.

Staying hydrated is a continuous effort. You should drink fluids consistently throughout the day. Herbal teas or special concoctions can be enjoyed a few times a day as needed, especially when symptoms are at their worst.

Cold drinks are not necessarily bad, but warm or hot liquids can offer more immediate relief. The steam from warm drinks helps loosen mucus, while the warmth is soothing. Cold drinks can still provide hydration, which is the most important factor.

Some people find that spicy foods, particularly those with capsaicin (like cayenne pepper), can temporarily clear nasal passages. This effect is short-lived. While it can be a helpful addition to your diet, it is not a substitute for proper hydration.

It is strongly recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages when you have a sinus infection or congestion. Alcohol is a dehydrating agent and can increase the swelling of the nasal and sinus membranes, which will worsen your symptoms.