|
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies
Natural sinus infection remedies - Use herbs, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, and aromatherapy to treat sinusitis.
The sinuses are the cavities in the bones around the nose, the eyes, and the cheeks. Mucus-producing membranes line these cavities and serve as a protective front against
airborne irritants and germs. However, when sinuses cannot drain properly, mucus accumulates and the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen. The result? Sinus
infection, also known as sinusitis.
With sinus infection, it may be difficult to breathe through your nose because the nasal passages are all clogged up. Because the swollen membranes can fill up the sinus
cavities and press against the cheek bones, the area around your eyes and face may feel swollen, and you may have throbbing facial pain or a headache.
Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is most often caused by the common cold, or the flu. Other triggers include bacteria,
allergies and fungal infections.
Chronic sinusitis is sinus infection that lasts more than eight weeks or keeps coming back. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by recurring colds and flus, but can also be
caused by repeated exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen, tobacco, or mold spores. In addition, chronic sinusitis may be caused by nasal polyps or tumors.
No matter what the cause is, sinus infections are unpleasant and often painful. The best way to tackle sinus infections is to first find out the root cause. Then we
can use natural remedies to strengthen the immune system, to alleviate the sinusitis symptoms, and if possible to eradicate the root cause of the infection.
Symptoms of Sinus Infections
Acute and chronic sinusitis have more or less the same symptoms, except that for chronic sinus infections, the symptoms last for a long time. Some of the symptoms of
sinus infection include:
- Thick, yellow or greenish discharge
- Nasal congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
- Pressure and pain around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
- Aching in your upper jaw
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Cough, which may be worse at night
- Fatigue or irritability
- Sore throat
- Toothache
- Bad breath
- Fever (more often in acute cases; rarely in chronic sinusitis)
Top
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies
Conventional treatment of sinus infections include the use of nasal spray (sometimes nasal corticosteroids) and oral corticosteroids. Antibiotics are
sometimes prescribed for sinusitis if it is caused by a bacterial infection. All these medications are not without side effects, so if you have a sinus
infection, especially an acute one, natural remedies using herbs, homeopathy, nutritional supplements and aromatherapy may be a better choice.
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies - Herbs
Quite a few herbs can not only strengthen the immune system, but some are also antibiotic and natural decongestants. For example:
- Garlic: Garlic is antibiotic. It fights infection and also helps to drain sinuses. You can take garlic pills (250-500 mg twice a day), or use whole cloves of garlic
in soups.
- Echinacea and Goldenseal: Echinacea is excellent in boosting your immune system and is effective for all sorts of infections. Research has shown that echinacea speeds
the healing of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Goldenseal is a powerful broad-spectrum herbal antibiotic and is one of the most effective herbal treatments for
acute bacterial infection. When used together, echinacea and goldenseal are effective in treating acute sinus infection by enhancing immune function and reducing mucus
congestion.
Top
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies - Nutritional Supplements
Several nutritional supplements make effective natural sinus infection remedies as well. They include:
- Bromelain: Bromelain, a compound found in pineapple, is useful for treating acute sinusitis because it has a natural anti-inflammatory effect. Some herbalists suggest
combining 250 to 500 milligrams of pure bromelain with goldenseal to fight acute sinus infection.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C has anti-allergy and immune-enhancing effects. Take 1000 mg twice daily for sinus infection.
- Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil is anti-inflammatory. Take a teaspoon of the oil daily if you have sinusitis.
- Grape Seed Extract: Grapefruit Seed Extract, according to published sources, is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral organisms, 100 strains of fungus,
and a large number of single-cell and multi-celled parasites. GSE nasal spray is natural and safe and provides relief if you have acute sinusitis.
Top
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies - Aromatherapy
Essential oils that are effective for sinusitis include:
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Geranium
- Oregano
- Tea Tree
You can put a few drops of any of the above oils in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. Alternatively, put a drop of peppermint and a drop of lavender on a tissue or
handkerchief and inhale.
Top
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies - Homeopathy
Homeopathy for sinus infection involves identifying your symptoms and choosing a remedy that closely matches the symptoms. For acute sinusitis, take a low potency
(e.g. 30C) twice a daily for two weeks. Once you begin to notice improvement, stop taking the remedy unless the symptoms return. Consult a holistic practitioner if
you are not sure if a remedy is effective for your symptoms.
- Belladonna: This remedy is helpful if your sinus infection is in its first stage. You have a fever and throbbing pain, especially
on the right side of the sinus.
- Bryonia: This remedy is indicated if you feel sinus pain when you bend your head downward. You also feel thirsty and are irritable.
- Hepar Sulphuris: This remedy is for you if you have a clogged, sore nose that is made worse by even the slightest draft.
- Kali Bichromium: This remedy is effective if you have a discharge of thick, yellowish-green muscus that causes pain at the root of the
nose.
- Silica: This remedy is good for chronic sinusitis where the nasal cavities will not drain. You feel worse in the cold air, but the
sinuses feel better with cold applications.
Natural Sinus Infection Remedies - Diet
If you have an acute sinusitis or if you are prone to sinus infections, avoid foods that cause mucus to form, such as chocolate, eggs, and refined flours. Stick with
foods that produce little or no mucus, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, seeds and nuts, and cold-pressed oils.
Some foods and spices can facilitate mucus drainage. You may want to add some of the following to your soups or meals:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cayenne
- Tumeric
- Horseradish (Japanese Wasabi)
Related Topic
Allergy Natural Remedies
References
Balch and Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004).
J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. (St. Martin's Paperback, 2002).
MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com).
TOP of Natural Sinus Infection Remedies
|
| Top 10 Most Visited Pages |
|---|
|
| Homepage | Links | 