Sinusitis is inflammation, and almost
always infection, of the air-filled bony cavities surrounding the nasal passages. It
typically develops following a cold or a bout of hay fever. It may also be associated with
a dental infection. Mucus fills the sinuses and then becomes infected, typically with
bacteria: haemophilus, pneumococcus, staphylococcus or streptococcus. Sinusitis causes
nasal congestion, sometimes severe pain across the nose and cheeks and often a headache as
well. Only a small fraction of colds progress to sinusitis. But in susceptible people,
almost anything that starts as a cold can turn into a sinus infection.
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 | Natural Supplements for
Sinusitis |
- There are a number of herbs that
can help treat this condition.
- (Allium sativum) and onion (A.
cepa)
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These
related herbs are broad-spectrum antibiotics. Garlic is the more potent, but onion still rates in my
book. Many studies have confirmed garlic's antibiotic activity, most recently
a study of people with AIDS who took the herb to ward off all sorts of opportunistic
infections, including sinusitis. Take capsules if you like, but I prefer to peel and chop
whole garlic cloves and use them as food. Naturopath Jane
Guiltinan, N.D., chief medical officer at Bastyr University in Seattle, feels the same
way. With my perverse affinity for alliteration, may I suggest my Sinusoup. Begin with
your vegetarian minestrone and add heaping helpings of garlic and onions, plus horseradish, hot pepper and
ginger. On a cold winter day, it warms the soul as it opens the sinuses. Research |
- (Hydrastis canadensis)
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This is
another powerful broad-spectrum herbal antibiotic, with at least two active constituents,
berberine and hydrastine. Naturopaths Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.,
president of Bastyr University, call goldenseal the most effective botanical treatment for
acute bacterial infection. I'd have to agree. Lately I've combined goldenseal with echinacea and used it to treat all sorts of minor
infections. Research |
- (Echinacea, various species).
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Native to
the American Plains, this herb was a favorite American Indian remedy for all sorts of
infections. German researchers have shown beyond any doubt that echinacea is an immune stimulant that speeds the healing
of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Studies in other countries support these
findings. Research |
- (Eucalyptus globulus)
- (Mentha piperita).
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Aromatherapists
suggest rubbing diluted essential oils of eucalyptus or peppermint on the forehead and temples to relieve
sinusitis. Mix a few drops of either or both oils into a couple of tablespoons of
vegetable oil before applying it to your skin. You can also add a few drops of the
essential oils to your bathwater. But use these oils sparingly, as too much can be
overwhelmingly caustic. And never ingest them; even a small amount can be toxic. If you don't have these herbal oils on hand, the bruised
leaves work well. You can mash some leaves, moisten them with water and make them into a
poultice. Either place it on your chest or stuff it into your nostrils (be careful not to
push it in too deeply). In Lesotho, Africa, people push crushed mint leaves up their
nostrils to deliver the antiseptic oil to infected sinuses. I have tried this myself and
think it helps. If you don't have peppermint on hand, any mint will do, including spearmint,
mountain mint (except if you are pregnant) and oregano, all of which contain antiseptic
essential oils. I'd also suggest drinking tea made with eucalyptus and any of the mints. |
- (Ginkgo biloba).
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Ginkgo is
best known as a treatment for the infirmities of old age, particularly stroke, because it
increases blood flow in and around the brain. But this herb also has respiratory benefits.
Several herbalists I respect recommend it for sinusitis. The active constituents in
ginkgo (ginkgolides) occur naturally in a concentration too low to be beneficial. The
standard commercial extraction process boils down 50 pounds of leaves to get 1 pound of
medicinal extract. When you buy ginkgo, look for a 50:1 extract and follow the package
directions. You can try 60 to 240 milligrams a day, but don't go any higher than that. In
large amounts, ginkgo may cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness. Research |
- Horseradish
- (Armoracia rusticana).
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I'm a big
believer in horseradish (and Japanese wasabi) for clearing the sinuses. You might try a
straight spoonful of ground horseradish if you're extremely brave, or you can add this hot
herb to my Sinusoup. |
- Pineapple
- (Ananas comosus).
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Bromelain, a compound found in pineapple, is useful for
treating sinusitis, according to pharmacognosist (natural product pharmacist) Albert
Leung, Ph.D., co-author of The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients.
Naturopaths say that combining 250 to 500 milligrams of pure bromelain with goldenseal enhances the herb's already potent
effectiveness. I enjoy pineapple and its juice, so I'd probably chase my goldenseal capsule with the juice rather than taking a
bromelain pill |
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- Product Recommendations
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- HAS
- Hayfever, Allergy, Sinus
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A fast-acting all natural nasal decongestant with Pseudopephedrine
supported by many beneficial herbs.
This formula is for the temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold,
hayfever or other upper respiratory allergies.   |
- Breathe Aid formula is a respiratory aid, helpful in
most respiratory disorders.
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Especially those centered in the lungs or bronchial which involve dry cough or
irritation. Demulcent herbs (Chickweed, Marshmallow, and Mullein) are combined with
Lobelia for a powerful relaxant action. Contains: Chickweed (leaf & stem), Ephedra
HCl, Guafinesin, Lobelia herb, Marshmallow Root, Mullein Leaf. |
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- Bioflavonoids work synergistically
with Vitamin C, boosting its antioxidant properties. This precisely calibrated Nature's
Plus formula blends Vitamin C and Bromelain with the potent bioflavonoid Quercetin.
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(Eucalyptus globulus)Portugal, Australia, China-often used in topical
preparations such as liniments and salves. It also serves as an ingredient in cold-care
products like inhalants, cough drops and syrups. Aromatherapy:purifying, invigorating.
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- Lemon Orchard
- Refreshing, uplifting. Contains:
Lemon, Lemon Eucalyptus, Petitgrain
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- Cold & Flu Bath
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- A deeply soothing bath formula made to help
relieve bronchial congestion, reduce body aches, chills, and overall discomfort. Promote
circulation and viral shedding through perspiration. Boost natural body defense and
alleviate congestion with Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Echinacea, Sage and
Melissa.
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