Sinusitis can be a cause of misery for many people but the good news is that there are some natural ways that you can ease the discomfort. However, some of the remedies that are outlined here can be very potent and it is recommended that you always seek the advice of a relevant professional before beginning any of these remedies. Read on to learn more.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the infection or inflammation of the sinuses. It is caused by too much mucus, or the lining of the sinuses and nose swelling, which can block the narrow channels of the sinuses. Common symptoms include:
- a blocked nose
- a feeling of pressure in the face
- facial pain, especially when leaning forward
- headaches
- aching teeth in the upper jaw
- yellow or green mucus from the noise
- facial swelling
- loss of smell and taste
- a persistent cough
- generally feeling unwell
Diet and Sinusitis
Sinusitis can actually be caused or be made worse by a food allergy or intolerance. There are actually certain foods that are associated with sinusitis and testing is recommended so that sufferers can remove these triggers from their diet. Such triggers include milk, cheese and other dairy products, eggs, foods that contain simple sugars (such as many refined foods), wheat, and corn. An elimination diet may be very useful as a method of testing but these should be overseen by a professional. Also, reduce your salt intake. Eat a balanced diet that is high in fruit, vegetables and vitamin A, which helps to maintain the mucus membranes.
The following supplements may help:
- Bromelain – can help to reduce the mucus that is associated with sinusitis.
- Quercetin – has antihistamine properties, making it useful if you have sinusitis that is related to allergies.
- Lactobacillus species – these are friendly bacteria that can be helpful for respiratory infections and also for reducing the chance that you will develop allergies.
- N-acetylcysteine – NAC appears to reduce inflammation in mucus membranes such as that associated with sinus congestion.
- Zinc – improves the immune system and protects against infections including colds and upper respiratory infections. Using zinc when you have a cold can reduce your chances of getting sinusitis.
- Vitamin C – there is some evidence that vitamin C may shorten the duration of a cold and lessen its symptoms. If this is the case, taking vitamin C can help to reduce the chances of developing sinusitis after a cold.
Herbal Medicine and Sinusitis
There are some herbs that may help with sinusitis. These include:
- Barberry and Goldenseal – both of these have active substance called Berberine alkaloids which can help to fight infection, stimulate the immune system, and lower fever.
- Echinacea – is often used to treat infections such as sinusitis. It can also shorten the length of a cold, making you less likely to develop sinusitis.
- Eucalyptus – has strong antibacterial properties and acts as an expectorant and antiseptic. Use it in a steam bath, or in a tea or gargle.
Acupuncture and Sinusitis
Acupuncture claims to have success in treating sinusitis. This is because sinusitis is thought to be dampness that creates inflammation and congestion in the mucus membranes. This dampness is cleared by strengthening the spleen meridian and working with the stomach meridian.
Homoeopathy and Sinusitis
Homoeopathic remedies may help with sinusitis. Some that may be used include:
- Hepar sulphuricum – when pain is concentrated between the eyes and is worsened by cold or movement. The mucus tends to be thick.
- Kali bichromium – is the first choice for sinusitis. It is best used when the person has pain between the eyes or above one eye, stringy mucus, and when the pain improves with warmth and pressure.
- Mercurius – for sinusitis that is accompanied, by thick green discharge that smells.
- Pulsatilla – for people that have thick, bland, yellow or greenish mucus that is often accompanied by nausea and indigestion.
- Silicea – for people that have chronic congestion accompanied by head pain that is worse in the right eye and worsens with cold, movement, and noise but relieved by heat and pressure.
- Spigelia – for sinusitis with sharp pains on the left side of the face, coming on after exposure to cold or wet weather. The symptoms are made worse by warm, light, noise, and movement.
Nasal Irrigation and Sinusitis
Nasal irrigation can be of help in removing mucus from the noise. You can buy the saline solution at the chemist or you can simply make your own by mixing one teaspoon of salt with two cups of warm water. To give yourself a nasal wash, lean over a sink with your head down. Pour some of the solution into your hand and inhale it through the nose, one nostril at a time. Spit out the remaining solution before gently blowing your nose. You could also use a neti pot or a large syringe. If using a syringe, lean over the sink and insert the tip of the syringe into one nostril. Gently push the syringe to wash the nasal passage. Then squeeze hard enough so that the solution passes into the mouth. Do it again for the other nostril. Perform the irrigation several times a day. Research has shown that nasal irrigation relieve sinusitis symptoms and also reduces antibiotic use.
Originally published on Mar 06, 2009
