Proven herbal remedies for sinusitis

Proven herbal remedies for sinusitis

There has been an explosion in the use of herbal remedies for sinusitis in the United States. This is partly due to the inadequate treatment options available in conventional medicine (mainly antibiotics and decongestants) as well as the enormous increase in sinusitis sufferers. In the last decade, it is estimated that over 31 million adults have suffered from sinusitis. But what makes herbal remedies for sinusitis superior to conventional treatments?

It's all about the philosophy between the two opposing groups. Conventional medical treatments focus on treatments to manage symptoms with decongestants and antibiotics. With more and more research, it is becoming clear that a bacterial sinus infection is a symptom and not the cause of sinusitis. The inflamed tissue or excessive mucus becomes a great incubator for bacteria. Removing the bacteria relieves some symptoms but not the underlying cause. Those who use herbs typically focus on treating the cause, as each sinusitis remedy has a variety of medicinal properties. This difference explains why many sinusitis sufferers find better relief with herbal remedies.

Take a look at one of the most popular herbal remedies for sinusitis, eucalyptus. Its innate properties include antiseptic, decongestant and expectorant. Only one herb treats both the cause, excessive mucus buildup, and the symptoms; thus superior to conventional treatments. The essential oil and leaves can be used. Take boiling water, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil and inhale the steam at least twice a day. You will be surprised at how quickly your sinusitis problems disappear. The leaves can also be steeped and used as a medicinal tea. Drink it three times a day.

Another famous herb that has been extensively researched is peppermint. Its medicinal properties help soothe the mucous membrane in the sinuses, with irritation of this lining producing the excessive mucus often seen in sinusitis. It also has a decongestant effect. As above, you can either use the essential oil as a steam inhalation or the leaves as a tea. Use the tea if you also suffer from an upset stomach with your sinus infection. Both are therapeutically beneficial for sinusitis.

Ginger also deserves much attention as an herbal remedy for sinusitis. The properties of ginger increase blood flow to the sinuses and can increase local temperature. This increase in temperature strengthens the local immune cell population and helps fight and eliminate established local bacterial or viral infections. For those who have the symptom of dizziness with sinusitis, this is the herb for you. Drinking a small cup of ginger tea three times a day has been shown to help reduce sinusitis problems. Expect to sweat slightly after each tea.

Horseradish is the last of the great remedies for sinusitis. The reason it doesn't get much attention is its spicy taste - but that's one of its most important characteristics. The pungent property is an effective decongestant that quickly opens the sinus passages and allows proper mucus drainage. It also has mild antibacterial properties. Most of the properties of horseradish are extracted in a small amount of alcohol (called a tincture), which also has medicinal properties for the sinuses. Taking this tincture three times a day is also the recommended dosage schedule.

There are many other herbs that are useful as remedies for sinusitis, but the ones mentioned above are the ones with the most positive research results. They are the herbs I focus on with my patients. As with all medical recommendations, please consult your local physician before making any medical decision.