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Chronic Sinusitis Remedies
By: Catherine Browne, L.A., MH, Dipl.Ac.
Chronic sinus issues can be triggered by a number of
underlying conditions, including: allergies, constitutional
dampness, and structural septum deviation. With chronic
sinusitis, the walls of the sinus cavity become inflamed and are often painful to the touch. Here are some of the common causes of chronic sinusitis with effective natural treatments:
Bacterial Sinus Infections
There are strong anti-bacterial herbs that can clear up sinus infections effectively, such as coptis, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root; these are best used for a week to 10 days wipe out a sinus infection. Infections are considered a ‘Hot’ condition in Chinese medicine, and the herbs that clear infections are very ‘Cold’ in nature; thus, these herbs cannot be taken for longer than two to three weeks without disrupting the Yin/Yang balance of the body, and possibly damaging the Spleen function. For children, echinacea glycerite is a gentle and effective antibiotic that can be used to heal sinus infections, but adults require stronger antibiotics. The best natural herb formulas for sinus infection will include herbs clear the infection, dry the phlegm, and reduce inflammation of the mucus membranes in the sinuses.
Those who experience re-occurring sinus infections often harbor bacteria in the sinus cavity that can multiply rapidly when a cold brings on sinus drainage and the damp conditions that support the bacterial growth. Until the bacteria are fully eliminated, the cycle will continue. Neti pots are used to irrigate the sinuses with salt water and can be quite effective in curing chronic sinus infections. Intense ear candling, with three candles on each side for three days, can also draw out the infection effectively reducing future re-occurring sinus infections.
Excessive Sinus Drainage Sinus Phlegm
When the sinuses are constantly draining, or constantly stuffy, there is
a clear indication of an underlying Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Spleen is the organ system in charge of the ‘transformation and transportation of foods and fluids’ in Chinese medicine. When fluids are not being properly transformed in the body, it is commonly due to Spleen Qi Deficiency, and a Spleen Qi Herbal Tonic can restore the proper Spleen function with several months of treatment. Foods that create dampness in the body should be avoided; these would include fried foods, raw foods, fruits, juices, dairy, iced drinks, and sweets.
Sinus Headaches
As pressure from sinus congestion builds, sinus headaches can occur. For immediate relief of sinus headache pain, many pure essential oils are effective at opening the sinuses and reducing the pressure; Applying them over the sinuses and at the temples can give immediate pain relief; typical essentials oils for a sinus headache include diluted eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen, and lavender. Acupressure is also effective at reducing the sinus pressure involved with sinus headaches. Large Intestine 4, Shen Men, Urinary Bladder 2, and Stomach 3 are all commonly used acupressure points for sinus headaches.
Fungal Sinus Infections
Fungal infections rely on dampness to survive. Taking steps to reinforce the Spleen function as mentioned above, and taking astringent herbs such as mullein and eyebright, will help to decrease the dampness that the fungus depends on to multiply. Also using steams and humidifiers containing pure essential oils with anti-fungal properties such as tea tree and myrrh will heal the fungal sinus infection quickly.
Allergies Leading to Sinusitis
Herbs that ‘Release the Exterior’ are employed in clinic for immediate relief of allergies. Our Evil Airborne Warrior is a classic formula utilized for seasonal allergies, or hay fever. Obviously, eliminating allergies is the optimal solution, and there is a system of medicine that can completely eliminate allergies called NAET. NAET utilizes acupressure and homeopathy to re-align the body so that it properly deals with allergens. You may wonder why one person creates, or was genetically pre-disposed to a certain substance, and others are completely unaffected. In Chinese medicine, the body’s immuno-over reaction to common substances such as pollen, pet dander, or foods, is seen as an energetic imbalance. Chinese medicine is excellent at bringing the body back in to balance, thus can eliminate allergies.
Sinus Infections Resulting from Colds and Flu's
While this is the most common cause of acute sinus infections and can typically be cleared up using the techniques mentioned above, it is important to properly manage an acute sinus infection to prevent chronic reoccurrences. Avoid drying out the sinuses with potent over-the-counter anti-histamines before clearing any infection; the symptoms may disappear, but the next time you have the sniffles, a mild viral infection or allergy may turn in to a full blown sinus infection; and thus the cycle of chronic sinus infections begin. Colds can easily be naturally alleviated using herbs that ‘release the exterior’ such as our Evil Airborne Warrior Formula.
Foods to Avoid with Chronic Sinusitis
Foods that create dampness in the body should be avoided when suffering with chronic sinusitis. Foods to avoid with sinusitis include dairy, fried foods, fruit juices, iced drinks, and large amounts of raw foods. Too many spicy foods can also damage the Metal Element that the sinuses belong to in Chinese medicine.
Herbs for Sinus Infections
Coptis spp. - Huang lian
Coptis is similar to goldenseal in its benefits and uses as they both contain the highly anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial chemicals berberine and hydrastine. Additionally, like goldenseal and Oregon grape root, coptis employs anti-inflammatory actions to the mucus membrane, and specifically to the sinus cavity. Berberine has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and is affective in many types of infections.
Lonicera japonica - jin yin hua - honeysuckle flower
Combined with other antibiotic herbs, honeysuckle flowers are often utilized for 'heat toxicity' in Chinese medicine, which translates in to infections. Honeysuckle flowers are highly antibacterial and antiviral.
Lomatium spp - osha root
A powerful 'bear medicine' in Native American cultures, osha root is highly anti-viral and anti-biotic and is a famed respiratory herb that has historical relevance in protecting Native Americans from the 1918 avian flu pandemic, or bird flu.
Eupatorium perfoliatum - boneset
One of the most highly revered anti-viral Native American herbs, boneset is named after 'bone-break fever' thought to be a type of influenza with achie bones. Boneset contains polysaccharides that activate T-cells to fight bacterial infections as well. Boneset is excellent in relieving fevers through its diaphoretic actions and in relieving respiratory congestion.
Commiphora myrrha - mo yao - myrrh
Myrrh is an aromatic resin that is one of the best remedies for upper respiratory infections and fungal infections. Myrrh holds high regard in the story of Jesus's birth, this famed herb is worthy of a 'King's gift' in its healing ability and instills many healing attributes beyond its ability to restore respiratory health.
Isatis tinctoria - da qing ye - indigo
Indigo is one of the strongest known herbal antibiotic remedies. Indigo has a long history of 'clearing toxic heat' in Chinese medicine, or treating infections. It is specific to treating lung infections and sinus infections.
Dryopteros crassirhizoma - guan zhong - shield fern
Shield fern has gained much attention for its antiviral effects in preventing influenza. In addition to being an effective natural preventative herb for the flu, this herb also has antibacterial qualities and has been used traditionally to expel parasites.
Spirodela polyrrhiza - fu ping - duck weed
Diaphoretic herb, spirodela is a cool herb that promotes sweating and helps to push pathogens to the exterior. Spriodela also drains fluids in the upper body and edema in the upper body and helps to reduce edema and fluid swelling around the sinus cavities.
Vitex spp. - ju hua - vitex berry
In Western medicine, vitex berries are often used to balance hormones and relieve menopausal symptoms, but in ancient Chinese practices, vitex berries relieve dampness and external pathogens such as colds and allergies that are associated with sinus infections.
Mentha spp.-bo he-Mint
Mint dispels wind-heat pathogens, such as a common cold or flu with fever and headache by promoting sweating and opening the sinuses. Mint also relieves digestive pain and gas.
Cinnomomum cassia - guizhi - cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warming herb that helps to enforce the protective wei qi and resolve damp conditions that may occur with sinus infections. Additionally, cinnamon is valued for its antibiotic qualities, antiviral constituants, and its ability to protect against influenza.
Houttuynia cordata - yu xing cao - houttuynia
Clears 'heat toxins' in Chinese medicine, or infections and is indicated with thick yellow or green phlegm and sinus discharges. Houttuynia is a strong herb that is used to treat pneumonia and acute bronchitis.
Bupleurum spp. - chai hu - bupleurum
Helps to expel pathogens from the half exterior, half interior levels in Chinese medicine, and can be helpful in treating stubborn sinus infections that are hard to get rid of and pathogenic issues that become chronic.
Angelica archangel - angelica root
A Western herb used to treat and alleviate many conditions, angelica is often used for bronchial problems and with influenza. An aromatic herb, angelica is especially helpful on reducing dampness and nasal discharge
.
Chronic sinus issues can be triggered by a number of underlying conditions, including: allergies, constitutional dampness, and structural septum deviation. With chronic sinusitis, the walls of the sinus cavity become inflamed and are often painful to the touch.
Herbs for Chronic Sinusitis:
Euphrasia officinalis - Eyebright
An anti-inflammatory Western herb, eyebright is specific for restoring the mucus membrane along the sinus cavity. This is an effective but mild remedy that can be taken for several months to bring down inflammatory responses associated with chronic rhinitis. This astringent herb also relieves sinus congestion.
Urtica dioica - Nettle
A popular herb in Western herbalism and wise women traditions, nettle herb is highly nutritious, builds blood, and is often used with hair loss remedies. Nettles is also traditional used to relieve allergic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis due to allergies.
Verbascum thapsis spp. - Mullein leaf
A Native American herb that is often seen along the roadsides in early summer into the fall as its distinctive large silver leaves and yellow flowers mature. A gentle herb that can be used over time to restore lung health and reduce dampness and sinus drainage, mullein has broad applications for respiratory conditions.
Mentha spp.-bo he-Mint
Mint dispels wind-heat pathogens, such as a common cold or flu with fever and headache by promoting sweating and opening the sinuses. Mint also relieves digestive pain and gas.
Thymus Vulgaris-Thyme
A top herb in Lung health, Thyme is antibiotic in the Lungs and sinuses, can open breathing passageways, stops wheezing in asthma cases, and dries dampness and phlegm.
Olea europaea- Olive leaf
It is an essential nutrient for all anti-aging programs and for enhancing the immune system. Strengthens the cardiovascular system and is an antioxidant. Used traditionally to lower blood pressure and moderate blood sugar. Olive leaf is one of the best herbs used to alleviate chronic sinusitis and sinus inflammation.
Althaea officinalis- Marshmallow root
Reduces inflammation throughout the body and nourishes the Yin. Increases digestive absorption and heals all mucus membrane along the digestive tract, lungs and urinary tract. This demulcent herb repairs the lungs and sinuses.
Inula helenium- Elecampane root
A distinguished Native American energy tonic that affects the Spleen, Lungs and Heart. Useful for any deficiency of the respiratory system. Clears damp conditions of the lung and digestive tract. Strengthens the immune function. This is an important traditional herbal cure for restoring lung health in cases of asthma and bronchitis.
Calendula officinalis - Calendula flower
Calendula is a gentle remedy that helps to prevent the development of bacterial and fungal sinus infections.
For information on conventional treatments for sinusitis, visit the NIH, the Kids Heath, or the Medline. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.
Chronic Sinusitis Remedies
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