Time Tested Sinusitis Herbal Remedies

In the United States there has been an explosive use of herbal remedies for sinusitis. This is partly due to the inadequate treatments that conventional medicine has (mainly antibiotics and decongestants) as well as the huge increase of those suffering from sinusitis. Over the last decade it is estimated that over 31 million adults suffer from sinusitis. But what makes sinusitis herbal remedies superior to conventional treatments?

It all revolves around the philosophy between the two opposing groups. Conventional medical treatments focus on treatments to manage symptoms with decongestants and antibiotics. As more and more research comes out it is becoming clear that bacterial infection of the sinuses is a symptom and not the cause of sinusitis. The inflamed tissue or excessive mucus becomes a great incubator for bacteria. Removing the bacteria does relieve some symptoms but not the underlying cause. Those using herbs typically focusing on treating the cause, as each sinusitis remedy has a multitude of medicinal properties. This difference accounts for why many sinusitis sufferers find better relief with herbal remedies.

Take a look at one of the most popular sinusitis herbal remedy Eucalyptus. Its innate properties include an antiseptic, decongestant and mucolytic. Just one herb treats both the cause, excessive mucus accumulation, and the symptoms; thus superior to traditional treatments. The essential oil and leaves can be used. Take boiling water, add in a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil and breathe the steam at least twice daily. You’ll be surprised how quickly your sinusitis problems clear up. The leaves can also be steeped and used as a medicinal tea. Drink it three times a day.

Another famous herb that has extensive research is peppermint. Its medicinal qualities help soothe the mucosal lining in the sinuses, which the irritation of this lining produces the excessive mucus commonly found in sinusitis. It also acts as a decongestant. As above you can either use its essential oil as a steam inhalation or the leaves as a tea. Use the tea if you are also suffering from stomach upset with your sinusitis. Both are therapeutically beneficial for sinusitis.

Ginger also warrants a lot of attention as a sinusitis herbal remedy. Gingers properties increase blood flow to the sinus passages and can raise the local temperature. This increase in temperature boosts the local immune cell population, helping fight and clear any local bacterial or viral infection that has been established.  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 daily has been shown to help reduce sinusitis problems. Expect to sweat slightly after each tea.

Horseradish is the last of the big sinusitis herbal remedies. The reason why it doesn’t get much attention is because of its pungent taste – but this is one of the most important properties. The pungent property is an effective decongestant, opening up the sinus passages quickly and allowing proper drainage of mucus. It also has slight antibacterial properties. Most horseradish properties are extracted in a small amount of alcohol (called a tincture), which also has medicinal properties for the sinus passages. Taking this tincture three times a day is also the recommended dosing schedule.

There are many other herbs that fit as a sinusitis herbal remedy, but the above are the ones with the most positive research behind them. 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.

Dr Walter Johnson is a sinusitis expert. For more information on remedies please visit http://www.curesinusproblems.com