Sinusitis self care with herbs & home remedies

Every winter, not a few people complain of persistent congestion and headaches due to sinusitis. But what exactly is this very common condition and how can one deal with it naturally?

What is sinusitis?

It is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are air cavities that communicate with the nose with the help of small tubes. Internally they are covered with a mucous membrane that produces mucus, which naturally hydrates the nose and helps remove dust and germs.

Sometimes the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, causing pus to get trapped inside the cavity, causing increased pressure on the surrounding walls. This is observed in cases such as:

• after a cold/flu
• in respiratory or viral infections
• in nasal polyps
• after allergies/allergic rhinitis

In general, sinusitis can be due to allergies, bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause of sinusitis, there may be different symptoms such as:

1. Difficulty breathing due to nasal obstruction
2. Pain (ears, nose, throat)
3. Facial swelling
4. Cough
5. Migraines and headache
6. Fever
7. Loss of smell
8. Fatigue
9. Bad breath

Natural therapy

From ancient times to the present day, many natural methods have been identified and applied for nasal decongestion and relief of sinusitis symptoms with a greater ally being the herbs of nature and the well-known mediciners.

• Herbs for sinusitis

There are many herbs in nature that have decongestant and mucolytic properties, relieve the migraine symptom due to vasodilation, and have antimicrobial, bacteriostatic and anxiolytic properties. In addition, they strengthen the body by reducing the sensitivity to allergens that trigger the appearance of sinusitis and strengthen the function of the upper respiratory system. The combination of herbs gives versatile formulas that significantly help the immune system, without showing unwanted effects, like some pharmaceutical treatments (e.g. fatigue, drowsiness, etc.). Herbs stand out:

1. Ginger
2. Cayenne pepper
3. Turmeric
4. Angelica root
5. Asparagus (xantham fruit)
6. Cinnamon
7. Eucalyptus & Tulsi for inhalations
8. Oregano oil
9. Clove
10. Elderberry
11. Chrysanthemum
12. Nettle (for allergic sinusitis)

Tips for symptom relief

• Using a humidifier or pot of boiling water and inhaling steam
• Spray with hypertonic seawater solution or normal saline
• Using warm compresses on the sinuses to relieve pain.
• Plenty of water and liquids in general (soups, nettle tea, etc.)
• Spicy foods stimulate and help open the breath
• Reduction to avoidance of alcohol and smoking
• Increase your consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Cut down on dairy and refined foods
• Avoiding cold drinks, food, and even cold showers
• Using a Neti pot for nasal washes (pay attention to the composition of the saline water)
• Rest and sleep

Extra tip: Research has shown that nasal sprays containing chili in their composition are particularly helpful in treating sinusitis (except for allergic rhinitis), thanks to the ingredient Capsicum annum it contains. (eg Frezyderm Nasal Cleaner Cold Spicy)

When should I see the doctor?

Most of the time the sinusitis will run its course and you will be relieved in 7-10 days.

It is a good idea to see your doctor if:

1. It has not passed after 10 days.
2. You have severe pain in your head or face.
3. The symptoms are getting worse, while they were starting to improve.
4. Vision problems appear.
5. You have a high fever.