Herbal Remedies To Cure Severe Sinus Drainage

Severe sinus drainage may indicate sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis can be a chronic condition or, in acute cases, a symptom of an upper respiratory infection. With copious amounts of drainage, it is important to watch for changes in color. Dark yellowish and greenish mucus is a likely sign of an infection. Herbs can help with the drainage, congestion and with infections.

Boost Immune System

• Because severe drainage can signal an infection, it can be helpful to start on an immune-boosting regime immediately. Once nasal passages are aggravated to the point of excessive drainage, consider taking echinacea and goldenseal root. Echinacea has antibiotic and antiviral properties that aid the lymphatic system and swelling. Goldenseal is a good, general immune system booster that also cleanses the body. For a tonic to protect the immune system, try astragalus. The herb also helps by acting as a diuretic to reduce edema.

Soothe Inflammation

• Marsh mallow (the herb, not the confection) is good for soothing the inflammation, which is likely causing the drainage. Echinacea and goldenseal also have anti-inflammatory properties. Another herb for reducing the inflammation of mucous membranes, most especially of the stomach and bowel areas (which can become irritated by excessive sinus drainage reaching the stomach), try slippery elm.

Additional Help

• Additional herbal remedies that may help include anise, horehound, fenugreek, lobelia, mullein, red clover and rose hips. Fenugreek is especially good for helping reduce sinus mucus. Lobelia acts as a cough suppressant and relaxant, reducing associated symptoms of a sore throat, which often accompanies sinus drainage. Mullein helps with breathing and glandular swelling associated with irritated sinus passages. Because severe drainage may be associated with a bacterial infection, red clover may help as the herb is a blood purifier, acts as an antibiotic and is good for fighting bacteria. Rose hips are also good for general infection problems.

Warning

• All herbs should be treated as medicine. Remember that many medicines have their roots in some herb or plant. As such, talk to your doctor before taking herbs, especially if you are taking other prescription medications, because the herbs may interact, causing your medications to be ineffective or produce worse side effects.