The Best Herbs for Sinus Infections

A sinus infection is the inflammation of the membranes that line the sinuses. This causes pain in the face, aching behind the eyes, headaches, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose and possibly fever. Bacteria, viruses and fungi are the usual suspects in a sinus infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 30 million adults and children suffer from sinus infections each year. Herbs work with the body's immune system to fight an infection. Herbal remedies are best when the condition is caught during its early stages.

Eucalyptus

• Place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the bottom of a large bowl. Carefully pour steaming water in the bowl. Create a tent over your head with a towel and breath deeply for five minutes. This will help relieve sinus congestion and loosen mucus. You can use this treatment twice a day until the sinus infection is gone.

Thyme, Rosemary and Peppermint

• Put one heaping teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary and peppermint in a large bowl. Fresh herbs are the best, but dried herbs can be substituted. Pour steaming water in the bowl and create a tent over your head with a towel. Breathe deeply for five minutes and be prepared for sinus drainage. This herbal mixture helps unclog your sinuses. Repeat this process twice a day until symptoms disappear.

Echinacea

• Add six teaspoons of dried echinacea root to six cups of cold water in a pan. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea. Slowly drink the tea throughout the day. Echinacea has antibiotic properties and should be taken only when ill or suffering from an infection. Your body can build up an immunity to echinacea if taken on a regular basis. Echinacea can also be taken as a capsule. Take a total daily dose of 1,200 mg.

Garlic

• Eat three cloves of garlic each day. If you do not like the taste of garlic, then take garlic capsules. Garlic is another antibiotic-type herb. It is very effective at destroying viral infections.

Ginger

• Place four thin slices of ginger root in a pint of boiling water. Turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. Add a tablespoon of honey. Sip throughout the day. Ginger acts as a decongestant and will help clear the sinuses. It is also good for flu and bronchitis.