Herbal Treatment for Your Sinuses

Allergies, colds and flu bring on sinus congestion, which, if severe, can cause the sinus cavities to become painful and irritated. To find relief, many people turn to herbal remedies. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries with great success. Some people still believe that natural herbal remedies are better than prescription medications for treating sinus conditions.

Sinus congestion

• To relieve sinus congestion, you can choose from a few herbal treatments:

  • Ephedra
  • Anise tea
  • Elderberry
  • Thyme
  • Horehound tea

  Using these herbal remedies in teas you can drink or in steams you can inhale, or even taking them in pill form, can be a superb way to naturally treat sinus congestion. Using these herbs in combination with other treatments such as hot towels placed on the face or salt-water nasal irrigation can be helpful.

Sinus infection

• A sinus infection can cause a great deal of discomfort. Several herbs can be useful in treating this condition.

  • Eucalyptus can be used as an antiseptic for killing bacteria.
  • Peppermint helps to sooth painful sinus membranes and helps you breathe better.
  • Ginger helps to relieve sinus pain and headaches.
  • Licorice helps to boost the immune system so that you can better fight infection.

  You should try to keep the nose flushed out via salt-water irrigation as much as possible. Keeping the nasal cavity as clean as possible is very important when dealing with an infection. If mucous continues to collect and stagnate in the nose, it can cause additional problems. If the infection seems to be worsening, you may need to see a physician.

Prevention

• There are also many herbs that you can use to help keep sinus problems at bay:

  • Lemon balm fights off viruses and bacteria.
  • Echinacea boosts the immune system so that fighting off bacteria will be easier.
  • Goldenseal is known to have properties that can prevent infections such as staph.

  Many of these herbs can be prepared in the form of teas or can be found in capsule form or as pills or powders. Herbs can sometimes interact with prescribed medications that you may be taking, so you should always ask your physician or pharmacist before taking an herbal remedy. Also, keep in mind that if these herbal remedies do not work for you, you should see your family physician for additional assistance.