Treating Sinus Infections

The sinus cavities lie in the bone structure of the face, on each side of the nose, just between the eyes and between the eyebrows. When the mucous membranes lining these small cavities inflame and swell, the headache and stuffiness typical of a sinus infection develop. Depending on which sinus has become infected, the pain will centre on either side of the nose or on the forehead. In some instances, it feels like a toothache. The pain often centers at on exact spot, or it can be diffuse, like a mild pressure headache. Bending over or pressing against the particular bone affected definitely hurts. Typically, the nose feels stuffed up and blowing it brings out greenish-yellow mucus. The voice becomes nasal. An acute sinus infection can be quite painful and long lasting. Fever, fatigue and facial swelling are common in acute infections; chronic infections produce few symptoms, sometimes with only a postnasal drip.

Sinusitis is caused by viruses and bacteria, and often follows a head cold which refuses to heal. In some cases, dental infections are the cause, especially in recurring infections that begin as a toothache. Allergies can also result in sinus infections. Chronic or recurring infections are often due to poorly healed sinusitis, which gives a foundation for renewed infection.

Sinusitis is difficult to heal because the swelling limits proper air flow. Steam typically helps to open air passages. Smoking and other irritants increase susceptibility. Swimming is a trigger for some people. Certain foods that increase mucus production such as milk and milk products, often add to the problem.

Drink plenty of liquids to aid drainage, and avoid simple sugars. Since 25% of the cases sinusitis is connected with food allergies, eliminate common food allergens until sensitivities can be determined. Common food allergens are milk, wheat, eggs, citrus fruits, corn and peanut butter. Make sure to get adequate vitamin A from yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, since a deficiency can cause sinusitis, citrus fruits provide vitamin C, which helps fight infections. Lemon juice is excellent in a steaming hot drink. Add manuka honey for taste. Spicy foods and alcohol aggravate sinusitis. Radishes clear the sinuses. For a sinus headache, hold a clove of garlic in the mouth for 15 minutes. Celery and turnip-green juice or any other green, leafy vegetables are excellent to clear mucus.

Vitamin A and C are essential during a sinus infection. When vitamin A is deficient, a sinus infection can take hold more easily, as this vitamin protects the mucous membranes from illness. Vitamin C is useful for any infection, since it enhances immune system function and is both antibacterial and antiviral. Bioflavonoids maximize the use and absorption of vitamin C and act similarly. Colloidal silver also is useful for treating sinusitis.

Building the immune system and reducing phlegm are paramount in the fight against infection. Herbal remedies are excellent for these purposes.

An excellent formula to clear mucus and relieve pain is made by using 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, garlic clove, fresh ginger root, onion, and parsley leaf. Crush or chop finely and place in a glass container. Make an extract by adding ½ cup of raw, organic apple cider vinegar and stand for 24 hours. Strain and use 1 teaspoon on 1 cup of hot water three times a day.

To boost the immune system and help fight infection, take 5-10ml of Echinacea root tincture every two to three hours for an acute infection along with plantain juice at the same dose.

For chronic sinusitis take 5ml three times a day of Echinacea and plantain mixture, along with Reishi mushrooms to aid the immune system in clearing the stubborn infection.

Olbas oil or eucalyptus oil added to a steam inhalation is an excellent method of giving relief to sinusitis sufferers.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Allergies

Every spring we see many people enduring weeks of sneezing and sniffing as the hay fever season sets in.

What’s more, more and more people seem to be falling prey to hay fever. It seems that up to 12% of the population now gets hay fever here in Ireland. The hay fever season is also getting longer too.

Sniffing and sneezing are the most common symptoms, but for some the problem can be worse – itching eyes, nose and throat are often experienced, while chronic tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and headaches are also reported by hay fever sufferers.

Hay fever is an allergy, an overreaction of an immune system to a particular substance in the environment. It is not known exactly what causes the immune system to react so strongly, but the number of allergic responses is definitely on the rise, indicating environmental and lifestyle causes. There is now a theory that our over – clean lifestyle may be a cause to the increased allergy in children. Studies which follow children’s health and the environment that they live in, have found that children that live on farms are less likely to suffer hay fever than children from cities with little or no contact with animals.

Hay fever is arguably the most common allergy in Ireland, with up to one in four 11-21 year olds experiencing symptoms. Pollinating trees and flowers irritate the mucus membranes in early spring, and freshly cut grasses and weeds tend to be more of a summer problem.

Symptoms can be worse when our immune system is not working well. Eating a diet of refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes, biscuits and sugar), saturated fats (animal fats), transfatty acids, artificial flavorings  and colorants, with little or no fruit and vegetables – a common diet of to-days children will simply not supply the nutrients that our body and immune system needs to work optimally. Also today, we are exposed to a host of environmental toxins, pollutants, irritants and potential allergens that were not in existence even 20 years ago.

This combination of poor diet and continual onslaught to our immune systems from today’s environment is laying the basis for weakened immunity.

So what can be done? If you suffer from hay fever its best to start treatment early in the season, so that your immune system is working well before the allergens start flying.

Begin treatment with a short, cleansing juice fast, with drinks made from chlorophyll – rich green and leafy vegetables to help purify the blood. Avoid fatty meats and processed dairy products which are mucus forming. Stop sugar if possible, eliminating sugar from the diet, including natural sugar from concentrated fruit juices goes a long way towards helping normalize the immune system.

Herbs that can normalize, or strengthen our immune systems should be taken before the hay fever season starts for best results, but if it’s already started they will give excellent results.

Two herbs which I have found very useful in treating allergies are Reishi mushrooms and Astragalus.

Astragalus has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat allergies and weakened immunity. It can be taken by anyone, it has very few side – effects and can be taken over a very long time without any side – effects. It is very useful for children with allergies.

Reishi mushrooms also have a long history of use by both the Chinese and Japanese. It has a great reputation for preventing cancer and normalizing ones immune system. It is very effective in preventing allergies such as hay fever or chronic sinusitis.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist