Natural Remedies For Effective Sinusitis Relief

Acute sinusitis is a common problem, which you've probably experienced at some stage since it usually develops following a cold. In which case you'll be familiar with the symptoms it causes, including a blocked nose, painful pressure behind your cheekbones and a pounding headache.

However, for some people this isn't just a temporary problem, but instead becomes a chronic condition that can blight their lives for years. In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, chronic sinusitis can also cause a post-nasal drip, thick greenish-yellow mucus, bad breath and an irritating dry cough.

While acute sinusitis is usually due to a bacterial or fungal infection following a cold, the chronic form is more likely to involve an immune reaction to inhaled allergens, such as traffic fumes, cigarette smoke or chemicals at work (from photocopiers, for example), or to pollen or specific foods. Other possible causes include serious teeth or gum infections, or growths such as nasal polyps.

Conventional treatments don't always work and can have side-effects

Most doctors don't give a second thought to prescribing antibiotics for sinusitis, despite the fact that around 40 per cent of sufferers receive no benefit from them. Decongestants are often recommended too, as they can help to make breathing through the nose easier. However, decongestants can cause insomnia and nervousness - and, used long-term, they have a tendency to become ineffective and can lead to dependency.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as Beconase, are prescribed to combat inflammation and swelling. Again, the side-effects of steroid drugs can be severe, including high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, mood swings, acne, weight gain and glaucoma.

Both antibiotics and corticosteroids suppress your immune system and prevent natural healing. Surgery to unblock the sinuses and remove thickened mucus may be performed as a last resort, but there is no guarantee that it'll be successful and it could even make matters worse.

Natural alternatives work better than antibiotics in many cases

Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, breaks down mucus, fights infections and relieves the symptoms of sinusitis. In a double-blind trial, 87 per cent of patients who took it reported good or excellent results (Headache, 7: 13-17, 1967). In another reported study, bromelain apparently resolved sinus infections in 85 per cent of patients after nine days of treatment, whereas antibiotics only had a 52 per cent success rate (Traditional Wisdom, 2002 on www.healthyhealing.com). The recommended dosage is 1,500mg of bromelain a day.

Olive leaf extract and goldenseal are both effective in fighting underlying bacterial or fungal infections. Naturopath Dr Donald Gay of Ontario, Canada, claims that, after three and a half weeks of treatment with olive leaf extract, his chronic sinusitis -- that had plagued him for ten years - was cured.

Vitamin C is well known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. It can also reduce sinus congestion directly, by reducing levels of histamine (J. Nutr., 110: 662-8, 1980). This chemical, which is produced in your body, causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, so blocking off the narrow openings from your nose into your sinuses. Take one gram of vitamin C three times a day.

Zinc is another nutrient with multiple benefits. It kills the common cold virus, so shortening the duration of a cold and reducing the risk that sinusitis will result. It boosts your immune system, enabling it to deal better with bacterial or fungal infections (Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 32: 1466, 1979). It is also an essential part of the enzymes needed for essential fatty acids to do their job of reducing pain and inflammation. Take 15mg of zinc three times a day.

Quercetin is one of a group of compounds called flavonoids that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin increases the effectiveness of vitamin C in the body and can also inhibit the inflammatory processes involved in sinusitis by blocking the release of inflammatory substances such as histamine (Prog. Clin. Biol. Res., 213: 231-242, 1986). The recommended daily dose of quercetin is 1,000mg.

8 Natural Ways To Help Overcome The Pain Of Sinusitis Straight Away

Fortunately there are steps you can start taking right now, which offer a safe and natural alternative to harmful medication:

1. Studies have shown that up to 70 per cent of chronic sinusitis sufferers have environmental allergies. So it makes sense to try and avoid breathing cigarette smoke, traffic fumes, dry air and chemicals at home or in the workplace as much as possible. Tackle dust mites in the home by vacuuming carpets frequently.

2. Exercising in moderation helps boost your immunity. Even walking for just 30 minutes three to four times a week can be highly effective -- although you should avoid any form of exercise outside when the pollen count is high, as this may exacerbate the problem.

3. Cut out mucus-forming foods and common allergic foods, such as dairy products, eggs, wheat, fried and fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate, beer and anything containing food additives.

4. Eat more sinus-clearing foods, which aid the breakdown of mucus. These include foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, fish, and hot chicken broth. Foods which are known to be particularly beneficial are garlic, onions, chillies, ginger, horseradish, mustard and pineapple.

5. Drink 2 to 3 litres of still mineral water a day and have hot herbal teas and lemon drinks.

6. For rapid relief, mix 1 teaspoon of grated fresh horseradish root with the juice of a lemon, add boiling water and a little honey and sip slowly.

7. Inhalation is a tried and tested way to relieve blocked sinuses. Add ten drops of Olbas Oil to a bowl of almost-boiling water, cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and inhale for ten minutes.

8. Nasal washing is an old ayurvedic treatment. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, hold one nostril closed and sniff the liquid up the other one until you can spit it out of your mouth. Then repeat with the other nostril.