Western medicine traditionally treats sinus infections with decongestants and, sometimes, antibiotics. Eastern medicine traditionally uses herbs and other forms of alternative treatments. Due to potential side effects or simply personal preference, many people prefer to take a holistic approach to treating illnesses, including sinus infections. There is not a lot of scientific evidence to support herbal sinus-infection treatments, but many people find a great deal of relief from herbal cures. Most herbs are safe and have relatively few side effects, but some can interact with other medications, so always check with your doctor before beginning any herbal treatment.
Basic Herbs
Licorice root may help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, helping fight sinus infections. Some licorice-root capsules contain other herbs to help treat ulcers. Check with your holistic health-food store for help finding licorice root with immune system boosting properties. Eucalyptus can help soothe raw, sore throats and is a common ingredient in throat lozenges. Steep eucalyptus leaves in a pot of boiling water and inhale the fragrant steam to clear your sinuses. You can also steam peppermint for use as an inhalant to soothe mucous-producing membranes, or drink a peppermint tea to soothe a sore throat. Echinacea tablets and capsules are traditionally sold as immune-boosting herbal medications. Lemon balm may also help fight the bacteria and viruses that cause sinus infections. Try a warm lemon-balm tea to help soothe sinus symptoms. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe headaches and pain from sinus pressure. (See Reference 1.)
Chinese Herbs
Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a whole and uses acupuncture and herbal therapies to treat a variety of conditions, including sinus infections. Chinese herbal treatments typically use more than one herb to fight the infection or treat the condition. It is thought that herbs build on each other to create better healing properties than if they were used alone. A typical Chinese herbal treatment for a sinus infection focuses on relieving congestion, runny nose and difficulty breathing. The treatment is called Xin Yi San, and it uses several herbs including magnolia flower, asarum, straw seed, ledebouriella, angelica, ligusticum, akebia and licorice. Ledebouriella and straw seed are used to fight the actual viruses that cause and contribute to sinus infections. Magnolia flower extract is applied topically to the nasal passages to ease congestion and reduce nasal discharge. Asarum is thought to have an antibiotic effect when used in combination with other herbs. Holistic health-food stores carry most Chinese herbs, but you may want to see a certified Chinese herbalist to help you regulate dosage and suggest specific herbs best for your individual condition. (See Reference 2.)
Tags: sinus infections, help soothe, Chinese herbal, herbal treatment, immune system, including sinus
