As the spring weather warms, sinuses get congested. Chronic sinusitis affects one in every seven Americans as airborne plant allergens fill the air. However, natural therapies can offer long-term relief for sinus issues while improving your overall health.
Chronic sinus problems can indicate imbalances in other systems, such as digestion and immunity. Sinus infections may cause headaches, abdominal pain, and menstrual problems. With only a thin plate of bone separating the sinuses from the brain, sinus infections can also negatively affect the brain, resulting in mental fog.
Test Yourself
To check if you’re suffering from an ongoing sinus infection, press your three middle fingers into your maxillary sinuses (below the bone under your eyes) or frontal sinuses (in your forehead). If you feel pressure increasing over time, you may have chronic sinusitis.
Natural Solutions
Treating chronic sinusitis naturally requires a dynamic approach that addresses allergies, the digestive system, dental health, immune support, circulation, and drainage. Key components include gentle detoxification, herbs, botanicals, diet, acupuncture, nutrients, and homeopathic remedies.
The Link Between Allergies and Digestion
It may seem unrelated to link allergies with digestion, but they are closely connected. One common source of allergies is intestinal inflammation, which enables large molecules to pass through the gut wall and into circulation. When the immune system identifies these molecules, an immune attack is launched, starting an inflammatory process that can affect the sinuses. Dairy products and gluten-rich foods are known to cause sinus congestion and allergies in many people. By avoiding these food groups, allergy-prone individuals can find significant relief.
Circulation and Drainage
Promoting healthy circulation helps drain the sinuses and relieve chronic inflammation. Effective therapies include:
- Infrared sauna: Therapeutic infrared heat can be absorbed by the body, promoting circulation in the sinuses.
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Neural therapy: Injections of homeopathic remedies and anesthetic into the tonsils and sinuses can release stored emotions, grief, sadness, and trauma in conjunction with sinus drainage.
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Cranialsacral therapy: This technique creates more space between the cranial bones, promoting normal drainage and relieving sinus pressure.
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Neti pot: An Ayurvedic neti pot is a simple way to promote drainage. A 5% salt solution or tea tree oil may be used. Alternatively, add powdered extracts of Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis vulgaris, or Berberis aquifolium, which contain berberine and provide antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements and Herbs
Several herbs and supplements can reduce allergic reactions, decrease inflammation, boost immunity, and help expel mucous in chronic sinusitis:
- A well-researched Tibetan Herbal Formula can help regulate inflammation and enhance the immune response.
- Medicinal mushrooms, particularly reishi and cordyceps, support immunity, digestion, and circulation and help reduce inflammation.
- Honokiol, a compound from Magnolia officinalis bark, offers anti-inflammation and immune support along with other health benefits.
- Vitamin C has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting properties.
- Zinc is an essential nutrient for optimal immune function; deficiencies can impair immunity and increase inflammation.
- Quercetin and hesperidin are plant flavonoids that inhibit inflammation-producing enzymes and reduce histamine release from immune cells.
- Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps thin and expel mucous. Clinical trials have shown that bromelain helps reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa in acute sinusitis patients.
- Jin Yin Hua and Lian Qiao are two Chinese herbal combinations that can reduce inflammation and increase immune response.
Breathe Easy
Chronic sinusitis is a painful condition, often not comprehensively treated by conventional medicine. Strategic, integrative medical approaches can help address chronic sinusitis for long-term relief. By understanding the underlying causes and using various integrative therapies, you can effectively clear chronic and acute sinusitis and improve your overall health naturally.
