Sinus infections, also commonly called sinusitis, cause the sinus passages to become inflamed and congested with mucus. Many different herbs can treat the symptoms associated with sinus infection, such as congestion, sinus headache and coughing. Some herbs work better than others, and typically the best herbal remedies for sinus infections are those that combine several herbs for maximum effects.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains cineole, a substance that may help fight sinus infections (Reference 2). Eucalyptus oil taken orally at a dosage of 200 mg three times daily can help people with acute sinusitis to recover faster than placebo, according to a double-blind study cited by the University of Michigan Health System. When used in steam inhalation, eucalyptus oil can help to relieve nasal congestion (Reference 2). Laboratory and animal studies have found that eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties and expectorant actions, meaning that it helps to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Essential Oil Monoterpenes
If you have sinusitis or sinus infection, taking essential oil monoterpenes may help fight the sympotoms. Essential oil monoterpenes is actually a combination of essential oils that help to treat respiratory ailments and usually includes eucalyptus, citrus and pine oils, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. A double-blind study of 300 people found that using essential oil monoterpenes significantly relieved symptoms of acute viral sinusitis compared to the placebo, points out the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Horseradish & Nasturtium
Horseradish can help to thin and dissolve mucus to relieve congestion associated with sinus infections (Reference 2). Taking ½- to 1 tsp. of fresh, grated horseradish root or ¼- to ½-tsp. of horseradish tincture three times daily can help to ease your sinus infection symptoms, says the University of Michigan Health System. Horseradish combined with nasturtium may also provide beneficial effects. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center cites a study that found taking horseradish and nasturtium together can help to treat sinusitis in children.
Sinupret Herbal Formula
Taking the herbal formula Sinupret may help to relieve sinus infection symptoms and help to fight sinusitis (Reference 1). Sinupret is a combination of elderberry, common sorrel, vervain, primrose or cowslip and gentian root, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinupret is a popular alternative treatment used in Germany for acute and chronic sinusitis and can effectively drain mucus from the sinuses, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of 300 men found that after two weeks about two-thirds of the men taking Sinupret said their sinus infection was "cured," compared to only one-third of men who were taking the placebo, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to promoting mucus drainage, Sinupret may also boost the immune system's ability to fight the sinus infection (References 1 & 3).
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