Drawing on centuries of painstakingly accumulated knowledge, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have remedies for almost every conceivable ailment, including sinusitis and its related disorders. Contemporary medical researchers have closely investigated Chinese herbal remedies for sinusitis and found promising evidence that these herbs possess medicinal properties that make them useful tools for the alternative/complementary treatment of sinus problems. Always confer with a physician before beginning any alternative/complementary treatment.
Magnolia
Chinese herbalists for centuries have relied on Magnolia liliiflorae to decongest the sinuses and relieve the headaches and discomfort associated with sinus problems. In a wide-ranging study of the bioactivity of various Magnolia species, Australian researchers found promising evidence that the bioactive compounds in Magnolia can be isolated and used as the basis for the development of new anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory medications. In their findings, published in a 2008 issue of Current Medicinal Chemistry, researchers observe that "remarkable progress has been achieved in our understanding of chemistry and bioactivity of [Magnolia] species, including the methods for the isolation, identification, analysis and investigation of biological activities of its bioactive compounds."
Baikal Skullcap
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine also use Baikal skullcap, known scientifically as Scutellaria baicalensis, to prevent or minimize allergic reactions that inflame the sinuses. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," writes that flavonoids and antioxidants obtained from the root of this herb enhance the immune system response to allergens. Paul Michael, a licensed medical herbalist in the United Kingdom, writes in the July 2009 issue of "Positive Health" that scientific studies have also concluded that the herb possesses sedative properties. Michael identifies baicalein as the chemical substance in this herb that inhibits "production of inflammatory cytokines and the degranulation of human mast cells" associated with allergic reactions.
Angelica
Another popular Chinese remedy for sinus problems is derived from Angelica dahurica, known in Chinese as bai zhi. According to Balch, the herb helps to relieve discomfort around the eyes that occurs when the sinuses above the eyes become congested. Ellen Cavalli, writing in the October 1999 issue of "Vegetarian Times," points out that Angelica not only relieves sinus congestion but also serves as an expectorant, helping patients to expel mucus that accumulates in the throat and lungs. Cavalli recommends a daily dose of 15 to 30 grams of Angelica to relieve sinus congestion.
Astragalus
Astragalus, long a mainstay in the pharmacopeia of Chinese herbalists, appears to be effective in strengthening the immune system, making it a useful tool in the prevention of sinus problems. Known in Chinese as huang qi, astragalus is loaded with polysaccharides, the bioactive ingredients in the herb that are believed responsible for its immune-enhancing effects. "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs," published by the Reader's Digest Association, says that astragalus is particularly effective in preventing sinus infections "because it keeps viruses from gaining a foothold in the respiratory system."
References
- Current Medicinal Chemistry; Chemistry and Bioactivity of Flos Magnoliae, A Chinese Herb for Rhinitis and Sinusitis; Y. Shen et al.; 2008.
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006.
- "Positive Health"; Herbal Medicines to Reduce the Excitatory Effect of Histamine and Treat Allergic Conditions; Paul Michael; July 2009.
- "Vegetarian Times"; Sinus Aid; Ellen Cavalli; October 1999.
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Reader's Digest Association; 1999.
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