A sinus infection, also called sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the nasal passages---the cavities around the nose, cheeks and eyes. The infection and inflammation cause mucus build up, congestion, headache and cough.
Conventional treatment may include corticosteroids, pain relievers, antibiotics and decongestants, all of which may have unpleasant side effects. Herbs can be an effective home remedy for infected sinuses. It is important to consult an herbalist or other health care provider for advice about herbal therapy.
Summer Savory
Summer savory, or Satureja hortensis, is an aromatic herb in the mint family used throughout the Mediterranean for cooking and herbal medicine. Folk healers in Turkey use the leaves and flowers to treat nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and microbial infections. The leaves contain an essential oil with alpha- and beta-pinene, borneol, camphor, carvacrol, limonene, rosmarinic acid and geraniol, which have potent antimicrobial actions. The leaves also have anti-inflammatory properties. Relieving inflammation in patients with sinusitis can reduce mucus production and aid breathing.
A study by C. Uslu, et al, published in the October 2003 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested a topical spray extract of leaves for its anti-inflammatory action on animals. The study found that the extract inhibited NOS, an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, or NO, which plays a role in inflammation and mucus secretion. The researchers attribute the anti-inflammatory action to the plant's antioxidant polyphenols, which neutralize the free radical molecules involved in inflammation. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and test summer savory extract on humans.
Siberian Cocklebur
Siberian cocklebur, or Xanthium sibiricum, is a flowering plant in the aster family native to Asia. It is also known as cang er zi, and traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, uses it to disperse wind and dispel dampness, and to treat acute and chronic forms of sinusitis. The plant contains the sesquiterpene lactones xanthanol, isoxanthanol, xanthinin and xanthumin, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy actions.
In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," Penelope Ody says that in TCM the powdered formula cang er zi san is used to treat sinusitis. Besides Siberian cocklebur, cang er zi san also contains mint, or Menthae haplocalycis; angelica, or Angelica dahurica; and magnolia flowers, or Magnoliae liliforae. This plant should not be used by patients with diabetes because it can affect glucose levels.
Eyebright
Eyebright, or Euphrasia officinalis, is an annual herb with edible leaves native to Europe. As its name suggests, eyebright has a long history of use in treating eye problems like conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Herbalists also use eyebright for coughs, hay fever and sinusitis.
The aerial parts contain iridoid glycosides, which are anti-inflammatory, and phenolics, which have antimicrobial action. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann recommends eyebright for sinusitis and says that, due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, it's excellent for treating problems of the mucus membranes. It helps dry up excess mucus and break up nasal congestion. Studies are needed to confirm the current use of eyebright for treating sinusitis.
