A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the cavities around the nose. It can be triggered by a cold, bacteria, virus, allergy, pollution or fungal infection, and may cause fever, fatigue, congestion and postnasal drip. Conventional treatment may include decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, but they can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action may help relieve sinusitis symptoms. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal treatment.
Summer Savory
Summer savory, or Satureja hortensis, is a culinary and medicinal herb is many cultures throughout Europe and the Middle East. Folk healers use the leaves and flowers to treat a range of disorders, including cramps, muscle pains, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and infectious. The plant contains a volatile oil rich in carvacrol, which is antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and carminative. A study by C. Uslu and colleagues published in the October 2003 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested a water extract of the aerial parts on animals with induced sinus infection. The water extract was applied to the animals' noses, and the researchers found it to have potent anti-inflammatory action on the mucus membranes. Savory oil should not be used undiluted.
Andrographis
Andrographis, or Andrographis paniculata, is a small annual with white-purple flowers native to India. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is used as a bitter tonic and blood purifier, and to treat dysentery, cholera, diabetes and upper respiratory infections. The active ingredients include flavonoids and terpenoids, and the plant has antimicrobial, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory actions. In Scandinavia, a combination of andrographis and Siberian ginseng known as Kan Jang is used to treat upper respiratory infections. A study by E. S. Gabrielian and colleagues published in the October 2002 issue of "Phytomedicine" tested Kan Jang on patients with acute and chronic sinusitis. Kan Jang improved symptoms like headache, congested nose and sore throat in both groups with no side effects. Discontinue use if gastrointestinal problems or rash occur.
Magnolia Flowers
Magnolia, or Magnolia spp., is a genus of deciduous trees that produce fragrant flowers used in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. The flowers are known as xin yi hua, or flos magnoliae, and are associated with the lung and stomach channels. They disperse wind and clear nasal passages, and are used to treat sinus infections, headache and toothache. There are several different species of flos magnoliae and they have different degrees of medicinal action. A study by Y. Shen and colleagues published in the 2008 issue of "Current Medicinal Chemistry" tested dried flower bud extracts of six species of flos magnoliae to see which one was most active against sinusitis. The study found that Magnolia biondii, or Chinese willow-leaf magnolia, had better anti-histamine action than the other species. This study confirms the traditional use of magnolia flowers in treating sinusitis and specifies which species is most effective. Consult a doctor before combining magnolia with medications that affect the central nervous system, and avoid during pregnancy.
References
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Effects of aqueous extracts of Satureja hortensis L. on rhinosinusitis treatment in rabbit.
- Phytomedicine: A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis.
- Current Medicinal Chemistry: Chemistry and bioactivity of Flos Magnoliae, a Chinese herb for rhinitis and sinusitis.
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