Herbal Remedies for Sinus Headaches

Herbal Remedies for Sinus Headaches
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Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your sinus headaches. According to MayoClinic.com, sinus headaches often accompany sinusitis, a painful condition in which your nasal mucus membranes become swollen and inflamed. If you have a sinus headache, you may feel throbbing pain or pressure around your eyes, cheeks or forehead. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your sinus headaches, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your sinus headaches. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, devil's claw, a member of the pedaliaceae family, is a leafy perennial shrub native to southern Africa that has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including headaches. Devil's claw has a bitter taste. The plant's secondary storage roots are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturpathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that has been used to help treat headaches, arthritis, bursitis, gout, nerve pain and generalized aches and pains. Before taking devil's claw to help treat your sinus headache, meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Feverfew

Feverfew is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your sinus headaches. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that feverfew, also known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a plant native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe, although it now grows throughout Europe, North America and South America. Feverfew, a member of the aster family, possesses a bitter, aromatic and slightly sweet taste, and drying and warming tendencies. The dried leaves and flowers of the plant are used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," feverfew has an aspirin-like action that helps relieve pain and reduce headaches, including sinus headaches. Consult with your physician to discuss proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking feverfew to help treat your sinus headaches.

Willow Bark

Willow bark, also known as Salix alba, is an herb that may be effective in reducing your sinus headaches. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, willow bark, a member of the salicaceae family, has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including headaches, fever, inflammation, influenza, muscle pain and weight gain. Willow bark has a bitter, astringent taste, and cooling and drying tendencies. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that willow bark contains salicylates -- aspirin-like compounds -- and acts as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce pain, including pain associated with sinus headaches. Tilgner notes that willow bark is commonly used to treat headaches, fevers and rheumatism. Before taking willow bark to help treat your sinus headaches, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

References

Article reviewed by Bonny Brown Jones Last updated on: Nov 20, 2010

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