Herbal Healing For Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion is a common health complaint. Sinus congestion often involves the sensation of pain, pressure or fullness in the area of your sinuses, which are hollow areas in the bones of your face and skull. Some health-care professionals may prescribe herbal remedies to treat your sinus congestion, but you should always talk with your primary-care provider before taking any substance to treat your condition.

Anatomy

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in your face and the front of your skull. You have four paired sinuses -- sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal and maxillary. Your sinuses are named based on which bones they are located within. The sinuses located next to your nose are called paranasal sinuses. These sinuses are covered by a lining known as your epithelium, which produces mucus that keeps your sinuses moist.

Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion occurs when the mucus membranes lining your sinuses become inflamed, states the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. As your mucus membranes swell, air and mucus becomes trapped behind your sinus openings, causing numerous symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms associated with sinus congestion are one-sided face pain or pressure, swelling around one of your eyes, nasal discharge and throat clearing. The common cold, bacterial infections and allergies are all possible causes of sinus congestion.

Herbal Treatment

Many herbs have been used help combat nasal congestion and the symptoms it produces. Some herbs may be taken orally, while other herbs may be used externally to help soothe your irritated mucus membranes. According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a doctor of naturopathy and the author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," menthol or eucalyptus packs placed over your sinuses may help treat your sinus congestion. Pizzorno adds that swabbing your nasal passages with the oil of bitter orange may also be beneficial. Other herbs that may be helpful for healing your sinus congestion include elecampane, eyebright, goldenrod, red root and stone root.

Most Popular Herb

One of the most popular herbs for treating sinus congestion and sinusitis, or sinus pain, is goldenrod. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that goldenrod is a plant indigenous to Europe that has spread to North and South America, Asia and the Azores, which are a group of islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Goldenrod is a perennial plant with yellow flowers that prefers sunny growing conditions. Goldenrod has anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic action. The above-ground parts of the goldenrod plant are used to make herbal medicine.

Considerations

Before taking any substance to help treat your sinus congestion, including herbs, visit your doctor to review important information such as dosage, side effects and drug interactions. Herbal remedies can have powerful effects on your body. If you are pregnant, you should be especially careful about using or ingesting herbal supplements, because certain herbs may cause problems with your pregnancy.