Sinuses are air-filled cavities present in the skull. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It may be acute or chronic. While acute sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria, chronic sinusitis, in which the symptoms last for more than three months, can be caused by bacteria or fungi. Recurrent colds and allergies, and certain anatomical abnormalities of the nose and skull, may increase the risk of chronic sinusitis. Antibiotics or anti-fungal medications may be prescribed for three to four weeks to treat chronic sinusitis. Certain herbs may also help manage the symptoms.
Sinupret
Sinupret is a proprietary formulation consisting of herbs such as European elder, common sorrel, cowslip, European vervain and gentian and may help relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The biological activity of sinupret, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is due its ability to thin the mucus, thereby helping drain the sinuses. These herbs may also help strengthen the immune system, thereby helping the body fight the pathogens causing sinusitis. Skin rash and gastric disturbances are the common side effects of sinupret. Always talk to a doctor before taking sinupret.
Rutin
Home Remedy Central also recommends a mixture of two herbs -- rutin and roseship -- in the form of a juice cordial to reduce the inflammation of the sinuses. Rutin is a pigmented compound extracted from buckwheat and Japanese pagoda trees, and rosehip is the dried fruit of the rosa canina plant found in North America. Rosehip is also rich in vitamin C and helps promote healthy immune function. Both rutin and rosehip may cause upset stomach and skin irritation and should not be used without consulting a physician.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw is an herb derived from the fruit of the Harpagophytum procumbens plant and may possess analgesic properties which, according to Various Herbal Remedies, may help relieve the headache associated with chronic sinusitis. Headache, loss of appetite and buzzing ears are the common side effects of devil's claw, and as with other herbs, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking it.
Feverfew
Feverfew, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, can help treat fever and headache found commonly in chronic sinusitis patients. Feverfew is obtained from the dried leaves, flowers and stems of the Tanacetum parthenium plant that is native to Eastern Europe. Side effects are generally mild and may include swelling of the lips and tongue and loss of taste. Consult your doctor before taking the herb.
Olive Leaf Extract
Extracts from the leaves of the olive tree possess certain antiviral and antibacterial properties and may help treat the underlying infections of the sinuses. Hydroxytyrosol, a phenol found in the olive leaf, has an antibacterial activity that is comparable to ampicillin and erythromycin in spectrum and potency, notes Drugs.com. No major side effects have been reported.
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