Natural Herbs For Sinus Problems

Almost everybody has experienced a sinus problem at some point in their lives. The Merck Source website states that your sinuses are hollow areas, or cavities, in your face bones that drain into your nasal cavity. If your sinuses are blocked, their contents do not drain effectively, which can cause pressure and pain. Natural herbs may help relieve your sinus problems, but you should always talk to your doctor before using herbal medicine.

Sinus Problems

One of the most common sinus problems is sinusitis -- an inflammation of your nasal sinuses. The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases states that there are four main types of sinusitis: acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent. Sinusitis usually develops immediately after upper respiratory infections. Some of the more common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include face pain and tenderness, earaches, pain in your teeth and neck, cough, headache, cranial pressure and problems breathing through your nose.

Natural Herbs

Natural herbs may help relieve sinus problems and improve your quality of life. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," natural herbs for sinus problems include anise, fenugreek, marshmallow, red clover, bayberry, bitter orange, cat's claw, echinacea, ginger root, goldenseal, horehound, mullein, nettle, olive leaf and rose hips. These natural herbs may help loosen phlegm and reduce congestion, boost your immune system and stimulate the drainage of fluids from your sinuses.

Featured Herb

Red clover is a natural herb that is often used to treat sinus problems due to its ability to reduce congestion in the sinuses. Red clover, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, has been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as cancer, whooping cough and respiratory problems. Red clover fights infection, purifies the blood and has antispasmodic and expectorant action. Red clover helps treat coughs, bronchitis, inflamed lungs and weakened immune system.

Considerations

In some cases, antibiotics may be required to treat a bacterial infection in your sinuses. You should always take antibiotics for the prescribed duration. If your sinus problems are long lasting and severe, and if prescription medication fails to correct your problem, you may require surgery to drain your sinuses and relieve pressure. Before using any substance to treat your sinus problems, including herbs, consider seeing your doctor for a full evaluation of your condition and to discuss treatment options.