Sinus headaches usually accompany an infection in your sinus cavities that is known as sinusitis. As the mucous membranes in your sinuses become inflamed, you may experience pain and pressure around your eyes, fever, fatigue and nasal discharge. Many things can trigger sinusitis and sinus headaches, including bacteria, a weakened immune system and colds. Conventional treatment aims at curing the sinus infection with antibiotics, and relieving the headache pain with decongestants and pain relievers. Herbs may help fight your infection and headache naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for sinus headaches work in many ways. Some have antimicrobial or immune-stimulating action to help your body fight the infection to get rid of the headache. Analgesic herbs may relieve headache pain, while astringent and anti-inflammatory herbs will help dry up the mucus in your sinus cavities, reduce the inflammation and relieve the pressure causing headache pain. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale purple coneflower, or Echinacea pallida, is a North American perennial with a long history of medicinal use. Herbalists use the roots to treat colds, sinusitis and flu. The active ingredients --- polysaccharides, echinacein and caffeic acids --- have antibacterial, antiviral, anti--inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions. This herb may help your body naturally relieve your sinus headache by attacking the underlying infection and reducing inflammation in your sinus cavities. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that all the chemical compounds work together, synergistically, to make echinacea effective. Since echinacea species enhance the immune system, do not use them if you have an autoimmune disorder.
Oregon Graperoot
Oregon graperoot, or Mahonia aquifolium, is a tall shrub native to North America. Traditional healers use the bark and roots for kidney disorders, urinary tract infections, hepatitis and gallstones. This herb contains potent alkaloids. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend the herb for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. It also has anti-catarrhal actions, making it useful for conditions involving mucous membrane inflammation, which leads to sinus headaches. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet, or Filipendula ulmaria, is a European perennial found in marshy areas. Herbal healers use the aerial parts to treat colds, fever, headache, arthritis and rheumatism. The essential oil is rich in methylsalicylate and salicylaldehyde, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. White and Foster recommend meadowsweet to relieve the pain from sinus headache. Do not combine this herb with other pain relievers, such as aspirin.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
