Herbs For Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Allergic fungal sinusitis occurs when certain types of fungi infect a person's sinuses and cause an allergic response. Inflammation and obstruction of the sinus passages ensues, and polyps -- small growths arising from the sinus membranes -- develop in most cases. The sinuses can also become expanded and altered in shape. Some medicinal herbs have been shown to alleviate symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis. Consult your doctor before using herbs to treat a medical condition.

Plantain and Elderflower

Plantain and elderflower may be good choices for treating a sinus infection, says Dr. David Peters, co-author of the book "New Medicine: Complete Family Health Guide." These herbs reduce sinus secretion and inflammation. A study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at Yuzuncu Yil University in Turkey and published in the 2011 issue of the "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention" found that plantain had significant antioxidant properties. This attribute of plantain may potentially be helpful at alleviating sinus infections and inflammation by suppressing free-radical formation. Chamomile and linden flower teas soothe irritated nasal passages. Use linden flowers to relieve sinus headache pain.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbalism offers assistance to sinusitis sufferers in the form of several herbs, says osteopath Robert Ivker, past president of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of the book "Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Sinusitis, Allergies, and Colds." A few of the most common Chinese herbs for sinus infections and allergies include bi yan pian, pe min kan wan and a formula called seven forests xanthium 12. Another Chinese herb used often to treat sinusitis and headaches, magnolia flower, is reputed to have anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity.

Combination Therapy

Try mixtures of herbs instead of single herbs says James A. Duke, author of the book "The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions." Herbal combinations often show a synergistic effect in which factors in the herbs increase the anti-fungal effects of other herbs. Garlic and black walnut top Duke's list of recommended anti-fungal herbs. Garlic is a particularly good antiseptic and has shown similar effectiveness to some pharmaceutical drugs against mildew fungus.

Berberine

Berberine, a compound in goldenseal and certain other herbs, such as barberry and Oregon grape, is an effective anti-fungal. Berberine prevented aspergillus, a mold that is often associated with allergic fungal sinusitis, from resisting toxic effects of fludioxonil, a fungicidal drug, in a study conducted by the Plant Mycotoxin Research Unit at the USDA's Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California, and published in the August 2007 issue of the journal "Letters in Applied Microbiology."