Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities that causes inflammation, nasal discharge and headache. It can be due to a virus, bacteria, fungi, allergies or nasal polyps, and often occurs after you've had a cold. Herbal tea may relieve the symptoms and help fight the infection naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment for sinusitis.
Herbal Actions
Herbal teas for sinusitis can work on several levels. Antimicrobial herbs will help fight the viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Astringent, anti-inflammatory and anticatarrhal herbs will reduce inflammation and dry up your sinus cavities, helping you breathe better. Analgesic herbs can help relieve a sinus headache. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbal teas for sinusitis.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or "Echinacea pallida," is a small perennial also called pale purple coneflower. Herbalists use the roots to treat upper respiratory infections like colds, flu and sinus infections. Echinacea contains polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives, and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral actions. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that echinacea's immune-boosting properties may help fight a sinus infection. Do not use this herb if you have an autoimmune disorder.
Feverfew
Feverfew, or "Tanacetum parthenium," is a tall, daisy-like herb native to Europe. Traditional healers use the aerial parts for headaches and fever. The herb is rich in chemicals that inhibit prostaglandins, which are molecules involved in pain and inflammation. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend feverfew to relieve the pain of a sinus headache. This is especially helpful if you cannot take NSAIDs or other pain relievers. Do not use this herb if you are allergic to plants in the Aster family.
Black Elder
Black elder, or "Sambucus nigra," is a tall shrub with white flowers and black berries. Herbalists use the flowers, leaves and berries for a range of disorders, including colds, flu, sinusitis, coughs and wounds. Black elder is rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins and organic acids, and has expectorant and anticatarrhal actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends black elder flowers for sinusitis and other upper respiratory infections with inflammation and phlegm. This herb combines well with St. John's wort. Do not use black elder if you are taking diuretics or laxatives.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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