Herbal Remedy For Sinus Pressure

Sinus pressure can cause intense pain in the face and head area, particularly around the eyes, nose and cheeks. Although there are prescription medications which can help ease the pain of sinus pressure, there are some natural products, such as herbal remedies, which can help, too: eucalyptus, echinacea, lemon balm and sinupret.

Causes

Sinus pressure is caused by congestion and inflammation in the sinuses due to an infection, such as a cold or flu, or an allergy, such as hay fever.The sinuses are unable to drain and become an ideal environment for bacteria, fungus and viruses to grow. Some herbal remedies possess properties to fight the bacteria, fungus and viruses and help clear the sinuses.

Echinacea

The herb echinacea has traditionally been used to treat cold and flu infections; it is useful in relieving sinus pressure because it is thought to be capable of stimulating the immune system and fight infection. Echinacea can be taken as a tea, extract or herbal preparation; echinacea purpurea is the most common of the nine known species of echinacea but is also the most powerful.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a well-known Australian herbal remedy for relieving respiratory problems such as colds and flus that cause sinus pressure. There are many eucalyptus species in the eucalyptus tree family, but blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and eucalyptus smithii are the two species commonly used for sinus infections. The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus tree are used in herbal preparations.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is often prepared as an herbal tea to help relieve the symptoms of sinus infections. Lemon balm, also known as bee balm or melissa, has anti-viral and bactericidal properties.

Sinupret

Sinupret is actually a mixture of a number of herbs and plants including European vervain (Verbana officinalis), European elder (Sambucus nigra), cowslip (Primula veris) and gentian (Gentiana lutea). The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Sinupret was more effective in treating sinusitis symptoms than a placebo in two studies conducted. It is thought that Sinupret may increase the effectiveness of the immune system and thin the mucus in the sinuses.

Using Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies, although natural, should always be used with caution; some herbal remedies may have side effects. Echinacea, for example, may cause allergies in people who are allergic to plants in the daisy family. Eucalyptus should not be used in conjunction with homeopathic treatments, as the two remedies may interact with each other. Lemon balm is generally safe to use, but individual reactions may differ; this is the case when using any herbal remedies.