Sinus problems occur for a variety of reasons, including viruses, bacterial infections and allergies. Sinus allergies, or rhinitis, come from seasonal outdoor irritants, such as pollen, or from chronic allergies to mold, pet dander and dust. You may find that some fruits and herbs provide relief from symptoms like congested sinuses, sinus headaches and runny nose. Always ask your doctor before trying natural healing methods for your sinus allergy.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil addresses the congestion of clogged sinuses by thinning mucus, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. Use eucalyptus oil diluted in a carrier oil as a topical massage, or take an oral supplement containing extract of eucalyptus oil.
Butterbur
Supplements of the herb butterbur help reduce the sinus-clogging mucous of hay fever, notes UMMC. You may also choose to drink dried butterbur in tea form. Although butterbur may be as effective as some anti-allergy prescription medications, more research is needed to determine if long-term use of butterbur is safe.
Grapes
A 2007 study published in the respiratory medicine journal "Thorax" studied the relationship between a fruit-rich diet and the lowered incidence of allergies and asthma, especially in children. Grapes were found to be a crucial fruit because not only were they rarely a trigger for allergies, but they seemed to produce a protective effect against rhinitis and other allergies. Red grape skins contain a range of beneficial polyphenols that appear to protect people from the inflammation associated with sinus allergies. The antioxidant properties may also prevent viral and bacterial illnesses that affect the allergies, the study found.
"C" Fruits
According to UMMC, vitamin C may have an antihistamine effect on allergies, although the medical web site called for more research. Vitamin C exists at high rates in citrus fruits, citrus juices, tomatoes and kiwifruit. The "Thorax" study found that children who ate oranges and kiwifruit experienced fewer of the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Tomatoes, which are high in vitamin C and classed botanically as fruits, also rated high in the study for their rhinitis-fighting properties.
Elderberry and Elderflower
Both the flowers and berries of the elderberry bush, or Sambucus nigra, were traditionally used for treating sinus problems, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Look for dried elderberry tea in health food stores, or use the cooked berries in syrups and desserts. UMMC notes that a formula containing Sambucus nigra, sorrel, cowslip, gentian and vervain promotes sinus drainage. The formula is known as Sinupret.
Fruit-Based Enzymes
Two nutritional supplements derived from fruits may help with sinus allergies. Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples. Bromelain helps reduce the swelling in sinuses associated with headaches and facial pain. Quercetin comes from the pigments in assorted fruits, as well as some vegetables. Quercetin may address watery eyes and runny nose. Doctors often suggest taking quercetin and bromelain together, notes UMMC.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinusitis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Elder
- "Thorax"; Protective Effect of Fruits, Vegetables and the Mediterranean Diet on Asthma and Allergies Among Children in Crete; Leda Chatzi et al.; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
