Ginseng is an herbal medicine made from the root of the ginseng plant. It has been used for centuries in Chinese and Asian alternative medicine as a treatment for a wide range of conditions. Medical science has ruled out the efficacy of many of these uses, but it still provides some benefit to the treatment of various conditions. However, the sinuses do not directly benefit from using ginseng.
Ginseng Uses
Ginseng comes in a variety of forms with different proven medicinal advantages. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Asian ginseng has been shown to improve physical and mental stress in the body, as well as erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. It may also boost physical endurance. American ginseng can be instrumental in treating diabetes, cancer, colds and the flu, and it may boost immune system function as well.
Sinus Problems
The sinuses can become irritated and inflamed for several reasons. Illnesses like the common cold can be a trigger, as can allergies. You may also develop a sinus infection due to irritants or contaminants getting stuck in the sinuses. In most cases, sinus problems are marked by soreness, sinus pressure and the buildup of mucus that can obstruct your airways.
Ginseng for the Sinuses
Ginseng's medicinal value does not extend to the sinuses -- according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is no known benefit of taking ginseng to encourage sinus health. However, ginseng is sometimes steeped in water to make a hot tea, and this can be beneficial to the sinuses -- the fluids promote sinus health, and the steam coming off hot tea can ease pain in the sinuses and help mucus drain. Keep in mind that this is a product of the tea itself, rather than the ginseng; other herbal teas, or even hot water, will have the same effect.
Considerations
Because medical information is always changing, ask your doctor about the medicinal benefits of ginseng to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available. Apply heat to the exterior of the nose to encourage mucus flow in sinuses that are clogged or painful, and try to get plenty of rest. If sinus pain becomes unbearable, or if your condition does not improve after several days, talk to a doctor.
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