The sinuses, found in the face, are cavities in the bones that under normal circumstances are filled with air. During a sinus infection, the membranes swell, and mucus is produced as a protective agent against pathogens. If the airway is trapped between the nose and the sinuses, pressure builds up and pain may be the result. A true sinus infection occurs when bacteria get trapped in the mucus and pus is created, forming a yellow or greenish-colored discharge. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines discusses certain homeopathic remedies that may be used to relieve a sinus infection.
Step 1
Start treating a sinus infection manifesting thick, yellow discharge with Pulsatilla, recommends Herbs2000. This remedy is helpful if the pain in the sinuses is worse at nighttime, in a warm room or when the person stoops or raises the eyes upward. There may be pain in the forehead, with a feeling of congestion and tightness. Digestive symptoms may accompany the sinus infection and headache, such as nausea and a desire for cold, creamy foods like ice cream. A child may be moody and teary-eyed, wanting constant company. These symptoms indicate the need for Pulsatilla.
Step 2
Use Kali Bichromicum (Kali Bich) if the discharge becomes dark greenish, thick, rubbery and stringy, recommends Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. Kali Bich helps when the sinus pain is felt above the root of the nose, or in the forehead over one eye. Kali Bich is indicated when the symptoms start in the morning, get worse in the middle of the day and then disappear by late afternoon. Other signs indicating the need for Kali Bich are a headache in the forehead in small localized spots, as opposed to pain in the entire forehead and sinus pain made worse by exposure to cold weather.
Step 3
Use Silica (Silicea) if a sinus infection is chronic or has not responded to other remedies, suggests Herbs2000.com. The pains are distinctly improved with application of pressure to the forehead or face. You may observe the person pressing her fingertips firmly into the painful area for relief. Silica is also indicated when the pain is relieved by warm applications like a heating pad or hot rice pack. Silica will help if the person has an earache at the same time as the sinus infection, which primarily affects the right ear. If the patient is aggravated by noise, movement and talking, the Silica should offer relief.
Step 4
Give Spigelia for sinus pain if the onset of symptoms occurred after exposure to cold, wet weather. The remedy may help when pains are made much worse from bending the head forward, warm applications, exposure to light, motion and noise. The symptoms indicating the need for Spigelia are usually felt more acutely on the left side of the face, cheek and forehead, points out William Boericke his book Materia Medica and Repertory. Symptoms are relieved with cold applications like a washcloth or cold pack, which is a further indication of need for this remedy.
Step 5
Buy a homeopathic first aid kit if you use homeopathic remedies frequently. These can be found online at any homeopathic pharmacy. Consult with a homeopathic practitioner for dosing and directions for treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- There is no standard, recommended dose for homeopathic remedies. Each person is treated individually based on his or her symptom picture and case.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
References
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines;" S. Cummings, F.N.P., and D. Ullman, M.P.H.; 1984
- "Materia Medica and Repertory;" W. Boericke; 1987 (Indian Edition)
- Herbs2000: Sinusitis
