Herbal Remedies For Sinus Infection

Sinus infection is known in the medical community as sinusitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, sinusitis is when the small, air-filled cavities around the nasal passages become infected. This creates blockage, making it difficult to breathe and swallow, and causing a lot of discomfort. Sinusitis is usually caused either by infection -- viral, bacterial or fungal -- or by allergies. The Mayo Clinic advises that most sinusitis should be treated with a home remedy. Below, you'll find some natural, herbal remedies that will relieve your symptoms and speed your recovery.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has many healing properties. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicine," many of its effects stem from its high berberine and hydrastine content. Although not many studies have been performed specifically on goldenseal, the efficacy of these components have been proven many times. Berberine is a powerful antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and antisecretory. Each of these properties is very useful in relieving sinus pain and curing infection. A side benefit is that berberine has been shown to greatly reduce cholesterol. You can take 500 mg of cultivated goldenseal every four hours.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that you rinse out your nasal passages. If you do, in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. David Kiefer suggests you infuse one cup of hot water with 1/2 tsp. of goldenseal for 10 minutes, strain the infusion thoroughly, allow it to cool, then run it through your nasal passages with a neti pot two to three times a day.

Osha

Osha is an herb that grows in the Rocky Mountains. According to herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer, osha is useful in treating upper respiratory conditions because it reduces mucus production and breaks up congestion. In order to prepare osha, boil 1 tsp. of root per one cup of water for 20 minutes. Drink the resulting infusion four times daily.

Aromatherapy Herbs

The Mayo Clinic suggests that you steam your sinus cavities by draping a towel over your head and breathing steam from a bowl of hot water. This will soothe your irritated membranes and break up congestion. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests that you get the benefits of steam with the benefits of several essential oils. Putting five to 10 drops each of a combination of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine, thyme and tea tree oil in the bowl of water will further relieve your painful symptoms and fight infection.