Sinus herbs
Herbs for treating sinus problems and the nose
Once of the best herbs for the sinuses is eucalyptus. That's why it is an ingredient in everything from vapor rubs to scented candles. Please note that eucalyptus is not taken internally!
When it comes to teas and tinctures, thyme and ginger are top choices for clearing sinus congestion. Not only do thyme and ginger heal the sinuses, they also make delicious herbal teas.
What are the sinuses?
Sinuses consist of air-filled chambers around the nose, on both sides of the forehead, between nasal passages and eye sockets, and around the cheekbones. When the sinuses become infected or obstructed, mucus forms and collects in pockets causing pain, breathing problems, headache, and swelling.
Other sinus problems include nose bleeds and dryness. Home remedies can help most of these conditions.
Use herbal teas for sinus problems.
Some people swear by chicken soup, but herbal teas also do a good job of clearing the sinuses.
Teas are excellent remedies for sinus congestion. As you sip herbal tea, inhale the soothing vapors.
Many herbs help heal the sinuses. Effective herbs for using in tea include:
- mullein
- chamomile
- comfrey
- marshmallow
- eyebright
- fenugreek
- rosemary
- echinacea
- calendula
The amazing nose and our sense of smell
In the diagram above, you can see how the nose is directly connected to the lower, front part of the brain.
Scent is the only sense that inputs information to the brain without traveling along the nerves. The ears, eyes, skin, and tongue depend on a network of nerves to deliver messages, but not the nose. The nose has direct access to the brain!
Smell is so powerful that certain scents help heal the body, mind, and spirit! This is why aromatherapy works so well.
Essential oils help clear the sinuses.
Aromatherapy and essential oils can greatly benefit the sinuses. Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and rosemary essential oils help soothe and heal the entire respiratory system.
Essential oils are also useful in a steam bath. A few drops is all it takes. The aroma will rise with the steam to penetrate deep into the nasal passages, healing and soothing the sinuses.
Reflexology can help with sinus problems.
Alternative medicines like reflexology work wonders on the sinuses. Concentrate on the bottom of toes and balls of the feet, massaging in small circles. Use a teaspoon of olive oil with a drop of eucalyptus essential oil for best results.
Always dilute essential oils before using on skin.
How do I stop a runny nose?
Reflexology, herbal teas, and aromatherapy are good home remedies, but so is nasal cleansing. I know lots of herbalists that use neti pots, but I have always snorted warm salt water to clean my nose.
Find out more about nasal cleansing and sinus health from Mayo Clinic.
Science, herbs, and the sinuses
The title of one scientific report is "Phytoneering: a new way of therapy for rhinosinusitis". I love it when science backs up what herbalists have known for centuries even if they think they have discovered something new.
People spend over $2 billion annually on doctor visits, medicines, and remedies for their sinus problems. Sinus infection is usually treated with antibiotics or steroids, but these are not the best solutions.
Phytotherapy, or using plant extracts for healing purposes, is different than pharmacology. Pharmacology uses isolates, while phytotherapy uses plant material (with way less processing).
Plants proved useful in studies include:
- Cyclamen - rich in sapions that promote drainage
- Eucalyptus - high levels of terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and decongestant properties
- Pineapple - bromelain in pineapple has powerful anti-inflammatory and coagulation properties
- Mustard - contains isothiocyanates that inhibit bacteria and virus
More about Phytotherapy
In phytoneering, extracts are analyzed by mass spectrometry to determine purity. The extracts are tested for impact on cell culture systems in the lab, then stronger extracts are produced with higher concentrations of healing properties.
One blend is especially useful for the sinuses. It contains black elder flowers, primrose flowers with calyx, sorrel leaves with stems, European vervain leaves with stems, and gentian root.
Studies show that herbal "drugs" have wonderful healing powers and are useful in the treatment of sinus problems in both chronic and acute rhinosinusitis. Phytotherapy is safe for adults and children.
Other herbs undergoing studies and testing for treating sinus problems include:
Magnolia
Aster
Sinus problems have many causes.
Causes of sinus problems include common colds, the flu, bacterial infection, allergies, too much dairy in the diet, constipation, poor circulation, lack of exercise, pollen, pesticide sprays, herbicide sprays, and air pollution.
Suppressive over-the-counter medications can drive infection deeper and produce side effects (although they may bring temporary relief).
Home remedies for nose bleeds
Dry air can cause nose bleeds, so run a humidifier to put moisture into the air. This can really help keep the nose healthy.
If you experience a nose bleed, sit up and lean forward. Pinch your nose. The pressure from pinching should cause the bleeding to stop. If bleeding lasts over thirty minutes, or if it becomes hard to breath, seek emergency care.
Yarrow is an herb that is known to stop bleeding. You can inhale yarrow powder to stop a nose bleed. You can also hold a fresh yarrow leaf to your nose and press on it gently for a few minutes. This might be a good thing to know in emergency situations.
Good diet can help heal sinus problems.
Sinus problems usually benefit from a cleansing diet of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Greens, lemon juice, carrot juice, pineapples, papayas, and apples are good things to add.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of pure, fresh water. Water is the best remedy of all for clearing up sinus problems.
Use horseradish to clear sinus mucus.
When the sinuses are stopped up, a good way to drain them is with horseradish. Grate a couple of teaspoons of fresh horseradish root and take a big spoonful by mouth.
Add lemon juice for extra strength. The sinuses will begin to drain and should be clear within a few minutes.
Warm ginger or eucalyptus compresses can also help. Apply compress to chest area and cover with a light blanket for best results.
If patient complains of burning, remove compress. Some people with sensitive skin might develop a rash or other inflammation. If so, apply aloe vera to the area.
Do not use compresses on babies, or anyone that is unable complain about burning sensations.
Read more about making herbal compresses.
*Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedy especially if you are on prescription medications, pregnant, or nursing.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443571/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9341451/
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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