Time Tested Sinusitis Herbal Remedies Part 2

Recently I wrote the popular Time Tested Sinusitis Herbal Remedies article found on many health related websites. I've received numerous emails and comments with people stating they've already found sinus relief with these remedies, but also many have said they couldn't find the recommended sinusitis herbal remedies. So here is another list of time tested sinusitis herbal remedies that hopefully you'll find at your local health care store.

Goldenseal innate properties make this another fabulous remedy for sinusitis. It has antimicrobial properties to help fight bacteria and is also classified as a drying herb. In its natural form this plant prefers a high amount of water and therefore taken as a tea or capsule helps dry out the sinus congestion found in sinusitis. If you suffer from sinusitis where mucus predominates this herb is perfect for you. As a tincture take about ½ dropper full three times a day diluted in warm water.  If you prefer to take capsules studies show taking 50mg 3 times a day.

Another herb very similar to Goldenseal is Yerba Mansa. Although it is not in the same plant family, the innate medicinal qualities mirror each others.  Along with its drying properties it excels and reducing inflamed tissues. This is especially important for sinusitis. Reducing the inflammation of the mucus membranes in the sinus passages is a sure way to find symptom relief. Using this herb as a tincture is the best method. There are a few doctors who use a diluted tincture in a nasal spray bottle.

I talked last time about using the essential oils of Eucalyptus in a steam inhalation to find symptomatic relief. An herb that you can use at home is Sage. Throwing a handful of sage into a pot of hot water, cover it and bring to a boil. Then remove the post from the stove and inhale the steam with a towel draped over your head. The oils extracted by this process act as a natural decongestant.

Lastly is salt water. The ionic composition of salt water makes this an ideal solution for sinus irrigation. Many people have tried sinus irrigation techniques but with distilled or tap water and have either found temporary or no relief at all. This is because the sinus mucus layer is has a specific electrolyte (potassium, sodium, chloride) composition. If this composition is interrupted, such as mixing with normal water, the sinus cells actually think that more mucus should be produced. Of course we know this can make sinus infections worse.  Using salt water as the irrigation solution makes sure this doesn't happen.

As always consult your local physician before impmlementing any therapy.