How to Treat Sinus Infections Naturally
Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is an inflammation of your nasal passages and sinuses. Millions of people are affected by this condition worldwide, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 2. One of the main causes of sinusitis is a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract 2. Sinusitis can cause an uncomfortable pressure around the front of your face and it can also cause headaches, thick nasal secretions, fever, cough and halitosis (bad breath). If left untreated, sinusitis may lead to meningitis (bacterial infection of the brain). The use of herbs for treating sinusitis is popular, since herbal remedies produce fewer side effects than pharmaceutical medications. By using natural remedies, you can effectively treat a sinus infection.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Take neem supplements to treat your sinus infection. This potent East Indian herb has antibacterial properties and contains essential amino acids and vitamin E which can help boost your immune system to help fight the sinus infection. It can also reduce the inflammation associated with the infection. Take one 350mg capsule, four times a day. The bitter taste of neem supplements may linger in your mouth. Drink two glasses of water after taking the supplement to remove the aftertaste.
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Drink a cup of eucalyptus tea once a day. Eucalyptus herb has potent antibacterial properties, which can help eliminate the microorganisms causing your sinus infection while soothing your throat and reducing any headaches associated with the infection. It also works as an effective antiseptic and expectorant.
Treat your sinus infection with echinacea supplements. Echinacasides are the potent active ingredients of this herb. It acts as a natural antibiotic which can also enhance your immune system to help drain out sinus congestion associated with allergies and infections. One 500mg capsule twice daily, is the recommended dosage of this supplement. Take it 30 minutes before a meal.
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Take garlic supplements to treat your sinus infection. Allicin is the powerful active ingredient of garlic. It is a natural antibiotic which can destroy the microorganisms causing your sinus infection. Garlic can also help boost your immune system to help hasten recovery time from the infection. The recommended dosage of garlic supplements is one 500mg tablet once daily. You can also garnish your foods with fresh garlic to maximize the benefits.
Eat 2 cups of grapes every day to treat your sinus infection. This fruit contains potent sinus fighting antioxidants which can help alleviate your sinus infection. Consume grapes that are darker in color, such as black grapes and crimsons grapes, since these contain more antioxidants than green grapes.
Warnings
Consult your doctor before embarking on any herbal self treatments for sinusitis.
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References
- Prevent Disease: Allergies? Sinusitis? How to Tell the Difference
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Causes of Sinusitis
- Rosenfeld RM, Piccirillo JF, Chandrasekhar SS, et al. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39. doi:10.1177/0194599815572097
- Ah-See K. Sinusitis (acute). BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011:0511. Dec 21, 2011.
- Kwon E, O'Rourke MC. Chronic Sinusitis. StatPearls Publishing; 2019.
- Sanan A, Shumrick C, Nyquist G, Rosen M. Intra-optic nerve abscess: A rare complication of acute sinusitis. Otolaryngology Case Reports. 2017;2:13-15. doi:10.1016/j.xocr.2016.12.003
- Pincus DJ, Armstrong MB, Thaller SR. Osteomyelitis of the craniofacial skeleton. Semin Plast Surg. 2009;23(2):73-9. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1214159
- Sinus Infections That Don't Quit: When You Should Worry. Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. Sept 17, 2014.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Sinus Infection. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection.
- Litvack, J. Complications of Sinusitis. American Rhinologic Society. http://care.american-rhinologic.org/complications_sinusitis.
- MedlinePlus. Sinusitis. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000647.htm.
- NHS Inform. Sinusitis. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sinusitis.
Resources
Warnings
- Consult your doctor before embarking on any herbal self treatments for sinusitis.
Writer Bio
Frank Dioso is a trained medical technologist working for prominent research institutions such as Quest Diagnostics and California Clinical Trials. He has, for many years, ghostwritten clinical trial reports for confidential pharmaceutical drugs and is currently contributing his clinical laboratory science knowledge to online how-to articles.