Sinus Infection

Symptoms

The sinus cavities lie in the bone structure of the face, on each side of the nose, just between the eyes and between the eyebrows. When the mucous membranes lining these small cavities inflame and swell, the headache and stuffiness typical of a sinus infection develop. Depending on which sinus has become infected, the pain will center on either side of the nose or on the forehead. In some instances, it feels like a toothache. The pain often centers at one exact spot, or it can be diffuse, like a mild pressure headache. Bending over or pressing against the particular bone affected definitely hurts. Typically, the nose feels stuffed up and blowing it brings out greenish-yellow mucus. The voice becomes nasal. An acute sinus infection can be quite painful and long-lasting. Fever, fatigue and facial swelling are common in acute infections, but rarely appear in chronic ones. Recurring, chronic infections produce few symptoms, sometimes with only a postnasal drip.

Causes

Sinusitis is caused by viruses and bacteria, and often follows a head cold which refuses to heal. In some cases, dental infections are the cause, especially in recurring infections that begin as a toothache. Allergies can also result in sinus infections. Chronic or recurring infections are often due to poorly healed sinusitis, which gives a foundation for renewed infection. Sinusitis is difficult to heal because the swelling limits proper air flow. Steam typically helps open air passages. Smoking and other irritants increase susceptibility. Swimming is a trigger for some people. Certain foods that increase mucus production, such as milk and milk products, often add to the problem.

Nutrition

Drink plenty of liquids to aid drainage, and avoid simple sugars. Since twenty-five percent of the cases of sinusitis are connected with food allergies, eliminate common food allergens until sensitivities can be determined. Common allergens are milk, wheat, eggs, citrus fruits, corn and peanut butter. Make sure to get adequate vitamin A from yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and cantaloupe, since a deficiency can cause sinusitis. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C, which helps fight infections. Spicy foods and alcohol aggravate sinusitis. Radishes clear the sinuses. For a sinus headache, hold a clove of garlic in the mouth for fifteen minutes. Celery and turnip-green juice or any other green, leafy vegetables are excellent to clear mucus. Take 1 tbsp. three times daily. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic juice for an even stronger effect.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamins A and C are essential during a sinus infection. When vitamin A is deficient, a sinus infection can take hold more easily, as this vitamin protects the mucous membranes from illness. Vitamin C is useful for any infection, since it enhances immune system function and is both antibacterial and antiviral. Bioflavonoids maximize the use and absorption of vitamin C and act similarly. Colloidal silver also boosts immunity.

Daily dosages:

Vitamin A, 50,000 IU for two weeks, then 25,000 IU, if necessary (avoid during pregnancy)

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 500 mg every few hours for acute infection

Colloidal silver, 1/4 tsp.

Herbal Remedies

Building the immune system and reducing phlegm are paramount in the fight against infection. Herbal remedies are excellent for these purposes. Herbal antibodies can also be used either alone or in combination. These include cat’s slaw, St. John’s wort, astragalus, burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel, Turkish rhubarb, chapparal, red clover, ma huang, salix alba, sea kelp, taheebo, calendula and licorice root.

Prepare this cayenne formula to clear mucus and relieve pain: use 1 tsp. each of cayenne fruit, garlic clove, ginger root, horseradish root, onion and parsley leaf and root. Crush or chop finely and place in glass container. Make an extract by adding 1/2 cup of raw, organic apple cider vinegar and let stand for twenty-four hours. Strain and use 1 tsp. in 1 cup of hot water and drink daily.

To boost the immune system and help fight infection, take 20-40 drops of echinacea tincture in liquid initially, then 10-20 drops every two to three hours for two days during an acute infection. For chronic sinusitis, take 5-10 drops in liquid three times daily for fifteen days; repeat after two-week intervals.

Ground ivy leaf has phlegm-reducing and astringent properties, drying the mucus in the sinus and bronchial area. Take 1/4 tsp. of tincture in water or prepare a tea using 1 tsp. of leaves in 1 cup of boiling water.

Goldenseal root reduces phlegm. Take 1/4 tsp. of tincture in water three times daily.

To promote sinus drainage, take steam inhalations with camomile, Japanese peppermint oil and thyme. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil for a stronger effect.

Inhale fresh horseradish deeply to increase the flow of mucus.

Homeopathy

For acute infections, choose one of the following in a 6c strength, repeating three times daily for several days as necessary. Dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue.

Kalium bichromium is probably the most common remedy for sinus infections, when the mucus is particularly thick and stringy, and the sinus pain is most pronounced at the nose base or in a small spot in the forehead. Warmth typically brings relief.

Pulsatilla is helpful for thick, yellow mucus, when the pain is worse in the warm air and better in cooler air. The pain also tends to be worse at night.

Hepar sulphuris is particularly useful if the sinuses are so sensitive that the least cold draft brings on pain and the face is very sensitive to touch. The person feels chilly and irritable.

Silicea is used for conditions that come on slowly and resolve slowly. Sinus pain that improves with hard pressure and warmth often require this homeopathic remedy.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets four times daily under the tongue.

Ferr phos is helpful in the early inflammatory stage, when fever and congestion are prominent.

Use Nat mur if the nasal mucus is clear and runny, possibly accompanied by a loss of smell.

Later, when the discharge turns thick and yellowish green, Kali sulph is appropriate. The sinus pain worsens in a warm environment.

If the mucus becomes white and thick and the tongue is coated white, choose Kali mur.

Silicea is helpful for chronic infections that are slow to heal. The person is chilly and lacks stamina.

External/Physical Therapies

Use steam inhalations to promote sinus drainage.

Onion poultices are simple and effective. Chop an onion finely, place between two pieces of gauze and bind it on the neck before retiring, leaving it on overnight. For a chronic case or a condition that originated with a cold, apply hot onion compresses to soothe and alleviate the stuffiness.

Rising-temperature foot and sitz-baths, alternating hot and cold foot baths and calf wraps increase circulation and boost the immune system.

For a sinus infection with pus, apply poultices of flax seed to sinus area.

Reflexology

Work the reflexes of the head, neck, sinuses, chest and lungs, ileocecal valve, adrenal glands and the pituitary gland as illustrated.

Other Suggestions

Sea air is recommended for dry mucus membranes.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)

Beta Green (Natural Factors)

C Extra (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Grape Seed Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

FloraGuard Echinacea Tincture (Flora)

Salus Gallexier Herbal Bitters (Flora)

Aller-Ease (Natural Factors)

Cold and Cough (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract

(Natural Factors)

Echinacea Tincture

(Natural Factors)

Astragalus Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Burdock (Nature’s Herbs)

Cat’s Claw (Nature’s Herbs)

Cayenne-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract

(Nature’s Herbs)

Echinacea-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Elderberry Flowers & Berries

(Nature’s Herbs)

Eye-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature’s Herbs)

Golden Seal Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Norwegian Kelp (Nature’s Herbs)

Red Clover Combination

(Nature’s Herbs)

Slippery Elm Root (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Maximum Allicin Garlic

(Quintessence)

Organic Garlic (Quintessence)

Pure-Gar (Quintessence)

Homeopathy

Hepar Sulph (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Kali Bichromium (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Silicea (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Sinus (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Olbas Oil (Flora)

Eucalyptus Oil (Karooch Essential Oil)

Peppermint Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Pine Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Tea Tree Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)