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More about Sinusitis:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Chronic sinusitis is often associated with food allergies. An elimination/challenge diet is recommended to
identify and eliminate allergenic foods. Irrigating the sinuses with a salt water solution is often recommended for sinusitis and allergies, in order to clear the nasal passages of mucus. Another solution for nasal lavage (washing) utilizes powdered goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Other herbal treatments, taken internally, include a mixture made of eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), goldenseal, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), horseradish, and ephedra (Ephedra sinica), or, when infection is present, a mixture made of echinacea (Echinacea spp.), wild indigo, and poke root (Phytolacca decandra-Americana).
Homeopathic practitioners find a number of remedies useful for treating sinusitis. Among those they recommend are: Arsenicum album, Kalium bichromium, Nux vomica, Mercurius iodatus, and Silica.
Acupuncture has been used to treat sinusitis, as have a variety of dietary supplements, including vitamins A, C, and E, and the mineral zinc. Contrast hydrotherapy (hot and cold compresses, alternating 3 minutes hot, 30 seconds cold, repeated 3 times always ending with cold) applied directly over the sinuses can relieve pressure and enhance healing. A direct inhalation of essential oils (2 drops of oil to 2 cups of water) using thyme, rosemary, and lavender can help open the sinuses and kill bacteria that cause infection.
— Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
