Sinus or sinusitis is a very common, yet a major problem. In the United States alone, more than 30 million people are affected by sinus every year. Many times it is chronic and acute. The most common symptoms include nasal blockage or congestion, yellow nasal discharge, sore throat, painful frontal headache, fever etc. In some cases antibiotics do the job, but in many cases surgery is required to clear out nasal blockage. For those with acute and chronic sinusitis, natural remedies can be a better solution than antibiotics. So check out the four herbal remedies which are really effective against chronic sinusitis:
1. Lemon Balm
How it works?
Lemon Balm is an easily grown citrus scented herb. Fresh and/or dried lemon balm leaves have been used as a medicinal herb since 2000 years. It is also used in tea form to treat anxiety, depression, fatigue and headaches.
Recipe: Lemon balm infused oil
Ingredients
Oil – 1 cup
Fresh lemon balm herb – 1/2 cup
Preparation
Put the fresh herbs in the cup of oil and let to stand for 4-5 days at room temperature. Within that time the herbs will settle to the bottom of the cup of oil.
How to use?
Filter out the herbs and the oil will be ready to use. After discarding the herbs, you can put the oil in a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
How it works?
Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory, decongesting and antioxidant properties. It has been used to treat asthma, nasal congestion, sinusitis, sore throat, runny nose, cough etc for many years in different cultures. Eucalyptus globulus, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps to relieve inflammation of the sinus gland.
Recipe: Eucalyptus steam inhalation
Ingredients
Eucalyptus oil
Water
Kettle
Towel
Bowl or container
Preparation
Boil the water in the kettle. Pour about six cups of water into the bowl or container. Add three drops of eucalyptus oil in the hot water. Your eucalyptus steam is ready to be inhaled.
How to use?
Inhale like regular steam inhalation. Cover your head and back of your head with the towel and inhale the eucalyptus steam. Keep your eyes closed and your face at least 6-8 inches away from the water. Breathe deeply.
3. Echinacea
How it works?
Echinacea is used to treat sinus infection because of its strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and it’s ability to stimulate the immune system. It helps to kill the virus or other germs at a faster pace.
Echinacea should only be used under the supervision of registered medical practitioner.
Recipe: Echinacea Tea
Ingredients
Echinacea roots
Echinacea stems and flowers(optional)
Water
Honey
Lemon
Ginger roots
Preparation
Boil the water. Put about 1/4 cup of Echinacea roots and flowers/stems(optional) in a bowl or container. Pour the boiling hot water over the plant. Add a little honey and/or some fresh lemon juice. Add some ginger roots for extra flavor and power.
Now cover the bowl and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. Strain or filter the roots and leaves, your tea is ready to drink.
How to use?
Drink it as hot as possible and with intervals. You can drink one cup a day, after meal. Take it for a month and then take a month off.
4. Peppermint Oil
How it works?
Peppermint oil is a very popular natural remedy for inflammation and sinuses. It can be taken in form of tea or inhaled. Peppermint oil can soothe the mucus membranes and also provide immediate relief from nasal blockage or congestion.
Recipe: Peppermint steam
Ingredients
Peppermint oil
Water
Pot
Towel
Bowl or container
Preparation
Boil the water in the kettle. Pour the boiling hot water in a big bowl and add some peppermint oil. Your peppermint steam is ready to inhale.
How to use?
Cover your head and the back of your head with the towel. Breathe deeply and inhale the steam. Keep your eyes closed and your face at least half a feet away from the water. You can also prepare peppermint tea to serve the same purpose.
