ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : Herbal Remedies For Sinusitis

There are a number of herbs that can help treat this condition.

1.  Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion  These  herbs are broad-spectrum antibiotics. Garlic is the more potent, but onion still rates in my book. Many studies have confirmed garlic's antibiotic activity, most recently a study of people with AIDS who took the herb to ward off all sorts of opportunistic infections, including sinusitis.Take capsules if you like, but I prefer to peel and chop whole garlic cloves and use them as food. Naturopath Jane Guiltinan, N.D., chief medical officer at Bastyr University in Seattle, feels the same way.With my perverse affinity for alliteration, may I suggest my Sinusoup. Begin with your vegetarian minestrone and add heaping helpings of garlic and onions, plus horseradish, hot pepper and ginger. On a cold winter day, it warms the soul as it opens the sinuses.
   
   
2. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). This is another powerful broad-spectrum herbal antibiotic, with at least two active constituents, berberine and hydrastine. Naturopaths Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., president of Bastyr University, call goldenseal the most effective botanical treatment for acute bacterial infection. I'd have to agree. Lately I've combined goldenseal withechinacea and used it to treat all sorts of minor infections. In fact, I carry it in my travel first-aid kit.
   
   
3. Echinacea (Echinacea, various species). Native to the American Plains, this herb was a favorite American Indian remedy for all sorts of infections. German researchers have shown beyond any doubt that echinacea is an immune stimulant that speeds the healing of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Studies in other countries support these findings.
   
   
4. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and peppermint (Mentha piperita). Aromatherapists suggest rubbing diluted essential oils of eucalyptus or peppermint on the forehead and temples to relieve sinusitis. Mix a few drops of either or both oils into a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil before applying it to your skin. You can also add a few drops of the essential oils to your bathwater. But use these oils sparingly, as too much can be overwhelmingly caustic. And never ingest them; even a small amount can be toxic.If you don't have these herbal oils on hand, the bruised leaves work well. You can mash some leaves, moisten them with water and make them into a poultice. Either place it on your chest or stuff it into your nostrils (be careful not to push it in too deeply).In Lesotho, Africa, people push crushed mint leaves up their nostrils to deliver the antiseptic oil to infected sinuses. I have tried this myself and think it helps. If you don't have peppermint on hand, any mint will do, including spearmint, mountain mint (except if you are pregnant) and oregano, all of which contain antiseptic essential oils. I'd also suggest drinking tea made with eucalyptus and any of the mints.
   
   
5. Oregano (Origanum vulgare). Here's a member of the mint family that's simply loaded with antiseptic compounds. Oregano is useful as a hot tea (inhale the vapors as you drink) or in amassage lotion. You can add a few drops of the essential oil to any skin lotion or to vegetable oil.
   
   The active constituents in ginkgo (ginkgolides) occur naturally in a concentration too low to be beneficial. The standard commercial extraction process boils down 50 pounds of leaves to get 1 pound of medicinal extract. When you buy ginkgo, look for a 50:1 extract and follow the package directions. You can try 60 to 240 milligrams a day, but don't go any higher than that. In large amounts, ginkgo may cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness.
   
   
6. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Ginkgo is best known as a treatment for the infirmities of old age, particularly stroke, because it increases blood flow in and around the brain. But this herb also has respiratory benefits. Several herbalists I respect recommend it for sinusitis.
   
   
7. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). I'm a big believer in horseradish (and Japanese wasabi) for clearing the sinuses. You might try a straight spoonful of ground horseradish if you're extremely brave, or you can add this hot herb to my Sinusoup.
   
   
8.  Pineapple (Ananas comosus). Bromelain, a compound found in pineapple, is useful for treating sinusitis, according to pharmacognosist (natural product) Albert Leung, Ph.D., co-author of The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients.

Naturopaths say that combining 250 to 500 milligrams of pure bromelain with goldenseal enhances the herb's already potent effectiveness. I enjoy pineapple and its juice, so I'd probably chase mygoldenseal capsule with the juice rather than taking a bromelain pill.