by: Tony Isaacs
Symptoms of sinus infections, or sinusitis, are similar to a common cold, but last longer. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, you probably have sinusitis. Sinus infections can last from three weeks up to three years. Your best bet is to have sinusitis evaluated by a qualified medical professional, preferably one well versed in both conventional and naturopathic medicine.
Grapefruit seed extract is a wonderful supplement for sinus infection which can make a sinus infection disappear after only couple of days. The drops are really good but they taste terrible. Never take the drops on an empty stomach, especially early in the morning.
Using a neti pot helps keep your nasal passages healthy with all the pollution, pollen, dust and other irritants in the air. All you need to use in it is non-iodized salt, preferably sea salt.
Potassium supplements help dry up mucous.
Drink apple cider vinegar throughout the day in large glasses of water (ACV thins mucus).
Cayenne pepper tincture will help clear the sinuses. It is going to be hot (and the hotter the better), but you do get used to it.
Let a hot shower run onto your forehead and nose and then clear all the mucus from your sinuses. Do this several times a day.
Oil Pulling, a fabulous remedy from India, often alleviates sinus congestion within about 10-15 minutes
Licorice root helps reduce inflammation and stimulates the immune system to fight sinus infections. There are two types of licorice products. Be sure to take licorice capsules that boost the immune system and not those for treating ulcers.
Eucalyptus soothes sore throats. It also has antiseptic properties and can help shrink swollen tissues such as swollen sinus passages.
Peppermint can help calm mucous membranes. Dou may drink peppermint tea or steep the peppermint and breathe in the steam. You can also use peppermint in aromatherapy. The scent of peppermint when inhaled helps to ease your breathing.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day.
Drink warm tea. This may help dilute mucus.
Ginger has long been known to relieve and prevent headaches. It is also an anti-inflammatory and can help relieve pain. Take in tincture or capsule form according to directions.
Lemon balm is helpful in fighting off viruses and bacteria. Steep the dried leaves for 10 minutes in hot water. Strain and drink the tea warm. Alternatively, lemon balm tea can be used as a gargle.
Echinacea often will knock out a cold in only a matter of days when taken in quantity. It helps boost the immune system and makes it function better. Take in tincture or capsule form with increased dosages at the onset of illness and decrease after three or four days. Do not take if you have an allergy to ragweed.
Vitamin C and zinc can help the duration of colds as well as reduce cold symptoms. Sinus infections often come as a result of lingering colds. If you fight a cold early, you can help stave off a sinus infection. Take capsule or lozenges during cold season, especially with the onset of any symptoms.
Foods high in antioxidants help to build the immune system and prevent infections in the first place. Some of these foods include blueberries, cherries, artichokes, cranberries and pomegranates.