Alternative Answers for Sinusitis

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

Alternative Answers for Sinusitis

 

Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that

continues for weeks, months, or even years. Allergies are the most

common cause of chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can persist even

after antibiotics are given. It's the most frequently reported

chronic disease. Chronic sinusitis can also be caused by structural

abnormalities of the nose, such as a deviated septum (the bony

partition separating the two nasal passages), or by small growths

called nasal polyps, both of which can trap mucus in the sinuses.

 

Acute sinusitis occurs when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and

impair proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Chronic

inflammation of the nasal passages or rhinitis also can lead to

sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is the most common cause of

chronic sinusitis and is a frequent cause of acute sinusitis.

 

Investigate your sinusitis. It could be food related, environmental,

or reactions due to chemicals . Vasomotor rhinitis is caused by

humidity, cold air, alcohol, perfumes, and other environmental

conditions. Medical science believes the sinuses around your nose act

like small air-quality filter centers. It's their job to warm,

moisten, purify, and generally condition the air you breathe before

going to your lungs.

 

Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute

nasal hairs called cilia. This air-flow system can sometimes slow

down when something impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus

openings, or if an allergen swells the sinus linings. Then air gets

trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates, and bacteria breed.

Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get clogged up,

you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes and

chronic congestion.

 

Sinusitis can also be caused by a variety of factors, such as virus,

fungal infections, and medication side-effects. Inhalation of

airborne allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen, often set off

allergic reactions.

 

Those who are cigarette smokers and people who suffer from upper

respiratory allergies are even more likely to develop bad sinus

problems.

 

There are four pairs of sinuses in the human skull that help

circulate moist air throughout the nasal passages.

 

The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to

sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal

congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge. Other symptoms

include tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and

sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses.

 

Chronic sinusitis differs slightly, in that symptoms can be milder

and may only include postnasal drip, bad breath, and an irritating

dry cough. Hay fever, environmental triggers unrelated to hay fever,

food allergens, and dental infections can also lead to sinusitis.

Humidity is the key to keeping the cilia working, the mucus flowing,

and the sinuses drained.

 

 

Managing Your Sinusitis

 

Prevention is the key!

 

Twice a day, stand in a shower hot enough to fog up the mirror. Or

lean over a pan full of steaming water with a towel draped over your

head, creating a steam tent. Inhale the vapors as they waft up toward

your nostrils. Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to

help clear nasal and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil works similarly

to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucosa,

leading to a reduction in the symptoms of nasal congestion. Just add

4 to 6 drops to a pan of steaming water with a towel draped over your

head and inhale the vapors.

 

Applying moist heat over the sinuses, is an easy way to wash away

sinus pain. Apply a warm washcloth over your eyes and cheekbones and

leave it there until you feel the pain subside. It may take only a

few minutes.

 

Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea

salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it

into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your

thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your

nose gently. Repeat on the other side.

 

An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner

with a Netti Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer,

narrower spout for the nostrils. These can be found in most health

food stores.

 

To clear excess mucus from the sinus, combine the juice from the

horseradish root with the juice of 3 lemons. Take a 1/2 teaspoon

between meals for several months until the mucus in the sinus clears.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

Bromelain Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a

single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in

pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily

produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan. Local swelling is the

releasing of histimines in a localized area causes the vasodilation

and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain has an anti-

inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for sinusitis.

It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day on an

empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or three hours after

eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or rash.

 

Cayenne Peppers contain Capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the

nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.

 

Elderflower, is excellent for catarrh and sinusitis. This herb

reduces symptoms and promotes healing.

 

Garlic has the same chemical found in a drug given to make mucus less

sticky. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which

protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.

 

Horseradish is an herb used traditionally, as it dissolves mucus. One

half to one teaspoon (3–5 grams) of the freshly grated root can be

eaten three times per day. Horseradish tincture is also available.

One quarter to one half teaspoon (2 to 3 ml) can be taken three times

per day.

 

Nettle Leaf, 300mg, taken twice per day can lead to effective

results. Stinging Nettle plant (Urtica dioica) relieves hay fever

symptoms quickly in most people, has no toxicity, and is even a

valuable source of iron and trace minerals. Do not take this herb if

you have high blood pressure.

 

Wood Betony is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an

anti-inflammatory remedy for those with sinusitis.

 

 

Aromatherapy Remedies

 

Aromatherapy can clear sinusitis by combating infection, opening up

nasal passages, reducing congestion and relieving pain. Essential

oils such as Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram,

Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Thyme are all

beneficial for this condition. Cedarwood: is an excellent choice for

treating respiratory problems. As an expectorant, it helps to

dislodge and expel mucus, decreases congestion. As an antiseptic, it

fights infection.

 

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and vrial infections. This oil

stimulated regeneration of lung tissue. It increases blood oxygen

supplies allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to

the cells throughout the body.

 

Ginger: stimulates the immune system. It warms the chill from winter

and dampness, cools the body by inducing sweating, reduces the

drainage of a runny nose and helps with respiratory infection.

 

Lavender: clears congestion, stuffiness and soothes respiratory and

throat disorders and boosts the immunity.

 

Marjoram: eases respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis,

colds and flu and sinusitis.

 

Peppermint: clears sinuses and improves breathing.

 

Pine: fights respiratory infections and encourages the release of

mucus. This oil relieves congestion and makes breathing easier.

 

Rosemary: helps relieve respiratory disorders, fights infection,

expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage.

 

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, this oil relieve respiratory

disorders, fights bacteria, viruses and fungi and has a reputation of

improving immunity.

 

Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood

cells. This oil is great for respiratory disorders.

 

 

Hydrotherapy

 

Steam treatments and hot baths have a cleansing effect on allergies.

Instructions for a warm bath: Fill your bathtub with water slightly

warmer than body temperature, around 97° to 101°F (You can check the

temperature of the water with a regular thermometer.) As the tub

fills with water add 2 spoons of Angel's Mist Deep Soak Sea Salts to

the bath water for a soothing, skin cleansing soak. Submerging as

much of your body as possible, stay in the bath for at least 20

minutes, adding water as needed to maintain the temperature of the

bath.

 

Steam Inhalation First, boiling water. Remove the pot from the stove.

Add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oil or the other

oils listed above to the water and then with a towel, make a tent

over your head and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Add just a few

drops of one - three oils only.

 

Consider cleansing the nasal passages with a Neti Pot. This Ayurvedic

solution has been used for centuries to keep the nasal passages clear

of mucus and congestion.

 

 

Nutritional Advise

 

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. 6-8

8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing, thinning and free

flow of mucus in the system.

 

Some studies indicate that people with sinusitis have environmental

allergies. Although food allergies may also contribute to the

problem, some researchers believe food allergies only rarely cause

sinusitis. If other treatment approaches are unsuccessful, people

with sinusitis may choose to work with a nutritionist in order to

evaluate what, if any, effect elimination of food and other allergens

might have on reducing their symptoms.

 

Supplementation with 250 mg of Pantothenic Acid two times a day helps

most patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, a significant

predisposing factor for sinusitis. However, research has yet to

investigate the effects of Pantothenic Acid supplementation with

people who have sinusitis.

 

Histamine is associated with increased nasal and sinus congestion.

Vitamin C (2,000 mg three times per day) reduced histamine levels in

people with either high histamine levels or low blood levels of

Vitamin C.

 

Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, has been reported to

relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis.

 

Eliminate milk and all milk products from the diet, including

prepared foods that list milk as an ingredient. An overwhelming

majority of patients report dramatic improvement in sinus conditions

after two months of this dietary change.

 

Do not smoke. Do not spend time around smokers or in smoky

environments.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/sinusitis.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for this.  Such wonderful information!

I would like to add that olive leaf extract taken daily has helped me

tremendously.  The tincture works best, but the taste is extremely strong and

even overpowers pomegranate juice.  They do sell it in capsules though.

 

 

 

 

 

Every day is Earth Day!  Love your Mother!

 

Kelly Lynn Aiyanna Nvwoti Adanaho  Elisi Dagaduga Harris