Herbal Medicine : Sinusitis

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David Hoffmann L. BSc (Hons), MNIMH ©

An inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses due to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections or allergic reactions.

The sinuses are bony cavities behind, above and at each side of the nose and opening into the nasal cavity. They act as a sound-box to give resonance to the voice. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the four air-containing cavities in the skull. Like the nasal passages, the sinuses are lined with mucous membranes, which react to infection by producing mucus. This incapacitates infecting bacteria. Because the openings from the nose into the sinuses are very narrow, they quickly become blocked when the mucous membrane of the nose becomes swollen during a cold, hayfever or catarrh, and then the infection is trapped inside the sinus. Chronic sinusitis may occur if one or more of the drainage passages from the sinuses to the nose becomes blocked. This can cause a dull pain across the face, temple, around the eyes and headaches. If the maxillary sinuses above the cheeks are infected, this can produce toothache. Once the lining of the sinuses becomes swollen, the cilia no longer operate, causing the lining of the sinuses to become permanently thickened, contributing to the retention of phlegm.

Actions Indicated for the Processes Behind this Disease

Anti-microbials are pivotal in the treatment of this often entrenched condition. These herbs will help the body deal with any infection present, but also support the immune system in resisting the development of secondary infection.
Anti-catarrhals will ease the symptomatic discomfort that is characteristic of this problem, also helping the body in the removal of the build up in the sinus cavities.
Astringents, often also anti-catarrhals, reduce the overproduction in the mucous membranes of the sinuses.
Anti-inflammatories are indicated, but most of the herbs that posses the actions already listed have this effect as well.
Diaphoretics will be indicated if feverishness is part of the symptom picture.
Analgesics may be necessary for temporary relief of pain.
Lymphatics will support the draining and immune work of this vital tissue.
Digestive support is indicated if the overproduction of mucous is leading to some stomach discomfort.
Adaptogens and Immune support may help long term. This `catch-all' covers any need to support liver, kidney etc. etc.. Please refer to that section if this is not clear.

System Support
The mucous membranes, upper and lower respiratory system, immune system and possibly the digestive system need attention. It will depend upon individual indications.

One possible prescription:

Solidago virgaurea --- --- --- 2 parts
Sambucus nigra --- --- --- 1 part
Echinacea spp. --- --- --- 1 part
Baptisia tinctoria --- --- --- 1 part 5 ml. taken three times a day

The herbal approach to these problems is both indirect and direct. The indirect approach sees upper respiratory disease within the context of the whole person. Sometimes, the overproduction of mucus is an attempt by the body to discharge waste material which is not being properly eliminated by the bowels, kidneys, and skin. In such cases, the herbalist may prescribe bitter tonics to encourage regular bowel movements; or diuretic herbs which encourage kidney elimination of retained fluids and waste materials; or diaphoretic herbs which stimulate skin elimination.

A diet which reduces mucus production is also essential. In particular a fruit fast for two or three days can help clear a system clogged and over-burdened by toxic wastes. Hot lemon drinks reduce mucus production and so do garlic, onions and horseradish (grate the fresh root into cider vinegar or lemon juice and eat a little each day). You can also add mustard and aromatic herbs like oregano to your food. Extra zinc and Vitamin C will help build up the body's resistance to infection.

Sometimes, emotional factors like suppressed grief can lead to blocked upper respiratory passages. In these cases, a good cry can free this blocked energy and alleviate the problem. Some cases of chronic mucus production are due to allergy.

A steam inhalant is an effective technique for treating upper respiratory catarrh and sinusitis. In a bottle, mix 30 ml of compound tincture of Benzoin with 2.5 ml eucalyptus oil, 6 drops peppermint oil, 5 drops lavender oil and 5 drops pine oil. Shake well. Put a teaspoonful in a bowl and pour on 1 pt (500 ml) boiled water. Cover the head and the bowl with a towel or cloth and inhale. KEEP THE EYES CLOSED!

The British aromatherapist Patricia Davis says that Lavender and Thyme are the most effective when there is much pain, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Pine are good at relieving the blockage and stuffiness, while Ti-tree is the most powerful antiseptic of these - very important in eradicating the infection.

Certain foods, especially dairy produce and wheat, seem to pre-dispose people towards sinusitis, because they provoke excessive formation of mucus. During an acute attack of sinusitis all dairy and wheat-based foods must be excluded for several days, and people who have chronic or repeated attacks, are advised to exclude these foods completely for several months, and then reintroduce them in very small amounts, if at all. Goat and sheeps' milk products are sometimes better tolerated than cow's milk. Acupuncture is a very effective therapy for sinusitis and can be used alongside Phytotherapy.

Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it......more

• on Inflammation
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• Alternative Medicine Center
• Herbal Medicine Center
• by David Hoffmann