By David Blyweiss M.D., Advanced Natural Wellness

About this time every year, I see an up tick in patients suffering from sinus infections. Many blame the changing weather or blooming landscape—and they are right, at least in part.

Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergens or pollutants can also be a trigger. Here’s what happens: Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.

No matter what the cause, sinusitis can make you miserable. Symptoms can include a green or yellow nasal discharge, postnasal drip and headache, as well as the telltale facial pressure and tenderness. A toothache, fever, exhaustion or even a decreased ability to smell can also signal an attack. But, even though these symptoms can make you may feel like you’ve been run over by a truck, sinusitis isn’t typically a serious condition—and it’s something you can often remedy yourself.

Instead of running to the doctor for antibiotics, try washing away the problem with nasal irrigation. Research shows that solutions with as little as 2 percent salt can dramatically relieve sinus infections and congestion. Just mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with warm water in a neti pot (available at most drugstores). Stand over a sink, tilt your head down slightly and then to one side, about 45 degrees. Place the spout into the upper nostril and pour slowly until it fills and then begins to empty out the lower nostril. When the pot is empty, blow your nose repeatedly to clear out both sides, then refill and repeat through the other nostril. Irrigate several times a day for as long as needed, but discontinue the procedure once you clear up.

Nasal sprays also work to pump saline solution into your sinuses. I recommend using one that combines xylitol—a sugar alcohol—with salt. Pathogenic bacteria feed on xylitol to become less virulent, and xylitol itself helps clear excess mucus and congestion in the sinuses, nasal passages, mouth and pharynx (the upper part of your throat, above the vocal cords).

I also recommend fortifying your immune system with three herbs. The first is Echinacea, which can ease your symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection itself. Use a tincture of Echinacea angust folia in a 1:2, 50 percent alcohol preparation. Take 60 to 90 drops four to six times a day.
Oregon grape root and barberry can also foil a sinus infection. Both of these herbs contain berberine, an antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal compound. While you can find Oregon grape root in capsule form, I find that taking a tincture works more effectively. Look for one that is a 1:5 concentration and take 20 to 30 drops in a small amount of water three times per day.

Barberry, however, can be taken in either tincture form or as capsules. As a tincture, 20 to 30 drops of barberry can be taken three times per day. If you prefer capsules, look for a standardized extract containing 5–10 percent alkaloids. Take 500 mg. of berberine taken each day.

You can also get instant relief with a whiff of eucalyptus oil. This pungent herb will ease even the most stubborn nasal congestion. Simply put a couple of drops on a tissue and hold it near your nose. Take four or five deep breaths to pull the vapors through your nasal passages and into your lungs. If the congestion returns, just replenish the oil and repeat.
Armed with these natural strategies, you can both treat an existing sinus infection and keep future bouts at bay. It’s also smart to avoid known allergens, especially when things are in full bloom. But some prior planning and a little help from Mother Nature can leave you breathing easy.

References:

Li B. Advances in the study of berberine and its derivatives. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2008;43:773-787.

Neher A. Influence of essential and fatty oils on ciliary beat frequency of human nasal epithelial cells. American Journal of Rhinology. 2008;22:130-134.

Scheid DC. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults: part II. Treatment. American Family Physician. 2004;70:1697-1704