Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membranes inside the hollows behind the bones of the nasal cavities and eyebrows. When functioning normally, the sinuses flush out any foreign objects to keep the membranes clear. However, when you come down with a cold or flu, the sinuses will sometimes become clogged, causing a thick greenish yellow mucous to form. This is usually accompanied by headaches, stuffy and runny noses, and head congestion.
Why Conventional Treatments Don't Always Work
Many people suffering from Sinusitis have found that while conventional treatments such as OTC medications, antibiotics and decongestants might offer temporary relief, they can lead to problems like Chronic Sinusitis in the future. Many of these treatments only treat the symptom, and not the infection itself. Not only that, but most sinus infections are caused by viruses, and when antibiotics are prescribed, they do nothing to counteract what set off the infection in the first place. While there are many natural alternatives to conventional treatments, which we will discuss in this article, the best cure is always prevention. Getting plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly are all key factors in keeping up your immune system. While physical fitness comes naturally to some, personal training may be something to consider if exercise is something you find difficult to fit into your routine.
Natural Alternatives For Sinusitis Relief
One way to do battle with sinusitis is by taking herbal supplements. Cayenne pepper has been used as far back as the 15th century as a medicinal spice. Even today, doctors tout it's benefits for treating heart disease, and as a very efficient infection fighter. Known for it's power of loosening things up and getting things moving, cayenne pepper is not only good for thinning out the mucous membranes, but is also a winning counterpart to Echinacea and Goldenseal.
Vitamin C, the powerhouse of immunity boosters, is also known to relieve symptoms of Sinusitis. By directly blocking histamines and congestion, taking just 500 milligrams of Vitamin C a day will help to speed recovery from Sinusitis.
Bromalaine is another natural supplement that is becoming well known as an alternative route for healing. An enzyme derived from Pineapple, Bromelaine was originally used for digestive purposes only. However, it's healing properties when taken on an empty stomach soon came to be known. Bromelaine, is well known for it's use as a pain reliever, and for it's helpfulness with thinning out mucous secretions for sinus sufferers. 500 hundred milligrams a day is a sufficient dose, but be sure to check the amount of Milk Clotting Units ( MCU), which should be between 1500-1800 for a quality supplement.
A combination of Zinc, Magnesium, and Calcium is another way to ward off sinusitis. This combination of supplements are well known for fighting off colds. Zinc kills the cold virus itself, while Magnesium and calcium act as natural muscle relaxants allowing you to rest and offering relief from inflammation.
Tips For Relieving Symptoms of Sinusitis
One of the best things you can do to get relief is to steam your face with herbs. Using essential oils of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary, boil some water, lean over the pot with a towel covering your head, and breathe in the vapors.
Sweat it out. Generations of mother's have used this remedy to cure just about any illness imaginable. Drink plenty of hot fluids, such as hot tea with lemon, chicken broth with chopped fresh garlic, or sweetened lemon water. Then bundle yourself under the covers and let nature take it's course.
As always, remember that whole body health and fitness will ward off illness. Be sure to avoid foods that will aggravate allergic reactions, such as eggs, dairy products, beer and chocolate. Exercise is also pertinent to a healthy lifestyle, as is avoiding stress, and getting plenty of rest.