For anyone who has suffered from a sinus infection, you know that the pain can be unbearable. The infections-which typically follow a cold-can last for several days. For some, the symptoms last for considerably longer, sometimes as long as eight weeks.
If you have had a sinus infection, you have probably been prescribed one of a number of treatments that require commercially available medicine. These include everything from nasal sprays to decongestants. Some are available over the counter and others are available by prescription only.
However, for those preferring a more natural way of treating sinus infections, there are a number of natural remedies for sinus infections. Alternative therapy for sinus infections can include a number of different treatments including herbal treatments, nasal irrigation, and supplements. The main advantage of natural treatment for sinus infections is that they approach the infection as it relates to your whole body system, rather than just treating it as an isolated phenomenon.
To help get the most out of alternative medical treatments, you should consult an alternative medicine practitioner. Ideally, your regular physician should be able to refer you to one, otherwise ask friends and relatives for a referral. A professional will be able to help you safely use the natural remedies for sinus infections listed below.
Some alternative therapies for sinus infections include:
Nasal Irrigation – A nasal irrigation is an easy home procedure that will clear the nasal passages and reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with sinus infections. Mix one cup of filtered water at room temperature with a half teaspoon of canning salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda. Stand over the sink and use a bulb syringe to squeeze water into your nose. Water and mucus will exit via the other nostril. Repeat by squeezing water into the other nostril.
Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation – Some studies have shown that Eucalyptus oil can reduce symptoms of sinus infections. It is known to reduce congestion and helps to get rid of mucus in the respiratory system. To use this treatment, pour four cups of boiling water into a bowl and add three drops of Eucalyptus oil to the water. Cover your head with a towel and position it a foot away from the water. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for ten minutes.
Bromelain – Bromelain is something that alternative medicine practitioners frequently use as a natural treatment for sinus infections. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes extracted from pineapples and made into a capsule form. It’s believed that it can help reduce symptoms stemming from sinus infections.
Acupuncture – Some alternative medicine practitioners use acupuncture to treat sinus infections. Rather than diagnosis specific types of headaches, acupuncturists approach headaches as caused by an imbalance of energies in the body. Acupuncture treatment for headaches will often combine needle therapy with burning the herb mugwart over key points in the body.
Diet – When alternative health practitioners deal with sinus infections, they address them by looking at the entirety of the body. As part of this, they will often look at a patient’s diet to see if it is high in foods that promote the formation of mucus. Consequently, alternative therapy for sinus infection will often focus on reducing the consumption of sugar, oranges, dairy, and wheat.
As you can see, there are a variety of alternative therapies for sinus infections. While you can try some yourself, you will likely have the best results if you consult a professional to help chose a treatment tailored to your specific body. Because alternative medicine follows a more holistic approach, you will have the most success if your treatment is custom designed.
Sources:
“Chronic Sinusitis,” MayoClinic.com
“Sinus Problems and Chronic Sinusitis,” About.com
“Sinus headache,” University of Maryland Medical Center
