Sinusitis
Also termed “sinus infection”, this condition often
follows a cold or flu in patients whose upper respiratory systems
are more vulnerable. It is characterized by painful pressure and
congestion in the area around the eyes and behind the nose, and
often in the neck as well. Bacteria are usually present, especially
in acute sinusitis, as is thick, yellow-to-green mucus. However,
especially in chronic cases, tissue in the sinuses may simply be
very swollen, and not producing mucus, which results in similar
symptoms but requires less use of anticatarrhals.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Eliminate infection, reduce mucus production, support lymphatic
elimination, manage pain.
Primary Treatment:
· Administer strong doses (2-3 ml every hour) of Echinacea.
· Use tincture of Hydrastis canadsensis (Goldenseal), 1-2
ml 3x daily for toning, astringing and decongesting the upper airways.
Also fresh Urtica diotica (Nettle) can be helpful in this regard.
· If the patient is able, use a weak Neti pot infusion of
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal). Otherwise, apply a tincture formula
of Cayenne, Lobelia, Goldenseal, and Myrrh (equal parts), externally.
Supportive Treatment:
· Use anticatarrhal and diaphoretic herbs to thin mucus secretions
especially in acute sinusitis.
· Use tincture of Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) or Piscidia
erythrina (Jamaican dogwood) for pain relief as necessary (but only
short-term).
· Use lymphatics (especially Trifolium praetense, Red Clover)
to assist in elimination and recovery.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Consider the role of environmental and dietary allergies
especially in the case of chronic sinusitis, eliminating those allergens
and/or using medicinal mushrooms to balance immunity.
· Be aware that the sinus cavities are very convolute and
complex, and differ from person to person. Occasional patients with
chronic sinusitis may very well have narrow, twisted sinuses or
may have nasal polyps (small growths) that aggravate their condition.
Normally, prescription antihistamine sprays are administered to
deal with nasal polyps (and this can be fine in the short, short
term); consider mushrooms and a topical application as described
above as an alternative.
