Sinusitis is defined as an  inflammatory process  of the  mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses , often accompanied by a primary or secondary infectious process. The paranasal sinuses have the function of protecting the brain from  any trauma ,  filtering the  inhaled air and  protecting , through the secretion of mucus, from  infectious agents  or  irritants . Let’s see the various herbal remedies to treat it.

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Grapefruit seeds among the herbal remedies for sinusitis

For sinusitis in phytotherapy, medicinal plants are used that act as decongestants and anti- inflammatories of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses; others with antibiotic and antibacterial properties , when this disorder is the consequence of an infection. Essential oils are also used effectively, especially balsamic ones , because they are capable of dissolving mucus and promoting its elimination .

In the case of sinusitis, the mucosa becomes inflamed and increases its volume , causing a narrowing of the communication obstacles between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity. This gives rise to a stagnation of the mucus inside the sinuses. If mucus drainage is impeded, microorganisms proliferate inside the sinuses, which become an ideal site for bacteria to grow from the nasal cavity or oropharyngeal cavity. 

Acute sinusitis causes pain and swelling in the affected sinuses, most commonly the frontal and maxillary sinuses. The pain, often localized in the superciliary arches or cheekbones , can be accompanied by headache, fever and very thick discharge from the nose. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, manifests itself with obstruction , congestion and nasal drip . 

In general, the symptoms of sinusitis consist of pain and a sense of pressure in the face , in different areas depending on the paranasal sinus involved. Nonspecific symptoms of inflammation or infection (headache, fever, rhinorrhea with yellowish-green mucus, greasy cough, toothache) can then be accompanied. Finally, the presence of this disorder, sensitizing the upper airways, makes it subject to colds or rhinitis of an allergic nature . 

Medicinal plants for sinusitis

• Grapefruit seeds : Research carried out on this extract revealed an unexpectedly broad spectrum of anti-infective action , capable of neutralizing not only viruses and bacteria , but also yeasts , other types of fungi and parasites . Grapefruit seeds contain flavonoids  with strong antiviral , antibacterial and antifungal activity . The extract is obtained from seeds and dehydrated pulp. The effectiveness of the extract has been recognized by an increasing number of natural doctors, who use it above all in the treatment ofcolds , fever and colds.

• Immunostimulating plants : carry out an action that is truly fundamental when preparing to face states of stress and psychophysical exhaustion , seasonal changes or the first symptoms of colds are felt. In winter, in fact, the aggression of unfavorable weather conditions create the ideal conditions for the attack of viruses and bacteria that cause the main forms of flu such as colds, cough and fever and sinusitis. However, even the rest of the year, particular lifestyles, environmental pollution, too intense work commitments, an unbalanced diet, insufficient hours of sleep, stress and depression, can cause the lowering of our naturals. defenses. For this reason, the use of immunostimulating plants can help to  strengthen the immune system  and protect the whole organism from disorders such as herpes , dermatitis , urinary tract infections (such as cystitis and candida) and respiratory tract. The echinacea , the astragalus , the uncaria tomentosa  and thealoe vera .

• Plantain : numerous Greek and Latin scholars (Dioscorides, recommended it for dysentery, while Pliny called it “magic herb” for its numerous healing properties) have handed down news about its medicinal use. Recent studies have confirmed that the leaves contain iridoid glycosides , of which the most significant is aucubin , flavonoids (luteolin), mucilages , tannins , pectins , salicylic acid , mineral salts ( especially zinc and potassium, vitamins A, C, and K). The plant has bechiche , expectorant properties, antibacterial , anti- inflammatory , astringent , and is indicated for inflammation of the throat and respiratory tract in general, such as cough , bronchial catarrh, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, sinusitis, and for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and urogenital system . 

The bud extractives

• Ribes nigrum buds (black currant bud extract),  stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisone with an anti- inflammatory and anti- allergic action . It is therefore indicated in all inflammatory states and in allergic cases whatever their clinical appearance: rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, gastritis, migraines, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, allergic rheumatism and sun allergy,  conjunctivitis and asthma due to allergy . Black currant can have some side effects , such as allergies and high blood pressure. Always consult a doctor before taking it. 

• Rosa Canina: buds (Rosa canina bud extract), has immunomodulating properties , that is, it regulates the body’s immune response, giving the preparation an effective action against many forms of infections. In particular, its intake improves the respiratory immune response in allergic-prone subjects and in children . The anti- inflammatory property finds an important therapeutic use in acute inflammation that involves alterations of the nasal mucous membranes , eyes and upper airways with consequent production of phlegm.. Thanks to these properties, it represents an excellent remedy in the prevention of allergies and in the treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis of infectious origin.

• Alnus glutinosa : buds (bud extract of black alder), it is active in all inflammatory syndromes characterized by mucus production , whatever the compromised tissue. Therefore it is indicated as a decongestant in inflammatory and suppurative processes of the nasal mucosa and in chronic forms of rhinitis and sinusitis .

• Carpinus betulus :  buds (bud extract of the Carpino), it is used in respiratory syndromes , in chronic and spasmodic rhino-pharyngitis , in tracheitis and in tracheobronchitis and sinusitis . It has an anti-inflammatory , anti-catarrhal, cough sedative and healing action on the mucous membranes affected by inflammatory processes, and reduces spasms of the upper respiratory tract. It is indicated in chronic and spasmodic rhino-pharyngitis, in tracheitis and in tracheobronchitis.

Homeopathic remedies for sinusitis: when and how to use them?

Essential oils useful for sinusitis

Among the applications of essential oils, the most suitable in case of sinusitis is the practice of s uffumig i. It is a particularly useful system in case of colds, sinusitis, flu, affections of the upper respiratory tract with cough and phlegm, bronchitis. Pour boiling water into a basin and add 5-8 drops of one or more oils with antiseptic , fluidifying  and  expectorant action (the drops of oil can first be dissolved in a teaspoon of alcohol). The volatile molecules are released into the air together with the water vapor and can thus be inhaled to reach the respiratory tract. The most effective essential oils to treat this ailment are thosebalsamic , with  top note  .

• Eucalyptus essential oil : decongestant, it relieves and calms the irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, thins the phlegm on which it has an expectorant action, that is, it facilitates the expulsion of mucus. In aromatherapy it is used for inhalations, in case of colds, headaches caused by sinusitis, rhinitis and cough.

• Mint essential oil : has an antiseptic and antipyretic action which is useful in case of colds and flu; clears the airways, helping to breathe better in case of asthma and sinusitis, colds and flu

• Camphor essential oil: in case of coughs and colds and sinusitis, if inhaled or rubbed on the forehead it favors the decongestion of the nasal mucules and the fluidification of phlegm.