subject: Herbal Remedies for Sinus Infection [print this page] Have you ever had a sinus infection? If not, then you are very lucky. But just to give you an idea on how it feels to be suffering from sinus infection, imagine yourself with clogged and runny nose all day long. Imagine pounding headaches that wont go away. And even as you sleep, the symptoms can still be felt during the course of the night. What Is Sinus Infection Sinus infection, or more commonly known as sinusitis, is the inflammation of the sinuses. An infection starts when there is blockage in the sinuses, impairing the normal drainage of mucus. Excess mucus and other irritants are trapped inside, making the sinuses prone to bacteria, viruses and fungi. A simple common cold or an allergy attack can trigger a sinus infection, if they are not treated promptly. It can also be triggered by abnormal growths or conditions in the nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or tumors and deviated nasal septum. Having sinus infection can be a hassle. When you are experiencing its symptoms, it can make you uncomfortable all day long and interfere with your daily routine. Sinus infection sufferers commonly deal with nasal congestion with green or yellow discharge and headaches. Other symptoms that vary from person to person are facial pain, reduced sense of taste and smell, sore throat, bad breath, coughing, nausea, fever and fatigue. Depending on the type of sinus infection, symptoms typically last for a few days (acute sinusitis) or as long as eight weeks (chronic sinusitis). Herbal Remedies for Sinus Infection There are lots of drug medications and treatments available to get rid of sinus infection. However, it can be costly, and sometimes complete relief is not even guaranteed. Also, drug medications can have adverse side effects, especially with misuse or long use. That is why, before taking in any drugs, it is best to consult a physician beforehand. If you want natural ways of managing the symptoms of sinus infection, there are some herbs that you can try out. For swollen nasal passage, you might want to try out the root of the licorice as it is effective in reducing the inflammation. It also helps the immune system against infection. Eucalyptus, a fragrant herb known for its soothing effect, is effective in soothing the sore throat and shrinking the swollen sinuses. If you are having difficulty in breathing, you might want to inhale peppermint. For pain relief, ginger is effective especially for headaches. Beneficial food supplements for a stronger immune system include lemon balm and Echinacea. Herbal remedies are not only effective, but also safe to use, as they have been utilized for medicinal purposes for many centuries. More good news - herbs do not have adverse side effects to the body, making it a better alternative to drugs.
