Sinusitis

A sinus is defined as a cavity in a bone; any cavity having a relatively narrow opening.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of a sinus, especially a paranasal sinus. Often it is described as an inflammation of the nasal sinuses that accompanies upper respiratory infection.

Sinuses affected by this infection include those above the eyes, inside each cheekbone, behind the bridge of the nose, and in the upper nose.

Causes

A number of causative agents including viruses, bacteria, or allergy. Inadequate drainage, which may result from presence of polyps; enlarged turbinates, or deviated septum; chronic rhinitis; general debility; or dental abscess in the maxillary bone.

Chronic sinusitis problems may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, smoking, and irritant fumes and smells. Allergic sinusitis may be caused by hay fever and food allergies, especially allergies to milk and dairy products.

Symptoms

Symptoms include headache, earache, toothache, facial pain, cranial pressure, loss of sense of smell, tenderness over the forehead and cheekbones, and occasionally a high fever. Sometimes sinusitis produces a swollen face followed by a stuffy nose and thick discharge of mucus. Antibiotics may be necessary. If drainage is clear after a week there is probably no infection. If mucus is greenish or yellowish, this indicates an infection is present.

Swelling around the eyes is a serious sign. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory disorders.

Please note: If you notice these symptoms, it is strongly advised that you consult the doctor at once. Secondary infection can be quite stubborn.

Nutrients

Bee pollen, start with small dosage and increase slowly, helps increase immunity and speeds healing. Vitamin B complex, 125 mg. twice per day. Pantothenic acid (B5), 100 mg. 3 times per day. Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2,000-10,000 mg. per day in divided doses, boosts immune function and destroys viruses. Coenzyme Q10, 60 mg. per day, is a valuable immune system stimulant and help increase cellular oxygenation. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day, is valuable as an immune system stimulant and a natural antibiotic that keeps the infection in check. Germanium, 100 mg. per day, is valuable as an immune system stimulant. Proteolytic enzymes, taken with and between meals, destroys free radicals and also aids in digestion of foods. Zinc gluconate lozenges, dissolve in mouth every 2-4 hours, is an antiviral agent and immunity booster (use at the first sign of a cold).

Herbs

Anise
Basil
Bayberry bark
Blackcurrant
Bloodroot
Brigham tea
Cayenne pepper
Celery seeds
Chaparral
Cinnamon
Clover, red
Coltsfoot
Echinacea
Elder
Elecampane
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Fenugreek
Flag, sweet
Garlic
Ginger, wild
Goldenseal
Gum plant
Horehound
Horseradish
Horsetail
Houndstongue
Hyssop
Ivy, ground
Knapwood
Leek
Lobelia
Marshmallow
Mint
Mugwort
Mullein
Myrtle, wax
Oak
Palmetto, saw, berries
Pepper, black
Pine, dwarf, oil
Plantain
Rose hips
Sanicle
Speedwell
Sticta
Styrax
Thuja
Thyme

Recommendations

Do not use force when blowing the nose. This forces mucus back into the sinus cavities. Instead, draw the secretion to the back of the throat by sniffing, then expel. The use of a vaporizer is helpful. Do not use decongestants for long periods of time if at all, and do not use them if high blood pressure or heart problems are present as they may dangerously elevate the blood pressure.

A diet of 75% raw foods should be adhered to. Drink plenty of distilled water and juices. Do not eat dairy foods, except for soured products like yogurt and cottage cheese.

Hot liquids help the mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.

Suggestions

Folk medicine recommends that one chew a small piece of real honeycomb that still contains plenty of honey. Honeycomb is available in health food stores (not suitable for diabetics). The theory behind this recommendation is that the bee digests the pollen from many flowering plants and some of the pollen is delivered to the patient through the honey. Much like minute anti-allergic injections of natural pollens. This is also a recommendation for some allergies.

A remedy for inhalations for sinusitis:
Dwarf-pine oil (5 parts)
Eucalyptus oil (3 parts)
Thyme oil (2 parts)
Place the oils (3 to 5 drops of the mixture) in a large glass dish and cover with 1 pint to 1 quart (1/2 to 1 L) of boiling water. For the inhalation, cover your head and the container with a cloth or towel and inhale the herbal vapors, breathing slowly and deeply through your nose.