The sinuses are the air cavities above and below the eyes that connect with the breathing passages. The sinus linings can swell or become clogged due to respiratory allergies or colds, and if bacteria or viruses lodge in the sinuses, they may cause an infection (sinusitis). Sinus problems usually make breathing through the nose difficult and may be accompanied by postnasal drip, coughing, headache, and pain or pressure around the eyes and nose. The simplest way to drain and decongest the sinuses is to breathe warm, moist air. Use a humidifier, take hot showers, use steam inhalations, or put hot, wet towels over the sinuses. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus secretions, and massage the areas under the eyes and on the sides of the nose to stimulate circulation. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care coming soon  BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Eliminating dairy products is often helpful for people with sinus problems, since these foods tend to increase and prolong mucus congestion. Spicy foods such as cayenne pepper, horseradish, onions, and garlic help thin mucus and relieve congestion. Supplements that may relieve sinus problems include: vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily or to bowel tolerance: to boost immunity vitamin A as beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: to help heal mucous membranes zinc lozenges, 23 mg elemental zinc every two hours for up to twelve hours, for up to a week: to boost immunity and restore upper respiratory health BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Take any of the following herbs to treat sinus problems: echinacea, 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture three to four times per day for a week to ten days at a time: to stimulate white blood cells that help fight infection garlic, one or two raw cloves or two capsules three times daily: to boost immune function cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily: for its compound capsaicin, which helps decongest nasal passages goldenseal, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or two capsules twice a day: to boost immunity and fight bacterial infection BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies The most commonly used single remedies for sinusitis include: Pulsatilla: for a stuffy nose with a thick discharge Silicea: if nasal drip is limited or if there is throbbing facial pain Combination formulas include these single remedies along with others such as Belladonna. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils to help clear sinuses and soothe mucous membranes include steam inhalation and massage to the area above and below the eyes and around the nose. Use any of the following essential oils: eucalyptus: antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, expectorant peppermint: antimicrobial, expectorant, antiseptic tea tree: antibacterial, immunostimulant, antiviral, expectorant PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use