Treating sinus infections – best products

It’s been one of the worst seasons for sinus infections this year. The swelling and pain is true misery. The sinus cavity around the nose, eyes and cheeks is lined with a membrane that secretes mucous. This normally functions to warm and moisten inhaled air and filter out any dirt or pathogens but when there is congestion, the mucous is unable to drain properly and infections can occur.

Some causes of sinus infection are:

– Food or environmental allergies

– Excessive dairy consumption – milk, ice-cream, cheese, yogurt

– Dental infection

– Candida infection – systemic

– Cold and flu

There’s no shortage of prescription drugs to take for sinusitis, but nothing will change long term unless the cause of the problem is identified. Here are a few natural solutions you can use as alternatives to drugs. They really work!

1. The mucous-less diet is on top of the list for a reason. Poor diet is the biggest contributing factor to sinus infections. All mucous forming foods should be avoided such as dairy, wheat, sugar, red meat, alcohol. Preservatives, additives, colours etc should also be eliminated.

During an infection fresh vegetables are important to alkalise and cleanse the system. Homemade soups, juices and green smoothies will help to ease inflammation and draw out mucous. Fish is the best form of protein at this time as it is easily digestible. Light grains such as quinoa or millet are good alternatives to wheat products. Fruit should be kept in moderation – berries are the best for their high antioxidants.

2. Herbs can do wonders to prevent or treat sinus infections and boost the immune system. Garlic is the king of herbs when it comes to any respiratory problems. Add to cooking or just swallow a small clove with each meal. There are also some great aged garlic supplements available. The Kyloic range are the best http://www.kyolic.com

Other herbs such as chilli, cayenne, oregano, ginger, horseradish(really clears the head) can all be added to cooking. Medicinal herbs like echinacea, thyme, calendula, elder berry, albizia come in tablets or tinctures, but make sure you get a reputable brand from a health food shop or naturopath.

3. Apple cider vinegar is one of my favourite folk remedies, that stands the test of time when it comes to sinus issues. At the first sign of a sinus infection combine a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with half a teaspoon of raw honey in a warm glass of water. Take this every 2 hours. You’ll notice the mucous thinning and moving more easily. We stock Melrose organic apple cider vinegar regular strength https://www.melrosehealth.com.au/products/VIN%20187

4. Oregano oil with a high carvacrol percentage(78-82%) is a potent herb for any infection. It is pungent but it works very quickly. You can get it in capsules but the oil is by far the most effective means of ingestion. Just 2 drops under the tongue 2 per day is all you need. It’s important to get the best quality organic oregano oil diluted in organic olive oil http://www.fountainofbeing.com.au/oil-of-oregano

5. Neti pot is a yogic treatment for sinus problems http://www.neti.com.au . I’ve never actually used one but those that have swear by it. Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of warm water. Standing over the sink, fill the neti pot with one cup of water and place the tip of the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and allow the water to run out through the opposite nostril. Repeat on other side.

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