Sinusitis is a disorder that affects the paranasal septa and causes headaches, an irritated and blocked nose, localized inflammation, congestion, fever, swelling and excessive mucus secretions.
It affects young people, children and elderly people indifferently, but above all those who suffer from frequent colds or allergies, which is why it usually occurs with the arrival of the first colds in the spring months.
But be careful not to confuse sinusitis with a common cold: the most important sign that shows with sinusitis is the pain in the face, which can affect the forehead, the cheekbones, the areas above and below the eyes and jaws and which accentuates when the head moves or when pressure is exerted on the affected area.
It is not enough therefore to have a stuffy nose and a little headache to say that it is sinusitis!
Natural remedies for sinusitis
Here is a series of natural remedies that can help to alleviate disorders and discomforts associated with sinusitis.
Nutrition against sinusitis
The first thing to do to alleviate sinusitis through food is to eliminate the formation of what the cause, or mucus . Yes, because there is food that increases this production, while other foods hold it back.
To strengthen the body and ensure that the formation of mucus slows down, it is good to opt for an anti-mucus diet, primarily rich in foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines, kiwi, strawberries, peppers; yes also with blackcurrant, spinach, garlic, onion and potatoes.
Very important is the contribution of foods rich in sulfur, such as cruciferae : yes therefore also to cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, horseradish, turnip, radish, rocket.
No to dairy products, animal derivatives and fats, such as butter, creams or mascarpone and cream, which can increase mucus production and worsen the situation.
Meat, refined cereals and refined flours, refined sugars, eggs, fried foods, alcohol and coffee should also be avoided.
As a substitute for milk and dairy products, the contribution of soy milk or rice or oat milk products can be increased, such as rice desserts, soy yogurt, tofu.
Chronic sinusitis, how to fight it?
Moisturize to fight sinusitis
In these cases it is very important to drink the whole organism as much as possible. At least one and a half liters of water a day, juices, natural juices, including cabbage, parsley and rocket; in the evening, pamper yourself with hot, velvety soups and vegetable broths. Yes to infusions and herbal teas.
An excellent herbal tea to combat sinusitis is based on dog rose or elderberry .
Phytotherapy against sinusitis
Plants and flowers come to our aid, like
- the dry extract of Andrographis panicolata, for which we recommend about 6 g per day, in half the dose in children under the age of 14, and is contraindicated in pregnancy;
- ' Echinacea Angustifolia, in the form of mother tincture, 30 drops, 3 times a day, increases the immune system, has an anti-infective and antibacterial, immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory action. The therapy should be performed in cycles of two months of treatment and a month off. Contraindicated in case of asthma, leukemia, autoimmune diseases.
- Ribes Nigrum and propolis are also effective as natural remedies in the treatment of sinusitis .
Suffimigi and essential oils against sinusitis
Even essential oils help fight the discomforts of sinusitis, just add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the dehumidifier water to improve breathing, or put 10 drops of mint essential oil in a bowl of boiling water, cover your head with a towel and inhale for 3 consecutive minutes, stop and continue to inhale until the water releases steam.
Even using humidifiers in the environment does very well: enrich the water by pouring a few drops of essential oil of thyme or bitter orange.
Exercise, facial gymnastics and self massage
Focusing on respiration, as yogic practice does, also offering targeted exercises, is very important.
Facial exercises and facial massage against sinus pain can be easily experienced, there are many videos online.
Spa treatments against sinusitis
Spa treatments are preferable to grueling sessions in the gym. In Italy we have many natural thermal springs which, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of their waters, give an important benefit to the natural treatment of sinusitis and considerably alleviate its symptoms: inquire at the centers closest to you for nasal washes and other treatments, often also recommended for children.
What to avoid
With sinusitis it is good to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, as well as cold and damp air; smoking is absolutely not recommended; no to polluted environments or areas where toxic substances run.
