What Are the Best Chinese Herbs for Chronic Sinus Infection?

What Are the Best Chinese Herbs for Chronic Sinus Infection?
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Chronic Sinusitis: Causes and Symptoms

Did you know that over 30 million Americans suffer from sinus problems? Whether acute or chronic, sinus infection is one of the most common conditions that need immediate medical attention. Medically known as sinusitis, sinus infection is the inflammation of any of the four major pairs of hollow cavities in the human skull called paranasal sinuses. Acute or chronic sinus infection is mainly caused due to bacterial infection. While there are many conventional treatments to cure this condition, Chinese herbs for chronic sinus infection is generally preferred as the best alternative method.

Paranasal sinuses in the human skull are air-filled hollow cavities located between your eyes (Ethmoid sinuses), on the forehead (frontal sinuses), behind your eyes (sphenoid sinuses) and behind your cheek bones. They play an important role in defending our body from germs and viruses that are always present in the nasal passages. A slight disruption of the sinuses, probably due to factors such as cold or allergy, invites harmful bacteria to access the sinus and cause an infection. The bacterium sticks to the lining cells and causes chronic sinus infection. Common causes of chronic sinusitis are:

  • Chronic inflammation caused due to environmental factors such as dust and pollution
  • Due to allergy (fungal allergy, which might be infective)
  • Very narrow sinus passages which prevent proper drainage from sinus cavities through nasal passages
  • Bacterial infection, probably due to coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus

Symptoms of chronic sinus infection include:

  • Mild to severe headache
  • Pain in the face, especially cheek bones and other parts of the skull where the sinuses are located
  • Night-time coughs
  • Facial tightness
  • Tooth ache
  • Green slimy discharge from nasal passages
  • Lightheadedness or vertigo, even blurry vision

Natural Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis: Chinese Herbs for Chronic Sinus Infection

Conventional chronic sinusitis remedies such as decongestants, saline nasal sprays, nasal or oral corticosteroids and antibiotics are often used by patients. But nowadays, many people prefer alternative herbal treatments to avoid any side effects from allopathic medicines. When it comes to curing chronic sinus infections naturally, patients usually go for Chinese herbs.

If you are looking for Chinese herbs for chronic sinus infection, then a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner will always come to the rescue. A holistic healing alternative method of treatment, TCM uses the healing powers of Chinese herbs to strengthen our immune system from colds and allergies. TCM practitioners use the holistic healing capabilities of these herbs to penetrate and uproot the cause of chronic sinusitis. The following Chinese herbs are used to treat chronic sinus infections:

Huang Qin (Baikal Scullcap Root):

The Baikal Skullcap comes from the mint family Labiatae. It is traditionally used by TCM practitioners to treat upper respiratory tract infections. It is very effective against streptococcus pneumonia and staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Of these, the staphylococcus aureus bacterium is one of the main perpetrators of chronic sinus infections. A TCM practitioner administers a dose of at least 6-15g of Huang Qin herb to treat this condition.

Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower):

The flower shares a close resemblance to the lily and has a furry bud. It is used to clear nasal obstructions or clear congestion to treat chronic sinusitis. Applying this herb to the nasal passage decreases the production of mucus and hence inhibits sinusitis.

Cang Er Zi (cocklebur fruit):

Also known as Xanthium, the cocklebur fruit is specifically used to treat sinus and nasal problems. It inhibits the viscous and thick mucus, one of the main causes of chronic sinus infections. Research has also revealed that the Xanthium fruit inhibits the growth of the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, one of the main perpetrators of chronic sinus infection.

Besides using Chinese herbs for chronic sinus infection, TCM practitioners also advise a strict diet regime to help decrease this condition. A patient suffering from sinus problems should avoid greasy, spicy and cold foods. Patient should also avoid eating foods with high sugar content, since this can make the sinusitis condition worse.

References

“Treatment of Sinusitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)” https://www.tcmpage.com/hpsinusitis.html

“Sinus Infection Information” emedicinehealth.com https://www.emedicinehealth.com/sinus_infection/article_em.htm

“Huang Qin Properties” https://tcm.health-info.org/Herbology.Materia.Medica/huangqin-properties.htm

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