Oh sinus infections…how I loathe you so. I have given birth twice (once naturally) and I am pretty sure I would prefer another birth than a sinus infection. At least you get a cute baby at the end, nothing cute about a sinus infection. I have been getting sinus infections (sinusitis) for quite some time. Typically once maybe twice a year. I used to rush to the urgent care because I knew I would get antibiotics. But the new me knows that’s only a short-term solution.
I know the signs. It typically starts with the common cold. Followed by feeling better for a few days and I think I am cured! Then the symptoms hit again. The awful sinus headache, nasal congestion, even teeth pain and jaw soreness.
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is the result of inflamed and swollen sinus cavities. The swelling and inflammation interferes with drainage and the areas quickly become a breeding ground for germ ridden mucous.
Acute sinusitis symptoms:
- Drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
- Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over
Other signs and symptoms can include:
- Ear pressure
- Headache
- Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Cough, which might be worse at night
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Fatigue
- Fever
Allopathic Approach
The allopathic approach to treating sinus infections is almost always antibiotics. I will be the first to admit, it often works well. I have gone from miserable, unable to leave my bed, to cooking dinner for the family within 24 hours of starting antibiotics for a sinus infection.
I know you are thinking, “WOW! That sounds fantastic! Why don’t we all do that?”. You are right it does sound fantastic and easy especially when you have small children who need you. However given what we know about Gut Health and Your Immune System, we know that this may not be the best choice when considering our long-term health. With a little more work and patience you can get rid of your sinus infection naturally and skip the dangers of antibiotics and save them for when they are really warranted.
Natural Approach
There are many ways to approach natural treatment for a sinus infection. The most important thing, as with all natural treatments, is EARLY INTERVENTION and PREVENTION. Do not wait until you are absolutely miserable to get serious about treating naturally. Sinus infections most often begin with the common cold, so it’s best to start early intervention on the cold.
I made a big mistake with my last cold which turned into a sinus infection. I got this cold (after a surgery so my immune system was already down) and began taking all my things. Vitamin C, oil of oregano, vitamin D, all that good stuff. I was feeling great after a couple of days and so I stopped. About 4 days later it hit me. Hard. So my mistake was not continuing with my regimen for a few more days. Ideally 5-7 days. It took me 2, almost 3 weeks to completely get rid of my sinus infection naturally.
Neti Pot. Neti Pot. Neti Pot. Neti Pot. Neti Pot. Neti Pot.
That is how many times a day you should be using a Neti Pot (or a knock off version of a Neti Pot). Followed by a lot of nose blowing. Seriously. Flushing your nasal passages with a saline rinse is one of the best things you can do, and you’ll feel better after. It helps thin that mucous and allow it to drain easier. You can start the saline rinse as soon as you get a cold. You can even do a saline rinse once a day during a cold and flu season. We have fire season here, so I will do a sinus rinse every night when the smoke is bad.
Olive Leaf Nasal Spray
The active ingredient in olive leaf is Oleuropein, a powerful broad spectrum antimicrobial that leaves (no pun intended) your beneficial bacteria alone. I like to use it after sinus rinsing. It can be used every 2 hours if needed. I use this one from Seagate and it has a couple other awesome ingredients in it.
Oil of Oregano
Let me start by clarifying, oil of oregano is NOT the same thing as oregano essential oil. Read more about essential oils here.
The two active ingredients in oregano are thymol and carvacrol. These ingredients give oregano powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Oil of oregano is a great item to keep on hand. It can be used not only for sinus infections and the common cold but also for yeast infections, UTI’s, parasites, strep throat, bronchitis, croup, food poisoning and more!
Oil of oregano is a serious kind of spicy. Don’t do what I did and drop the oil straight into your mouth (the box told me I could). Not only did it burn but I smelled like an Italian restaurant all night. You can purchase in capsule form but we keep the liquid form because it makes it easier to up dosages, do half doses and give to children.
The best way I have found to take the liquid is to add it to a little splash of apple juice and swallow it…fast. For younger kids (but those that can take direction) it works best to have them take a sip of juice, hold the juice in their mouth, drop the oil in the juice and then have them swallow. For younger kids you can mix with the juice and put in a syringe. Then bribe with chocolate chips and get as much in as possible.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is essential for overall health and your immune system. An adjustment can provide immediate relief as well as help promote drainage of your sinuses. You can also YouTube a variety of massage techniques for relieving sinus pressure and promoting drainage.
Also add in…
Vitamin C– I like this one.
Vitamin D and A– Fermented cod liver is a great way to get these vitamins.
Probiotics– Either a supplement or probiotic rich foods (plain yogurt, kefir, fermented foods).
Have you treated a sinus infection naturally?? What have you found that works?
**DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnosis or treat, as I am not a doctor. Please consult with your physician before starting any new vitamins, diets, or remedies. And always do your own research on natural remedies to ensure that you think they are safe.**
Crunchy Chaos 