Natural remedy for sinusitis

The symptoms of sinusitis are

• a feeling of pressure on the forehead and face

• nasal congestion (blocked nose)

• nasal secretions (clear or whitish/yellowish)

• headaches (aggravated when you tilt your head forward or exert yourself)

• possible pain between your eyes or behind your cheekbones

• possible fever, cough or toothache

• possible sneezing

• possible photophobia (difficulty for the eyes to tolerate light)

To relieve sinusitis and nasal congestion, there's nothing like a nosewash. It rehydrates the mucous membranes, relieves congestion and thins your secretions so that they can be released more easily and microbes eliminated.

To do this, you can use

• saline solution (ideal for babies) regularly throughout the day

• "hypertonic" seawater nasal spray: 2 or 3 sprays a day for 5 or 6 days. If your sinusitis is allergic in origin, you can use a spray combining hypertonic serum and an antihistamine.

• Salt and bicarbonate of soda: pour two teaspoons of salt and a heaped teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate into a litre of warm water and stir until dissolved. Tilt your head back and use a nosewash or simply a pipette to clean the first nostril, letting it drain, then blow your nose and do the same in the other nostril. You can use Aroma-Zone Dead Sea salt and Aroma-Zone sodium bicarbonate. Use 2 to 3 times a day for 5 days.

Don't forget to blow your nose after a nosewash to get the best results possible. As far as possible, avoid sniffing during the day to avoid pushing mucus up into the sinuses.

To calm the inflammation and help thin your secretions, we advise you to stay well hydrated. Remember to drink plenty of water (at least 1.5 litres) a day and drink herbal teas. Herbal teas can provide comfort and warmth, as well as significant benefits for your symptoms.

You can choose from:

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): anti-inflammatory, decongestant, mucolytic, powerful antiseptic, antiviral, antimicrobial, the ideal plant for your sinusitis. Our advice: place 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in a cup of simmering water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes, 2 to 3 cups a day. Caution: we do not recommend its use for children under the age of 2 or for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

• Echinacea: anti-inflammatory, stimulates the immune system, natural antibiotic and anti-infectious. We recommend using 1g of dried plant in a cup of simmering water and drinking 1 to 5 cups a day. We advise against use by people with autoimmune diseases, pregnant or breast-feeding women and children under the age of 12 (possible allergic reactions).

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): a great antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, fluidifier and immunity booster, thyme is a plant that really helps your respiratory tract. We recommend using 1 to 2g of dried plant per cup of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and drink 3 to 5 cups a day. We advise against use by children under the age of 2 and by people suffering from high blood pressure or allergies. During pregnancy, we recommend no more than 1 cup a day.

Here's a solution that couldn't be simpler or more natural: self-massage. To ease the drainage and clear up your sinuses, you can massage your face and use certain specific points used in acupuncture:

• First warm your hands by rubbing them together

• Place your index fingers on either side of the base of the wings of the nose (point GI 20) and apply pressure for 2 minutes, breathing gently.

• Gently massage your cheekbones in circles up to the top of your eyes

• Move up along the bridge of your nose to your hairline and then 1 cm beyond (the DM 24 point) and press again moderately at this point for 2 minutes.

• Finish by placing your two thumbs at the base of your skull behind your ears, holding your head with your other fingers. Massage gently to relieve your headaches.

You can do these self-massages multiple times a day whenever you feel the need.

Essential oils are highly effective in the treatment of sinusitis, decongesting, thinning and calming inflammation in the nose and sinuses.

We recommend:

Organic niaouli essential oil

(Melaleuca viridiflora), anti-inflammatory, powerful anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, decongestant, anti-catarrhal.

• By mouth: 1 drop in a teaspoon of honey or on sugar, 3 times a day for 4 days

• External: 2 drops diluted in a carrier oil, massaged into the skin around the nose and forehead (avoiding the eyes), 2 to 3 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

Not recommended for children under 6 or for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Ravintsara essential oil

Sometimes known as ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora CT 1.8 cineole), this powerful anti-infective, antibacterial, antiviral, mucolytic, anticatarrhal and immunity booster oil is an exceptional remedy for the ENT sphere.

• By mouth: 1 drop in a teaspoon of honey or sugar, 3 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

• By the skin: 3 drops in a little carrier oil to be applied to the sides of the nose and forehead 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.

• Steam inhalation: 1 to 2 drops in a bowl of warm water, inhale 2 to 3 times a day.

We advise against use by children under 6 and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Organic peppermint essential oil

(Mentha piperita) is anti-inflammatory, decongestant, analgesic, antibacterial, mucolytic and refreshing. You can use it:

• Orally: 1 drop on a sugar cube, 3 times a day for up to 5 days.

• Via the skin: 1 drop diluted in a carrier oil, applied to the area around your nose, working up to your forehead (make sure you avoid your eyes!) 2 times a day for up to 5 days.

• Steam inhalation: 5 drops in a large bowl of hot water, inhale 2 times a day. Not recommended for children under 6, pregnant or breast-feeding women and people with epilepsy or allergies.

Absolutely avoid contact with children under 36 months. For children over 6, use the niaouli or ravintsara oils mentioned above.

Organic essential oil of narrow-leaved eucalyptus

(Eucalyptus radiata) , anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, mucolytic, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, immunostimulant. It is ideal for sinusitis. Our advice:

• Orally: 1 drop in a spoonful of honey (or sugar), 3 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

• By rubbing into the skin: 3 drops in a little carrier oil, massaged into the nose and around the nose, as well as into the centre of the forehead (watch out for your eyes), up to 3 times a day.

• Steam inhalation: 4 to 5 drops in a bowl of hot water, inhaling 2 to 3 times a day for up to 5 days.

It is contraindicated for children under 6, women during the first three months of pregnancy and while breast-feeding, and asthmatics.

Of course, while you're suffering from sinusitis, get plenty of rest, keep warm and adopt a healthy lifestyle as far as possible to help you get better as quickly as possible.

To soothe your aches and pains and relieve your sinuses:

• Keep rooms damp with a humidifier or a basin of water placed near the radiator at night to prevent your mucous membranes from drying out

• Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke and pollution

• Elevate your head at night with one or two pillows

• Air your living areas regularly and don't overheat them (the ideal temperature is 19°C)

• Avoid draughts, air conditioning, etc.

• Wash your hands regularly and use disposable tissues

If your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks or worsen, consult your doctor as soon as possible. If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before using natural remedies.