Since late autumn, continuing throughout the very grey, wet winter we have had, I have been receiving enquiries from people who are suffering with sinusitis, sinus congestion and rhinitis, conditions which tend to prevail in colder weather, as the change in temperature and humidity can irritate the sinuses and lead to congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. What is somewhat surprising to me is how many of these people have been prescribed antibiotics for their sinus issues.
A waste of time if you ask me! Most sinus infections improve without antibiotic treatment. Sinus infections are usually viral in origin, so antibiotics do not help in these cases and can cause unpleasant side effects, ranging from minor problems such as rashes to severe health issues, including antibiotic-resistant infections. Even when bacteria are the cause of a sinus infection, the infections often clear up on their own in a week or so.
There are plenty of natural ways you can treat sinus issues without the worry of all the collateral damage the antibiotics cause to the gut, bladder, vaginal, skin and lung microbiomes.
Natural ways of resolving sinusitis and rhinitis include:
- avoiding dairy for the time being
- pressure-point facial massage
- facial acupuncture
- steam-inhalations with salt
- using Neti-pots to wash out the nasal passages, again using salt
- using a nebuliser with either saline or hydrogen peroxide – watch this informative video to learn more
- taking supplements to support the immune system – Live Bacteria probiotic capsules, Garlic tablets and a good quality multivitamin/mineral that contains zinc
- having nasal reflex therapy (see video below)
- having some vitamin C and zinc infusions (drips) to support your immune system
- avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and sprays in the home, which could be irritating the delicate membranes of your nose
- getting plenty of fresh air!
Nasal Reflex Therapy
During my recent stay at the Viva-Mayr Clinic in Austria, nasal reflex therapy was one of the many treatments I had during my two-week detox ‘cure’.
A cotton bud dipped in specific oils is placed on the three reflex points in the nostril and kept there for two minutes on each point.
The mix of oils that is used at the Viva-Mayr Clinic is a blend of Jojoba seed oil, Helianthus seed oil, eucalyptus oil, St John’s wort oil, arnica montana flower oil, wild mint oil, menthal oil, anise oil, rosemary oil, citrus lemon peel oil, melissa oil, sage oil, and pennyroyal.
You can purchase the oils from the Viva-Mayr London Day Clinic; they come with full instructions. The cost is around £85 for the full set of oils and the nasal balm that is smeared around each nostril afterwards.
After the treatment, you are left with a great sense of relief to the whole head, nasal passages and sinuses – you can breathe, there’s a feeling of freshness in your nose, and you have a much clearer head. The treatment can be done every day until symptoms subside.
As well as being great for congested sinuses, sinusitis, rhinitis, and headaches, this treatment can also help with snoring.
If you have any questions about our supplements or would like to learn more about a protocol that’s tailored to your specific digestive and gut health symptoms, please get in touch.
