Q:
I have a terrible sinus infection and was wondering what if anything could help.
A:
Sinus infections are terrible. Thankfully there are a number of natural things which can really make a difference. Boosting the immune system is the first thing that can help. There are quite a few supplements which have both antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as supplements like mushroom extracts which can help with enhancing the body’s natural killer T cells, our body’s first line of defense which works to seek out and destroy invaders- bacteria and viruses.
Irwin Natural’s Immune Shield is a great supplement which we all take which is a great all around supplement to help fight off illness. It’s a mix of a number of herbs and supplements which work to boost the body’s own defenses against sickness. Another supplement which is particularly good for sinus infections specifically is oregano oil. Oregano oil has anti bacterial, anti viral, and anti fungal properties. Many sinus infections also have a fungal component, which can make oregano oilparticularly effective.
Another thing which can help is a neti pot. A neti pot looks basically like a little teapot. It’s used to irrigate the sinuses. It’s used with a homemade saline solution of bottled water and salt; first it’s poured into one nostril and then that salt water goes into the sinuses and flows out the other nostril. It sounds kind of strange, but it’s absolutely fantastic for the sinuses. It also makes your nasal passages feel really nice when suffering from a cold or sinus infection, since it helps to clear out excess and dried nasal mucus and moisturizes the nasal passages.
Finally, if you have been on antibiotics for a sinus infection, or for any other reason, it’s very important to supplement with probiotics, or “good bacteria”. Antibiotics are very effective, but they are indiscriminate, killing the good bacteria we need for healthy digestion and immunity along with the bad. If you've ever had diarrhea or a yeast infection after taking a course of antibiotics, it was likely due to depletion in the good bacteria our body needs to maintain health.