In a holistic health approach, herbs, supplements and various therapies are used to treat symptoms of sinusitiswhether acute or chronic. The goal is to decongest the nasal passages, reduce inflammation and mucus production and fight against the microorganisms present. These approaches can also help strengthen the immune system.¹.

In the event of chronic sinusitis, other measures are added, such as finding and treating allergies (food or other) and shortcomings in nutrients^3,4.

For an overview of approaches that help support the immune system, see our Strengthen Your Immune System fact sheet.

In the event of sinusitis related to respiratory allergies, consult our file Allergic rhinitis.

 Bromelain. This pineapple-derived enzyme may help relieve symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis. Experts believe bromelain supplements may be useful as an adjuvant therapy due to their anti-inflammatory activity⁸. A few clinical trials conducted in adults in the late 1960s support this use.⁹. In 2005, a study in Germany of 116 children aged 10 and under with acute sinusitis found that taking bromelain supplements accelerated healing.¹⁰. The German Commission E recognizes the use of bromelain to treat sinusitis.

Dosage

A variety of doses were used in the studies. There is too little scientific data to mention a dosage. See the Bromelain sheet for more information.

 Cape Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides). In 2009, a randomized clinical trial carried out against placebo, on 103 adults presenting symptoms of sinusitis for more than 7 days, showed the effectiveness of the plant extract of Pelargonium sidoides administered as drops for up to 22 days. Patients who received the product (60 drops 3 times a day orally) saw their symptoms diminish or even disappear more quickly than with the placebo²⁹.

 Gentian mix (Gentiana lutea), medicinal primrose (Primula veris), common sorrel (aceto rumex), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and verbena (Verbena officinalis). A European product, Sinupret® (BNO-101), offers a combination of these plants. In Germany, it is one of the most prescribed products in herbal medicine to treat sinusitis acute and chronic⁵. It would decrease the viscosity of the mucus, thus facilitating its evacuation. In Europe, more than a dozen pharmacology and toxicology studies (including clinical trials) have tested its efficacy and safety. After analyzing all the scientific data, experts concluded in 2006 that Sinupret® seems to reduce the formation of mucus, reduce headaches as well as the congestionnasale when used with antibiotics^6,11.

 Homeopathy. Experience and clinical practice appear to support the use of homeopathy to treat chronic sinusitis³. Some clinical trials show a better effect than a placebo^13-17 . The trials, several of which were performed in Germany, used different homeopathic preparations. In practice, the treatment is determined according to the symptoms and their degree of importance: the place where the pain is located, the appearance and color of the discharge, etc.^18,19

 Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata). The World Health Organization recognizes the use of andrographis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, sinusitis and pharyngitis. Based on tests in vitro, this plant would in particular have immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A placebo-controlled clinical trial in 185 people with an upper respiratory infection (including sinusitis) concluded that an extract of andrographis (Kan Jang |), taken for 5 days, alleviates symptoms related toinflammation (nasal congestion, discharge, etc.)⁷.

Dosage

Take 400 mg of standardized extract (containing 4% to 6% andrographolide), 3 times a day.

 Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). The leaves of this plant as well as its essential oil are recognized by the German Commission E to treat inflammations of the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus has the property of reducing the viscosity of nasal secretions and of killing bacteria (especially those of the streptococcus type, sometimes involved in sinusitis).

Dosage

– Eucalyptus leaves can be eaten in the form ofinfusion : infuse 2 g to 3 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, and drink 2 cups a day.

– To prepare for inhalation of vapors ofEssential oil of eucalyptus, put in a bowl of very hot water 1 tbsp. of dried eucalyptus leaves. Add to the mixture 1 tsp. of eucalyptus cream or balm, or 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Inhaler vapors alternately through the nose and mouth after covering the head and bowl with a cloth³.

 Pepper mint (Mentha pepirata). Commission E recognizes the therapeutic effects of peppermint essential oil, internally, on cold symptoms and to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. ESCOP recognizes its effectiveness in external use.

Dosage

Pour 3 or 4 drops of peppermint essential oil in very hot water and inhaler the scents. Repeat 2-3 times a day³. Or use a nasal ointment.

 Acupuncture. Acupuncture may help, in the short term, to relieve the pain and facilitate the decongestion nasal, according to experts³. A case study, carried out in 1984 on 971 subjects who received acupuncture treatments for various ailments, reports positive results in cases of sinusitis²⁰. A clinical trial against placebo carried out in 2009 in Germany on 24 patients also showed an effectiveness of acupuncture on nasal congestion.¹². Some researchers believe that acupuncture should be reserved for cases of chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinusitis. According to them, because of the possible complications, especially in young children (meningitis, osteomyelitis), the acute sinusitis should be promptly treated with antibiotics (when bacterial)²¹.

 Contrast hydrotherapy. Applying compresses hot et cold on the sinus area helps direct nutrients to the diseased area and diffuses metabolic waste created by inflammation out of the sinuses. This involves alternately applying a hot compress for 3 minutes and a cold compress for 1 minute, 3 times during a session that will have to be repeated 2 or 3 times a day. Indicated for all types of sinusitis³.

 Cranial osteopathy. This approach could improve the circulation of fluids in the head, strengthen the immune system and reduce the frequency of sinusitis. ²². Cranial osteopathy focuses on neighboring components of the central nervous system. Its basic principle is that there is a rhythmic movement of fluid of the body, which is done in conjunction with a movement of the bones of the head. This rhythm could be altered by discomfort, trauma or illness.

 Dietary recommendations. Certain foods or spices have a decongestant effect. This is the case with horseradish, garlic, curry, pepper and cayenne. Among herbs, thyme and sage have antimicrobial properties. In addition, sage would dry up secretions²³.

Conversely, certain foods could worsen symptoms. They can vary from person to person. For people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, experts advise eliminating cow’s milk and its derivatives, as these would contribute to the production of mucus¹. This opinion is controversial, however. Some suggest trying for 3 months and seeing the effects. The D^r Andrew Weil says that by doing this, many people have noticed a marked improvement in the condition of their sinuses.²⁴. As a replacement, he recommends goat’s milk, which would not cause the immune disorders and allergens associated with cow’s milk.²⁵. In addition, wheat and a diet high in salt could cause the symptoms.¹. Consult a nutritionist for personalized advice.

 Reflexology. Reflex zone massage can help relieve symptoms in the short term³. See Reflexology sheet.