Sinus infections are a common occurrence in today’s world. In fact, they are one of the most common reasons for clinical visits in the US each year.
According to the National Health Interview Survey, 14.7% of the individuals who were surveyed reported having had sinusitis in the past year.
Sinus infections, also called rhinosinusitis, are one of the top reasons that antibiotics are prescribed. Many consumers are looking for a natural alternative for treating sinus infections.
This article looks at the scientific research behind the best herbs for sinus infections.
Table of Contents
Sinus Infections: An Overview
A sinus infection occurs when fluid builds up in the sinuses. This fluid buildup creates the perfect environment for microbes to grow. Typically, viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria and fungi can cause sinus infections as well.
Sinus infections can also be caused by allergens and various irritants, including animal dander, polluted air, smoke, and dust.
Two symptoms of sinus infections are mucus buildup and inflammation of the sinuses. Thinning mucus, reducing microbe content, and reducing inflammation are the keys to treating sinus infections.
You can also read more about the Best Teas for Congestion.
The 8 Best Herbs for Sinus Infections:
Natural herbal remedies may provide an alternative way to treat sinusitis. If used sensibly, these natural medicines may help to not only reduce sinus infection symptoms but prevent them altogether.
These herbs can also help to strengthen the body tissues and organs, which is beneficial to your overall health. Below is a roundup of the best herbs for sinus infections.
1. Umckaloabo
Umckaloabo, known scientifically as Pelargonium sidoides, is a South African plant that has been shown to be a helpful herb for sinus infections. This is due to this herb’s antimicrobial effects, which can help to fight against pathogens present in the sinus cavity.
This plant was historically used by indigenous African tribes, including the Zulu people, to treat a variety of health complaints, including upper respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and tuberculosis. This plant is also called South African geranium.
Lab research indicates that this herb is rich in a variety of different phenols and flavonoids, including coumarins, tannins, diterpenes, and proanthocyanidins.
Umckaloabo is commonly used in Germany, where the root has been standardized as an extract known as EPs 7630®.
Lab research shows that umckaloabo has significant antibacterial activity against multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus. It also has been shown to have antiviral effects against seasonal influenza A virus strains (H1N1, H3N2), respiratory syncytial virus, human coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, as well as Coxsackie virus.
A clinical trial involving 103 patients with acute rhinosinusitis compared EPs 7630® (Pelargonium sidoides extract) against a placebo. The EPs 7630® group was found to be effective is reducing sinusitis symptoms. It was also well tolerated by the study participants.
A clinical review concluded that P. sidoides may be an effective treatment for reducing sinus infection symptoms, including headaches and runny nose, for acute sinusitis and the common cold.
Summary:
Clinical research indicates that umckaloabo’s antimicrobial properties may be useful in treating sinus infections.
2. Bromelain
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that comes from pineapple juices and stems. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as mucolytic (mucus dissolving) capabilities.
A trio of double-blind, randomized controlled trials were conducted in the 1960s on patients with sinusitis. The studies used similar protocols of 2 parallel treatment arms comparing bromelain with a placebo, with each group also receiving standard treatment consisting of antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and analgesics. At the end of the studies, the participants noted decreased inflammation and increased ease of breathing.
A literature review showed statistically significant improvement in nasal mucosal inflammation and a reduction in nasal discomfort and breathing difficulty. It should be noted that rates of nasal discharge of mucus were not significantly improved.
A clinical trial involving children with acute sinusitis divided the participants into 3 treatment groups: a bromelain group, bromelain + standard therapy group, and a standard therapy group. The results showed a statistically significant recovery time in the bromelain-alone group as compared with the other treatment groups.
Additionally, bromelain is approved in Germany under the German Commission E as being effective for “acute postoperative and post-traumatic swelling, especially of the nose and paranasal sinuses”. The recommended dosage for bromelain ranges from 500-2000mg per day.
Summary:
Clinical human trials show that bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, may work to alleviate various symptoms of sinus infections.
3. Cineole
Cineole, known scientifically as 1,8-cineole, is a plant chemical that’s found in many plant-based essential oils. It is commonly found in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and in magnolia flower buds (Flos magnoliae), a popular traditional Chinese medicine herb.
Lab-based research indicates that cineole may be one of the best herbs for sinus infections. It has been shown to improve mucus clearance, block inflammation, and reduce pain perception.
A randomized, double-blind trial compared cineole with placebo in 152 patients with rhinosinusitis. The researchers found an improvement in nasal secretion and a reduction in headaches and nasal obstruction in the cineole group. Mild side effects were noted in the cineole group, including heartburn and exanthema (rash). The investigators noted that cineole may serve as a helpful natural therapy during the first 4 days of sinusitis, but antibiotics should be used if sinus infection symptoms continue.
Another randomized, double-blinded controlled study compared cineole against a herbal formula (that included 5 different ingredients) in individuals with viral rhinosinusitis. One hundred and fifty patients (75 patients in each treatment group) were given either 600mg of cineole daily or the herbal combination formula, which consisted of 12mg Gentianae radix, 36mg Primulae Xos cum calycibus, 36mg Ramicis herba, 36mg Sambuci Xos, and 36mg Verbenae herba. The researchers discovered that the cineole group was more effective in treating viral rhinosinusitis.
Summary:
Clinical research has found that cineole, a plant chemical found in magnolia flowers and eucalyptus, may help sinus infections by inhibiting inflammation, reducing pain, and clearing mucus buildup.
4. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a special honey that comes from New Zealand and Australia. Compared to typical honey, manuka is special in that it’s a monofloral honey, which means that it’