When there is inflammation in the air-filled spaces of the skull – paranasal sinuses, the medical condition is called sinusitis. The usual cause could be infections affecting the paranasal sinuses, that can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Another cause for it could be allergic reactions.
Homeopathy offers wonderful treatment for those suffering from sinusitis. As homeopathic medicines come from natural sources, there are no side effects and can be considered safe to treat sinusitis. Homeopathic treatment can reduce sinus inflammation, helps in thinning the accumulated mucus filled in sinus cavities, helping in draining them better, easing congestion, and reducing other related symptoms.
Homeopathy has much more to offer to patients suffering from sinusitis besides providing symptomatic relief since it aims to heal the root cause like the tendency to chronic cold or nasal allergies behind sinusitis to give long-term relief. If homeopathic treatment is continued on a regular basis, it can help reduce dependence on conventional medicines like nasal sprays, courses of antibiotics and antihistamines and can also prevent the person from undergoing surgical intervention. But one has to seek advice from a qualified homeopath.
Homeopathy also treats acute, recurrent, and chronic cases of sinusitis. Those with acute symptoms, it provides quick relief from the symptoms, reduces the duration of inflammation, and helps in speedy recovery. For recurrent or chronic sinusitis, homeopathy aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups by addressing underlying factors such as when the patient is prone to frequent cold or nasal allergies. Thus, homeopathy improves the overall immunity and reduces a great deal the chances of recurrent cold that can lead to sinusitis. In cases of allergy, it manages the overactive immune system which is often the cause of recurrent sinusitis. The homeopathic treatment can completely cure chronic and recurrent sinusitis, though it may take some time.
Top 10 Homeopathic Treatment For Sinus Infection
Some of the most commonly referred homeopathic remedies for treating sinusitis are Belladonna, Kali Bichromicum, Silicea, Hydrastis, Pulsatilla, Natrum Muriaticum, Hepar Sulph, Lemna Minor, Corallium Rubrum,and Spigelia.
1. Belladonna – Best Medicine For Sinus Headache
Belladonna is the most often used medicine for cases of sinusitis when headache is the dominant symptom. This remedy can be used when individuals experience severe heaviness and pressure in the forehead caused by sinus congestion. The discomfort may reduce when the head is wrapped tightly or by applying force on the head. This medicine is mostly administered for frontal sinusitis though it’s use for treating maxillary sinusitis is equally good.
Belladonna also helps manage sore throat and dry cough that aggravates at night in cases of sinusitis. Thus Belledona is often considered as the key treatment mode for acute sinusitis.
When to use Belladonna?
Mostly advised for treating frontal sinusitis especially when the associated forehead pain is the most dominant symptom
How to use Belladonna?
This medicine can be used in both high and low potencies.
In low potency like 30C, it can be ingested three to four times daily.
Once the intensity of the headache reduces, the dose should also be reduced.
While administering high potency like 200C or 1M or in chronic cases make sure you are consulting a qualified homeopath.
2. Kali Bichrome — Main Remedy For Sinusitis With Post Nasal Discharge
Kali Bichrome is a medicine that does wonders in case of sinusitis where the dominant issue is post nasal discharge – PND (dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat). The dripping mucus is typically thick, sticky, stringy or ropy. Its colour is often yellow or green. This sticky mucus can be difficult to clear or cough up and may cause persistent throat clearing. Along with PND, there is an accompanying headache in the frontal region (forehead). Those benefiting from Kali Bichrome often complain about pain at the root of the nostrils, stuffiness, bad smell that may be due to accumulation of nasal discharge. Another characteristic feature is a history of repeated cold or sinus infections, that may set the stage for chronic or recurring sinusitis patterns.
When to use Kali Bichrome?
When there is marked post-nasal drip with recurrent sinus troubles
Pain in the forehead and at the root of the nostrils are common accompanying symptoms
How to use Kali Bichrome?
The most commonly used potency of this medicine is 30C that can be taken twice a day
In severe and chronic cases, use of 200C or 1M potency may be administered by the homeopath
3. Silicia – For Sinus Infections And Chronic Colds
Silicea is a highly recommended medicine for cases of sinus infections and chronic cold. The main symptom is throbbing pain in the forehead especially over the right eye. One gets relief from headache by pressing the head or wrapping it up warmly and tightly. Other symptoms include nasal blockage and thick pus-like discharge. The nasal discharge forms hard crusts; any attempt to remove these crusts leads to bleeding. There is also a loss of taste and smell.
When to use Silicea?
Silicea can be administered to those who suffer from chronic cold and sinus infection. It’s prescribed when there is pain in forehead, especially, over the right eye, nasal blockage and thick pus-like nasal discharge.
How to use Silicea?
Among various available potencies, Silicea works best in 6X potency
Silicea 6X can be ingested any time twice daily to four times daily depending on how severe the symptoms are.
4. Hydrastis – For Sinusitis with PND
This medicine is prepared from fresh root of the plant called ‘golden seal’. Like Kali Bichrome, this medicine is also wonderful for treatment of sinusitis when the dominant feature is PND (post nasal discharge). The discharge is thick, mostly yellowish. Besides, sinus headache is also present. Sensation of burning pain in the nostrils, sore throat, burning sensation in throat may be an accompanying factor.
When to use Hydrastis?
When the main complaint is post-nasal thick yellowish discharge
How to use Hydrastis?
30C potency twice to thrice daily for good results
5. Pulsatilla – For Thick Yellowish Or Greenish Discharge
Pulsatilla is prepared from ‘windflower,’ a natural substance for treating sinusitis. The foremost clear reason to administer it is thick yellowish or greenish nasal discharge. A characteristic feature is that the discharge gets worse in a closed room while in the open air, one feels better. The discharge may be very foul-smelling. Nostrils may be blocked as well, along with loss of taste and smell. This medicine is recommended for frontal sinusitis and maxillary sinusitis. Heaviness and pain is felt on the forehead when the frontal sinus is involved. In the case of maxillary sinus, a tearing pain is felt in maxillary sinus (in the cheeks) that could sometimes extend to the ears.
When to use Pulsatilla?
Thick yellowish or greenish nasal discharge
How should one use Pulsatilla?
Though this medicine may be used in different potencies, best is to begin with 30C potency
Pulsatilla 30C can be taken once or twice a day
Higher potencies like 200C and 1M may also be considered later but only under the supervision of a qualified homeopath
6. Natrum Mariaticum – For Sinus Infections Linked To Nasal Allergies
Natrum Muriaticum is a great remedy for sinus infections that arise due to underlying nasal allergies. It is particularly useful when allergic reactions trigger swelling or inflammation of the frontal sinuses. Key symptoms for the use of this medicine are watery nasal discharge resembling the raw white of an egg, frequent sneezing, frontal headache, and a loss of taste and smell.
When to use Natrum Mur?
Those who suffer sinusitis due to nasal allergies can be administered this medicine.
This medicine works wonderfully for treating nasal allergies (with watery nasal discharges) to prevent recurrent sinus infections.
How to use Natrum Mur?
Natrum Mur gives good results when ingested in 6X potency and can be repeated three to four times daily.
7. Lemma Minor – For Sinus Infections Complicated With Nasal Polyp
In some cases, nasal polyps are a contributing factor to sinus infection. A nasal polyp in a nasal cavity blocks the normal discharge from getting drained. The discharge thus acts as a pool for infection-causing agents, leading to inflammation of the sinuses. In such cases, medicine Lemna Minor is the most suitable medicine to help shrink nasal polyps that will prevent sinus infections. It takes time for the polyps to shrink, but once done, recurrent sinus infections do not occur.
When to use Lemna Minor?
If nasal polyps are obstructing mucus drainage and causing recurrent sinus infections, this medicine can work wonders.
It will help in shrinking nasal polyps which are a contributing factor for sinus infections.
How to use Lemna Minor?
Lemna Minor acts best when taken in mother tincture (Q) form.
Five to seven drops of Lemna Minor Q can be taken twice a day by dissolving in half a cup of water.
8. Hepar Sulph – For Sinusitis That Gets Worse In Cold Weather
Hepar Sulph is the best medicine to manage cases of sinusitis that get worse in cold weather and winters. It can be administered to those who complain of smelly discharge from the nose. A very important accompanying symptom is pain at the root of the nostrils in the morning. The nostrils too are blocked in the morning.
When to use Hepar Sulph?
Mostly recommended to manage sinusitis which gets worse in cold weather and winter
How to use Hepar Sulph?
Mostly used in 30C potency that can be ingested once or twice a day.
Higher potencies should only be taken under the supervision of a homeopath
9. Corallium Rubrum – For Sinusitis With Spasmodic Cough
Corallium Rubrum is one of the best medicines for sinus infections accompanied by a persistent, spasmodic and dry cough. Its characteristic symptom is a rapid, continuous burst of coughing — often described as a “minute-gun” or “machine-gun”– like cough. One may experience a pressing pain in the forehead. A distinctive symptom also is the sensation that the parietal bones (skull bones ) are being forced apart, especially when bending forward. Despite the presence of abundant mucus, the nose and throat often feel extremely dry. Other associated symptoms include constant hawking of mucus and marked sensitivity of the throat to the air.
When to use Corallium Rubrum?
A paroxysmal, spasmodic cough occurs along with sinus symptoms
How to use Corallium Rubrum?
30C potency one or two times a day, depending on the frequency and severity of the complaint
10. Spigelia – For Sinus Infection With Left Sided Frontal Headache
Spigelia is a very effective medicine to treat sinusitis accompanied by a left-sided frontal headache. A characteristic symptom is a pain that begins at the base of the skull (occiput), and then it spreads over the entire head, and settles around the left eye. Additional symptoms include postnasal dripping with a copious, smelly discharge. The headache is intense and throbbing, and it worsens when one stoops. Many patients also experience a sensation as if a tight band is wrapped around the head.
When to use Spigelia?
Spigelia is administered when the headache starts in the occipital region, moves upward, and settles around the left eye — especially when linked to sinus inflammation.
How to use Spigelia
Spigelia is mostly used in 30C or 200C potency, taken once or twice daily.
Any repetition or use of higher potencies should only be administered by a qualified homeopath
Cause and Risk Factors Behind Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a results of blockage of sinus openings due to mucus. There are certain factors and health problems that increase the risk of sinusitis.
1. Common cold that can be caused by virus or bacteria can cause inflammation of sinus and obstruct the drainage of mucus
2. Nasal allergies and upper respiratory tract infections
3. Nasal polyps are the non-cancerous growths in nose or paranasal sinuses that block the nose or sinus 4. Deviated nasal suptum means cartilege that divides the two nostrils is not straight and is causing nasal blockage
5. Weak immune system
6. A dental infection, cystic fibrosis ()a genetic disease that cause the build up of mucus which is thick and sticky mainly in the lungs or pancreas) and smoking are some of the factors that may contribute.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
The signs and symptoms of sinusitis include
1. Headache especially in the monring
2. Pain pressure on the head or the face, swelling or tenderness on the face according to the sinus involved as given below
In frontal sinusitis: It is felt on the forehead and above the eyes
In maxillary sinusitis: It is felt on the cheeks, or upper jaw, and teeth
In ethmoidal sinusitis: Pain or pressure is felt behind the eyes and in medial canthi (corner of the eye where upper eyelid and lower eyelid meet towards nose side)
In sphenoidal sinusitis: Pain/pressure is felt behind the eyes and on the top/back of the head
3. Stuffy nose, that makes breathing throughg the nostrilos difficult
4. Headache especially in the morning
5. Nasal discharge: Thick discharge that can be yellowish, greenish, pus-like, or blood stained
6. Post-nasal dripping
7. Earfullness/pain, decreased sense of smell and taste, cough throat clearing tiredness, bad breath are some of the signs and symptoms discharge
8. Fever (it may occur in acute sinusitis and is uncommon in chronic sinusitis.
The main symptoms are acute and chronic sinusitis. However, the duration varies with chronic sinusitis lasting for three or more months.
How to diagnose sinusitis?
For patients who are suspected to have sinusitis, few tests can help confirm it. The most simple and frequently recommended test is X-ray of paranasal sinuses (X-ray PNS). It is a non-invasive (it does not involve inserting any instrument in the skin or in any orifice) test to diagnose sinusitis. It is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to get an image of paranasal sinuses and find out the presence of sinusitis. But this test does not offer too many details into its cause. The next most preferred test is CT scan (computed tomography scan). It gives details of the nose and paranasal sinuses. CT scan is a diagnostic test to confirm sinusitis that gives a 3D view of sinuses. The next suggested test to diagnose sinusitis is nasal endoscopy. This test is carried out by an ENT doctor and involves inserting a thin tube into the nose that has a light and camera to have a clear view inside the nose and sinuses.
FAQs
1. How do I determine I have sinusitis?
There is pain or heaviness in the forehead, between the eyebrows, on the cheeks, around or behind the eyes or behind the ears. Other symptoms include post-nasal drip, blockage of nostrils and nasal discharge.
2. Can allergic rhinitis cause sinusitis?
Yes. Allergic rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa triggered by exposure to allergens, which are common risk factors for sinusitis too. Although sinusitis does not occur in every case of allergies, chronic allergic rhinitis may cause sinus infections.
3. Can surgery provide a permanent solution to sinusitis?
Not necessarily. Surgery is one of the modes of treatment for chronic sinusitis that can help improve sinus drainage. However, symptoms may recur if the underlying cause—such as individual susceptibility or allergies —is not addressed completely.
4. Can polyps appear in the sinus?
Yes. Nasal and sinus polyps are soft and non-cancerous growths that arise from the mucous membrane of the nose or sinuses.
5. What is pansinusitis?
Pansinusitis refers to infection resulting in inflammation of all four pairs of paranasal sinuses—frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal— together.
6. Is sinusitis infectious?
Sinusitis can only spread if it is caused by a virus.
7. How do homeopathic medicines act in sinusitis?
Homeopathic treatment addresses the underlying conditions that set off sinusitis while helping reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms.
8. Can there be recurrence of the symptoms if one is treating sinusitis with homeopathic medicines?
Homeopathic treatment reduce the recurrence of symptoms over time. Even if the symptoms return, they are quite mild.
9. Are homeopathic medicines habir forming?
Homeopathic medicines aren’t addictive at all.