Chronic sinusitis is a special kind of sinusitis in cases
that last a long time, sometimes even after antibiotics are given.
It's the most frequently reported chronic disease. Acute sinusitis is
when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper drainage of
mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Investigate your sinusitis. It
could be food related, environmental, or reactions due to chemicals
or certain fragrances. Medical science believes the sinuses around
your nose act like small air-quality control centers. It's their job
to warm, moisten, purify, and generally condition the air you breathe
before it hits your lungs. Entering bacteria gets trapped and
filtered out by mucus and minute nasal hairs called cilia. This air-
flow system can sometimes slow down when something impedes the cilia,
if a cold clogs the sinus openings, or if an allergen swells the
sinus linings. Then air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus
stagnates, and bacteria breed. Infection sets in and you have
sinusitis. When you get clogged up, you may end up with a permanent
thickening of the sinus membranes and chronic congestion. Those who
are cigarette smokers and people who suffer from upper respiratory
allergies are even more likely to develop bad sinus problems.

There are four pairs of sinuses in the human skull that help
circulate moist air throughout the nasal passages. The common cold is
the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Acute sinusitis
typically causes symptoms of nasal congestion and a thick yellow or
green discharge. Other symptoms include tenderness and pain over the
sinuses, frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure
in the area of the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis differs slightly, in
that symptoms can be milder and may only include postnasal drip, bad
breath, and an irritating dry cough. Hay fever, environmental
triggers unrelated to hay fever, food allergens, and dental
infections can also lead to sinusitis.


300 mg of Stinging Nettles taken twice per day can lead to effective
results. Stinging Nettle plant (Urtica dioica) relieves hay fever
symptoms quickly in most people, has no toxicity, and is even a
valuable source of iron and trace minerals.

Bromelain Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a
single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in
pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily
produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan.

Local swelling is the releasing of histimines in a localized area
causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.
Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective
treatment for sinusitis. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams
three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before
or three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any
itching or rash.

Garlic has the same chemical found in a drug given to make mucus less
sticky. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which
protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.

Cayenne peppers contain Capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the
nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.

Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with 2 cups
of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass,
tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the
solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on
the other side. An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the
same manner with a Nettle Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but
with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils. These can be found in
most health food stores.


Andrew Pacholyk,  LMT, MT-BC, CA
Peacefulmind.com