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An Ayurvedic Solution to Sinus Trouble
By Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D., Natural Solutions magazine
Q: I have had a series of sinus infections, and my doctor says I have become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat the infection. How can Ayurveda help?
A: According to conventional medicine, sinusitis–and its painful symptoms of post-nasal drip, inflammation, and sinus headache–can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or an allergic reaction to dust, pollens, air pollution, or other irritants. However, according to Ayurveda, different causes and symptoms occur in different people, depending on their doshas–the body’s governing principles.
For instance, exposure to excessive drafts may trigger some infections, putting the blame on the cold, dry, moving vata dosha, which governs all circulation and flow in your body. Other times, liver irritants such as alcoholic drinks–or an allergic reaction to dust or pollen–can be the cause. Ayurveda associates these with pitta dosha, which governs metabolism and regulates inflammation. Finally, dampness, overeating, heavy meals in the evening, cold drinks, ice cream, and rich desserts can unbalance kapha, the lubricating dosha, and lead to sinusitis.
Whatever their cause, all sinus infections respond to measures that balance kapha–since it regulates mucus and fluids in the sinus cavity. A heavy, cold, slow, and sticky kapha can be balanced by foods and behaviors that create the opposite effect. Therefore, you should favor a light diet of warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as steamed vegetables, non-creamy vegetable soups, cooked whole grains, and cooked fruits. Avoid alcohol, red meat, and cold and iced foods and drinks, as well as all curdled foods like cheese and yogurt–both the dairy and non-dairy varieties. If you have symptoms of congestion and pressure, try frequent sips of hot beverages, such as herbal tea, throughout the day. You can also inhale the steam from a pot of freshly boiled water for five to 10 minutes, twice a day. Adding a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to the water after boiling will help open up nasal passages, but be sure to keep your eyes closed to prevent stinging.
Since you have a history of sinus infections, a weakened immune system undoubtedly plays a key role. Weak immunity and weak digestion go hand in hand. When you eat foods that are too hard to digest, for instance, your digestive system gets overloaded and creates a sticky toxin called ama. Over time, excess ama will travel to weak areas in your body–in this case, the sinuses–to block normal functioning and create disease.
To build immunity, you need to clear your body of toxins. An amazingly simple but effective way to help your body do this is to boil spring water and sip the hot water throughout the day. For extra relief during sinus attacks, steep the following in two quarts of boiled water: Two slices of fresh ginger, four leaves of mint, two cloves, and 1 teaspoon marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Make this ama-busting tea each morning, keep it in a thermos, and sip it hot all day long.
Finally, cook with digestion and immune-enhancing spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, and black pepper. These spices also help clear your sinuses by promoting mucus drainage.
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14 comments
add your comment »I think vitamin C and zinc are good for sinus trouble. Also there is a little pot with a long spout - I'm sure you can find this online or in a health food store - and you tilt your head and pour the liquie slowly into your nostril and it will go into the other nostril and clean out some of the mucus. I thought this was Ayuvedic in nature and am surprised not o see it listed. Gargling with hot red pepper also helps. It's all dryness, so when your eyes tear, you will be blowing out mucus, sneezing and feeling a lot better.
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great article. thank you.
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thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
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quoting Josephine:
I agree with you Denise.Honey,lemon and oranges are the best to treat colds.
In winter i like to cut an orange,lemon and add a spoon of honey in 500ml water and boil for a few minutes.no need to peel the orange and lemon. drink when it cools. unquote
Have you tried to gently boil the mixture with red wine and apple juice. It's delicious (even for a teetotaller like me, as the alcohol evaporates when cooked).
The whole family used to drink this during the winter months and it kept the cold viruses away. Must have been the cinnamon ;)
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Thank you Nancy Londorf for the very interesting info.
I used to suffer from sinusitis for many years until I started to practice the headstand during my yoga asanas.
The headstand, which I practice every morning for 10-15 minutes, cured my sinusitis.
Yoga teaches many different asanas (postures) that help relieve many ailments.
I do Not believe in antibiotics, unless it is a matter of life and death, than I have to take it.
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I agree, the NetiPot works wonders! It rinses out the nasal passages and helps shrink inflammed tissues. It is fairly cheap and you can now buy the NetiPot at local Walgreen's or CVS. Not to mention, elimatating all dairy products will help with getting rid of the mucus and phlegm. They assist in producing more mucus and can usually trigger allergies.
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A favorite cold/flu remedy in my family is hot cinnamon tea with lemon and honey. It's so delicious we'll have it just for it's own sake, but it also works wonders!
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I agree with you Denise.Honey,lemon and oranges are the best to treat colds.
In winter i like to cut an orange,lemon and add a spoon of honey in 500ml water and boil for a few minutes.no need to peel the orange and lemon.
drink when it cools.
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No mention of the Neti pot? I guess it's best for acute sinus congestion/irritation, but it sure did the trick for me when I was having an unusual bout of extreme sinus pain after the recent wildfires out here in SoCal. No drugs necessary! The Neti Pot is an excellent home remedy used in Ayurveda for all sorts of problems... Figured it was worth a mention regarding sinus issues and Ayurveda.
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i had written a lengthy response but was unable to post it due to a password issue. I'm 4 days post op and can't rewrite it but am very concerned as it is possible you have a very serious but treatable immune deficiency. Please see an immunologist and ask to have your immune system evaluated. A premier internet reource is the IDF9Immune Deficiency Foundation0.
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