Once spring arrives, many people suffer sinusitis and hay fever. Pollens are the main culprits and can be a continual source of discomfort and distress. However, there are safe, natural treatments that will help to alleviate the problem without making you drowsy or leaving you with unwanted side effects.
The traditional natural approach for relief from sinusitis and hay fever is a combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs. In particular, vitamin's C and A, and zinc, horseradish and fenugreek. Vitamin C to reduce mucus and vitamin A and zinc to reduce the susceptibility to infections and to increase the health of the epithelial tissue lining and sinuses. This will help resist further attack by invading allergy proteins. Iron phosphate and potassium chloride can also help to reduce inflammation and mucus discharge.
Horseradish and fenugreek are available as a supplement from your local health food store. They help remove mucus from the nasal and sinus passages, act as decongestants, soothe irritated nasal and sinus tissue and help dry up catarrh.
Chewing a piece of comb honey daily often helps to clear a stuffy nose and relieve sinuses. If possible, track down a beekeeper in the area in which you live and buy the comb honey from there. Also include foods such as natural unprocessed bran, soya beans, oatmeal, raisins, sultanas, celery, cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, yellow vegetables, sprouted grains, green and red peppers, parsley, and any fresh fruit in your diet.
Spring hay fever differs from that of perennial allergic rhinitis, which is not seasonal. Hay fever is caused by things like house dust, foods, feathers, industrial fumes and polluted air.
Herbs for hay fever relief are also available in supplement form. To treat watery and itchy eyes, congested sinuses and a runny nose, look for a sinus and catarrh complex containing horseradish and garlic. Garlic and Echinacea will provide antimicrobial support for many bugs that flourish in the mucus-filled sinuses. Avoid all refined foods, and especially wheat flour products, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Milk products should be used sparingly and with caution, and where possible replaced with soy substitutes. And like sinusitis, include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your daily diet.
An inhalant can be used to relieve nasal congestion. Two or three drops of peppermint or tea tree oil on a tissue or handkerchief is very effective. Inhale whenever needed to ease laboured breathing and a stuffy nose.
Visit Alan on the net itssonatural.com
