Ugh: Sinus season

November 29, 3:41 AMOhio Natural Health ExaminerLori Osterloh

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Ohio Natural Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

fresh fenugreek

Head hurt? Pressure building behind the eyes? Barely can stand up? I know what you mean!

Anyone living in Ohio right now knows that the cold chilling winds and moist weather brings sinus aches and pains! And with recent studies coming out stating that chronic antibiotic use does not always help the body in getting rid of these killer pains, what exactly are we supposed to do?

Well, there are two herbs that are particularly helpful for these types of complaints: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris Linn.). This is a dynamic duo! The fenugreek is said to soothe the mucus membranes while thinning the mucus that is there. Thyme is valued for its anti microbial attributes.

The two are invaluable support for the respiratory system, whether used together or singularly. Usually the fenugreek seeds are used and the herbacious or leafy parts of the thyme plant are used. They can be utilized as teas, tinctures or capsules. However, be aware that thyme has a rather "medicine-y" taste (the active ingredient of Listerine TM- thymol- is the oil of of thyme....so u can imagine what the tea or tincture may taste like) so capsules can be more palate pleasing. These two herbs may upset the stomach, but that is usually remedied by ingesting them with your other food.

I know that I stock up on a combination product of these two powerful helpers every fall! My household would not be able to function through the cold and flu season without it. After ingesting the capsules, I can usually feel the pressure start to subside after about 36 to 45 minutes. When used in conjunction with topically applied essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen and others, it can be very useful.

Please be aware that if relief is not felt within about a week or so, medical attention may be needed. But if you are like me, and want to avoid the over-use of enti-biotics, maybe you can give these wonderful herbs a try.