The cold that lingers may not be just a cold. You may have a sinus infection. Using decongestant nasal sprays too much, smoking, and swimming or diving can also increase your risk of getting sinusitis. Sinus infections can be either acute or chronic. An acute sinus infection follows on the heels of a cold or a bout of hay fever. Chronic sinus infections persist for three months or longer.

There are no foolproof cures, but fortunately, there are simple herbal home remedies and alternative treatments that can help keep the infection at bay.

Using Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy steam therapy is therapeutic for sinus headaches, and sinus infections. Essential oils offer analgesic, anti-bacterial properties to combat infection, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to open clogged airways. These oils have a relaxing, uplifting aroma that invigorates your flagging spirit. Some good oils to use in a steam inhalation would be anise, eucalyptus, peppermint and juniper berry oil. Only a few drops are needed.

Herbs Used for Sinusitis

Astragalus * Cajeput * Echinacea * Elder * Eucalyptus * Eyebright * Garlic * Myrrh * Oregon Grape * Peppermint *

Echinacea For: Sinusitis
Profile	Echinacea is an excellent remedy for tonsillitis, inflamed gums, and for mucus in the nose, sinuses, lungs, and digestive tract Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Eyebright For: Inflammation fighter/Sinus
Profile	Use eyebright herb as an eyewash or poultice to relieve inflammation caused by colds, sinus infections and allergies

Horseradish For: Clogged Sinuses
Profile	Horseradish contains therapeutic sulfur-containing compounds that kill germs, stimulate blood flow and pack a wallop when it comes to opening up the sinuses and blowing out congestion. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Stinging nettle For: Hay fever/Sinus
Profile	Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages. Some herbal authorities assert that no other remedy eases hay fever, and nose & sinus type allergies symptoms so markedly. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Wild Cherry Bark For: Sinus/Flu
Profile	Herbal wild cherry syrups are anti-viral & anti-bacterial and most helpful for sinus, upper respiratory infections, colds & flu.

Sinusitis Information

• Bronchitis :
  Herbs for bronchitis that help expand lung passages and inhibit bronchospasms. Common home remedies that soothe sore throats, are expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral..
• Colds :
  Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have.
• Cough :
  Herbal cough remedies that work better than commercial brands. Learn how to make at home yourself.
• Influenza :
  Fight colds and flu and swine flue with these free home remedies.
• Congestion/Chest & Sinus :
  Herbs with expectorant properties help the body clear mucus from the airways and help you breathe easier. Drinking soothing herbal teas can provide natural relief from sinus and chest congestion.
• Sore Throat/Laryngitis :
  A warm herbal infusion of soothing herbs will help comfort a sore throat. Honey and lemon not only add to the taste but to the healing process as well. You can also apply the healing power of herbs directly by herbal gargles and steam inhalations.