Originally published May 27 2014
Sinus infection, stomachache and sore throat all successfully treated with herbs
by L.J. Devon, Staff Writer
(NaturalNews) For those struggling with sinus infections, breathing through the nose can be a constant battle, as inflamed sinus cavities make the face feel swollen. If a doctor is called upon to intervene, a classic antibiotic is prescribed. Since a typical sinus infection is not caused by bacteria, the antibiotic is worthless, counterproductive. In fact, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 90 percent of sinus infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
To fight the sinus infection, one must thin the mucus and treat the inflammation to experience relief. Certain herbs work great for this. Along with nasal drainage massage therapy, essential oils and anti-inflammatory herbs can get the sinus cavities functioning normally again. To provide long-term relief, one must treat the body holistically, integrating anti-inflammatory and alkaline-forming foods, while avoiding certain mucus-forming and tissue-inflaming foods
Eight steps to treat sinus infections
The first step is to limit foods causing inflammation and mucus. Milk and meat from cows typically have this effect on the human body, as do refined sugars.
Cleaning out the sinus cavity may require a neti pot or dropper. A pinch of cayenne pepper in water poured through the sinus passages will penetrate the pressure. Tilt your head to the side and pour the solution through.
For more relief, bring a pan of water to a simmer. Add apple cider vinegar, garlic, peppermint and eucalyptus to the steaming water. Lean over and breathe in the steam through the mouth and nose until the nasal passages begin to open up.
Eating peppers, onions and garlic will stimulate the sinuses to open.
Massage the temples, the forehead and the nose using nasal drainage massage techniques. Treat the head as if it is a rag being wrung out, massaging the pressure and drainage out the nostrils.
For long-term relief, begin consuming turmeric orally by the tablespoonful to bring down inflammation in the body. Drink lots of clean, purified water to thin out mucus.
Accompany the turmeric with other anti-inflammatory foods like ginger or pineapple. The condition may be a fungal infection. Drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in water daily. Supplement daily with tea infused with a combination of thyme, rosemary, marshmallow root and mullein.
For nighttime relief, apply eucalyptus essential oil around nasal passageways and breathe in while sleeping.
Four natural remedies to treat stomachache
There could be many underlying causes behind a stomachache. Antibiotic use itself often damages the friendly gut microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead of using antibiotics and throwing an over-the-counter antacid at the stomachache, consider drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water. Most of the time, apple cider vinegar effectively balances the disturbance in the gut, aiding digestion and eliminating acid reflux.
If the stomachache is related to nausea, drink water or juice infused with ginger root. Chamomile tea works great too!
If the problem is related to food poisoning, drink activated charcoal and lots of water. The activated carbon binds with the toxins and bacteria in the gut, absorbing the impurities and removing them from the body.
For a long term-therapy, it may be wise to consider eating probiotics to replenish good gut bacteria, especially if one has taken many antibiotics in his or her life.
Drugs and antibiotics were making her condition worse, so she decided to heal naturally using herbs
For Eren Cervantes-Altamirano, sinus infections, stomachaches and sore throats were common in her early childhood. After trying several anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, she realized that her body built up resistance to the drugs as her health problems reoccurred and worsened. After a trip to Mexico, Cervantes discovered simple steps to treat her body holistically with herbs. What intrigued her most was an ancient text, the Cruz-Badiano Codex. Used 500 years ago in Aztec culture, the text documented all the medicinal properties of various plants and herbs studied by the Aztecs.
Cervantes now credits her healing and better quality of life to simple herbal knowledge and implementation. She no longer has chronic sinus infections and stomachaches, and she can fend off sore throat and the common cold more effectively.
For sore throat, she prepares a half cup of fresh, diced ginger with four slices of lemon. Then she boils "a litre of water and [adds] the ginger and lemon slices." After the kettle simmers for 10 minutes, she adds raw honey to the tea. "Every time I get a sore throat, I drink this for half a day and it works like a charm," she said.
For common cold and stuffy nose, she uses the herb chamomile. Lying on her back, she drips the infusion into her nostrils using a dropper. The method loosens the mucus.
She advises, "The infusion will travel from your nostrils down to your throat and you need to spit it out. Do not swallow. Repeat until you have finished the infusion. This is best done at night because it helps you to get to sleep better."
Sources for this article include:
http://www.aquila-style.com
http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.motherjones.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
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