Sinus Issues

Sinus Issues

Foods to Eat More Of:

Fruits: apricots, cantaloupe, clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mangoes, oranges, papayas, pumpkin, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon
Vegetables: arugula, asparagus, bell peppers (any color, but some studies show orange bell peppers are most effective for sinus issues), broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collard greens, green beans, kale, onions, romaine lettuce, spinach, watercress
Beans, lentils, sea herbs, wheat germ, seeds (especially pumpkin & sunflower)
Fish, garlic (raw), horseradish, green tea, Maitake mushrooms
Plenty of fluids (8 glasses of water daily)

Foods to Avoid or Minimize:

Alcohol, dairy (except eggs), bananas
Refined sugar/flour

Essential Oils:
*If additional information or precautions are available, the links below will direct you that information. If not, you will be directed to Amazon for purchasing options.

Rosalina, eucalyptus, fir, myrtle (sinus areas, temples, chest, back, feet, diffuse)

Natural/Herbal:
*If additional information or precautions are available, the links below will direct you that information. If not, you will be directed to Amazon for purchasing options.

Andrographis, Cayenne, chamomile, dandelion leaf & root, echinacea, elderflowers, ginger, garlic, lemon balm, parsley, sage, skullcap, thyme
Massage ointments containing chili or ginger into the sinus areas above and around the nose.
Run a lemon through a blender, peelings and all. Eat 1 teaspoon every morning.
Mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of warm water. Drink morning and evening.
1 teaspoon vinegar mixed in a glass of water.

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga 101 : Yoga Poses for Sinus Pressure (2 minutes - ehowhealth)
Yoga Poses For Sinus (12 minutes - Mind Body Soul)

Supplements & Homeopathic:

Echinacea: 200 mg 4 times daily (should contain at least 3.5% echinacosides).
Astragalus: 200 mg twice daily between meals (supplying 0.5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides).
Cat's Claw: 250 mg extract twice daily (take between meals, don't use if pregnant).
Reishi/ Maitake Mushrooms: 500 mg reishi and/or 200 mg maitake 3 times daily (avoid reishi mushrooms if you're on anticoagulants).
Vitamin C/ Flavonoids: 1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times daily (reduce if it causes diarrhea).

Mind-Body Connection:

Chronic sinus problem represent the relationship to truth in your life. Do you lie to others or yourself (or give excuses as to the reasons behind your behavior)? Do you rationalize your own behavior but hold grudges against others for the same behaviors?
Can also represent feelings of irritability towards someone close to you.
Holistic Medicine notes an association (often, not always) between sinus issues and those with tense personalities who tend to hold their emotions under tight check.

Recipes - Food Medicine:
*Note: Not all recipes are nutritionally perfect, but the options below are a great way to start incorporating beneficial foods into your diet in delicious ways. Always try to buy organic, and feel free to make substitutions to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, etc diets. Recipes naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free are marked as such (V=Vegan; GF=Gluten-Free).

Smoothies/Beverages:

Meals:

Sides & Salads: