You can’t hide from colds, viruses, and nasal congestion forever. At some point we all get sick. Unfortunately, some of these pesky illnesses will create the perfect environment for a sinus infection to take root. Ugg.
While the standard course of action involves antibiotics, not all sinus infections warrant this approach. So what is the alternative? Herbs of course!
Unfortunately, my only experience with a sinus infection resulted in needing a decent dose of antibiotics. I didn’t know much about herbs at the time plus I was in college and just wanted it gone. While there is a time and place for antibiotics, I feel confident now that I could successfully get rid of a sinus infection (both in my daughter and myself) with herbs and herbs alone.
What I am about to share abut natural remedies for sinus infection is simply what I have learned through research and not experience. So please, don’t leave thinking that I have the magic remedy here. My guess is that some herbs will work better for your children than others. And please remember to always research the safety of each herb before hauling off and giving it to your wee ones. Most children over 6 can safely handle the herbs I mention.
Please note – I am not a licensed medical professional so do not take this as medical advice.
What Is A Sinus Infection?
Medically known as rhinosinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection.
Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.
Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections – The 6 Best Herbs
Goldenseal – this herb has antibiotic properties which will help knock out infection.
Echinacea – a great all-around immune boosting herb, something you would want to increase during times of illness. It also has infection fighting properties.
Comfrey – I personally love this herb. This really helps promote the mucus flow in the upper respiratory system. Super important when you have a sinus infection.
Fenugreek – this herbs does the same thing as comfrey. I just happen to like the flavor of comfrey better.
Eucalyptus – this herb shouldn’t be a surprise. It has long been recognized for its ability to open the nasal passages as well as soothe inflammation.
Mullein – another great herb for soothing the inflamed sinus tissues.
A Few Additional Natural Remedies For Sinus Infections
Garlic – add it into teas, soups, or roast and eat.
Vitamin C (we use this one) larger than normal amounts can help flush out a sinus infection.
Avoid ALL dairy products. They increase congestion and inflammation.
Drinks lots and lots of fluids. Using the herbs listed above in a tea would be the perfect way to get more fluids and the herbs into your child or yourself.
Use aromatic herbs (eucalyptus, lavender, sage, and thyme) in a steam bath or steam bowl. These herbs will help loosen the congestion and help decrease the microbial activity thus shortening the duration of the sinus infection. I have a great congestion busting steam recipe here.
The Elder-Eyebright formula from Gaia Herbs has worked well for a lot of people I know. It seems to be safe for all ages and really helps kick the infection to the curb.
One of the things that I do for my daughter whenever she is congested is to make a little decongesting pack to place in her pillowcase. This seems to work quite well and makes it easier for her to sleep.
Decongesting Pillow Pack
You will need:
- 1 small cloth bag/pouch
- 2 parts crushed, dried spearmint
- 2 parts dried whole lavender buds
- 2 parts crushed, dried eucalyptus leaves
- 1 part crushed, dried peppermint leaves
- 1 part crushed, dried thyme leaves
Directions:
- Place all of the herbs in your small cloth bag and secure with a tie or by a loose stitch. You don’t want the herbs falling out.
- Place the pack inside the pillowcase, above where your child’s face rests on the pillow.
This is best used for children over the age of four who will leave it alone.
Where can you find these sinus infection busting herbs?
I get most of my herbs from my affiliate partner Amazon. I love the Frontier brand and Starwest Botanical brand available from Amazon.
Sources for this article include:
Jeremy says
Great post! It’s awesome information about these Natural treatments for Sinus infections in children and adults too. These 6 herbs are very helpful and useful for those having sinus infections. I had fun and learned a lot from here. Thanks for sharing this article. I will definitely share this to my friends.
Rachel says
Hi, great article. I will try these herbs. For me I find apple cider vinegar (1tbs to one glass) in the morning and a sinus rinse of 1\4 tsp bicarb and 1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt really helps.
Patti says
In regards to the decongestant pillow, any other ideas besides the ones that smell like mint?
Jennifer says
Hi Patti! Yes, you can try rosemary instead of the spearmint. You will want to leave in at least one of the mints though, even if you scale it back. If rosemary isn’t your cup of tea, pine can work if you have access to it.