Welcome to my monthly series…Herbs and Children! I have been learning so much about herbs and how to treat a variety of illnesses, infections, skin conditions, emotions, and other issues in children. While I am far from an expert, I do feel as though I have a lot of great information to share with you that can then use to do your own further research. Each month, I will share a specific “condition” or health concern and the specific herbs that are generally considered safe and effective to use on and in your children to address these conditions. Be sure to read to the end of each post where I link up the previous posts in the series. Please note – I am not a licensed medical professional so do not take this as medical advice. Some links may be affiliate links.
Autumn is in full swing and with that comes the standard round of colds, viruses, and lots of nasal congestion. Unfortunately, some of these pesky illnesses will create the perfect environment for a sinus infection to take root. What’s a natural minded mama to do?
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 treat a sinus infection (both in my daughter and myself) with herbs and herbs alone.
What I am about to share it 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.
6 Herbs To Treat A Sinus Infection
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.
Where can you find the herbs to make these preparations?
I get most of my herbs from my affiliate partner Amazon. I love the Frontier brand and Starwest Botanical brand available from Amazon.
A Few Other Natural Suggestions To Treat A Sinus Infection
Garlic – add it into teas, soups, or roast and eat.
Vitamin C (we use this one) in larger than normal doses can help flush out your child’s system.
Avoid ALL dairy products. That increased 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
In regards to the decongestant pillow, any other ideas besides the ones that smell like mint?
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.