Sinusitis	<< Page 10 of 11 >>

Description:
The Sinuses are four sets of cavities within the skull that come in matched pairs. These open spaces include:

Sphenoid Sinuses – behind the bridge of the nose and centered in the skull
Ethmoid Sinuses – located in the upper nose
Frontal Sinuses – in the forehead above the eyebrows
Maxillary Sinuses – under each eye on either side of the nose

These openings are connected to mucous membranes that filter and warm the air that goes into the lungs. Mucus also drains through these openings into the nose. When these membranes swell, they block the opening to the sinuses and prevent them from draining pus and mucus. Congestion occurs and leads to blockage and swelling that in turn lead to infection. The infection can be bacterial, fungal, or viral and usually occurs after a cold, fever, or allergy (acute sinusitis). The sinuses are most at risk from an infection in the nose because the mucous membranes in the nose extend into the sinuses.

Sinusitis most often occurs in the frontal or maxillary sinuses. Symptoms include facial pain around the eyes and cheeks, headache, congestion, earache, and toothache. Fever, loss of ability to smell, bad breath, and swelling and puffiness around the eyes may also occur. Sinusitis may lead to meningitis, pneumonia, and asthma.

Acute sinusitis is brought on by a bacterial infection, but if the infection is not treated, it can lead to chronic sinusitis. In this chronic state, sinus openings become narrower due to scarring from earlier infections. As a result, the sinuses become difficult to drain and congestion occurs more frequently.

Herbs Used:
Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot), Calendula officinalis (Marigold), Thymus serpyllum (Thyme), and petrofilin extract.

HS Products:
Sinositrin Tincture and Ofipetrin Tincture.

Recommendations:
Use the Sinositrin tincture at least twice daily. Since sinusitis is characterized by slow circulation due to congestion, it is important to maintain a constant herb presence in the body. In severe cases, we recommend using Sinositrin in the morning and Sinositrin with Ofipetrin in the evening. Ofipetrin contains ginkgo and nettle, two herbs that are blood-thinning agents and that improve blood circulation. Therefore, the body's defense system can alleviate the infection.