6 Remedies For Sinus Headache

Headaches that accompany sinusitis are called sinus headaches. In sinusitis, the inner lining of the sinuses are inflamed and swollen. The headaches that accompany it are characterized by a dull and deep throbbing pain in front of the face and head. The pain could resemble that of migraine and tension headaches. The pain is aggravated by leaning forward or bending down. Cold weather also aggravates it. There could be nasal discharge, which is blood-tinged or yellow-green. The nose is stuffy and the throat is sore. The factors that can bring on the sinus headache are bacterial and fungal infections of the throat and respiratory system, colds, immune system impairment, structural problems of nasal cavity. Asthma, nasal polyps, allergies, pollution, and exposure to cigarette smoke are some of the other triggers of sinusitis. Conventional treatment is with antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and triptans. Occasionally, surgery on the nose may be necessary. Alternatively, you could try some of the herbal remedies mentioned below.

---

Effective Herbal Remedies For Sinus Headache

Herbs can cause side effects, and adversely interact with other medications you may be taking. So it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any of the herbal remedies mentioned below.

Peppermint

The leaf extract and oil of Mentha piperita are used medicinally. The active ingredient is menthol, which is a volatile oil. Peppermint is available as tea, liquid extract, inhalant form, and oil.

Peppermint oil is applied to the forehead and temples. Peppermint oil is also dispensed as enteric-coated capsules. The side effects it can cause are allergic reactions and heartburn.

---

Chamomile

Flowers of Matricaria recutita are used to prepare the medicinal extract. The chemicals contained in the extract slow down the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandins, histamine, and leukotrienes. The dose is 300-400 mg capsules, thrice daily. Allergic reactions can occur.

---

Ginger

Ginger is the rhizome (underground stem) of Zingiber officinale. The active ingredients comprise volatile oils and phenol compounds (shogaols and gingerols). These relieve pain by reducing the levels of hormones that cause inflammation.

You can have it as ginger tea by adding a few slices of ginger to a cup with hot water, and steeping it for 15 minutes. Drink it hot. Side effects include heartburn, stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

---

Feverfew

Leaves of Tanacetum parthenium are used to make the extract. It contains parthenolide, which reduces the inflammation. Take 100-300 mg, 3-4 times/day. Side effects can be heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, nausea and vomiting.

---

Garlic

Garlic is the bulb of Allium sativum. Extracts of this contain allicin, converted to alliin in the body, which is anti-inflammatory. You can take fresh (2-4 g/day) of aged (600-1200 mg/day in divided doses) garlic. Side effects that can occur are bad breath, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Risk of bleeding is increased.

---

Echinacea

The root, flowers and leaves of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea are used to make the medicine. The active chemicals in the extract are polysaccharides, alkamides, glycoproteins, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which are anti-inflammatory.

Check product insert for dose. Side effects include sore throat, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, and dizziness.