Why Won’t My Cold Go Away?

You’re drinking tons of water, sleeping (almost!) 8 hours per night, and your cold just isn’t getting better.  If your congestion has lasted for more than a week, you have thick yellow or green mucus, sinus pressure behind your eyes and cheeks, a fever or slight dizziness when shifting position, it just might be a sinus infection.

With a sinus infection, your nasal passages become inflamed and infected. Sinus infections are harder to treat than colds, and can linger on for weeks if ignored. Your doctor would likely prescribe you antibiotics. But never underestimate the power of your immune system! You can spare your intestinal flora the mass wipeout by trying these natural options.

• See our herbalists. Michelle and Rebecca often recommend a Chinese herbal formula called Pueraria Clear Sinus by Evergreen. It’s a natural analgesic and antibiotic, but also constricts blood vessels in the nose and reduces mucus secretions. We often combine this with Kan’s Jade Windscreen Formula which boosts the immune system herbally. We carry these both in the clinic.

• Get acupuncture. Needles inserted into specific points can help unblock the nose, clear phlegm and reduce inflammation. Many patients say they can feel their nose and sinuses open immediately during a treatment.

• Use a neti pot to thin and flush mucus out of your nasal passages. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia, tiny, hair-like structures that line the inside of your nasal and sinus cavities, so that they may more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems. We like the Baraka Neti Pot.

• Moisten your sinus cavities with steam inhalation. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help ease pain and drain mucus. Add Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Tea Tree oil for an extra boost.

• Dose with oregano oil. Oregano oil contains anti-microbial properties to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza, the common culprits behind sinus infections. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect to relieve swelling and unblock stuck mucus. Regular dosing with oregano oil clears the sinuses and restores health to the whole nasal system. Oregano oil is NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women should check with their doctors. Try Natural Factors Organic Oregano Oil.

• Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibiotic that eliminates infection as well as bacteria and fungus. It is most effective when used as a nasal spray; however, it is also possible to take capsules or drink the extract mixed with water or another liquid. Grapefruit seed extract does not have uncomfortable drying effects like some decongestants, and will not dehydrate the body. It simply works to relieve congestion and eliminate inflammation. We recommend Nutribiotic Vegan GSE Grapefruit Seed Extract Liquid Concentrate.

• Stir up a healing elixir with a few pantry staples.­

– a glass of warm water

– 1 teaspoon of raw honey

– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar – ACV is a natural antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory, and touts a high pH that alkalizes the body.

– 3 cloves of minced raw garlic – Allicin in garlic kills vegetative pests that attack the plant, and can also fight the microbes causing your sinus infection.

You’ve probably been doing this all along, but rest up and drink plenty of fluids! If you do end up needing antibiotics, remember to repopulate your intestinal flora with a course of probiotiotics such as Flora Udo’s Choice Adult’s Probiotic.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

What natural remedies do you use for sinus infections? Have you tried any of these? We’d love to know! Please share your comments below.

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