May 1, 2008

Sinus infections continued

Research has also shown us that most chronic sinus infections/irritations are fungal in origin. It is easy for fungi to grow in mucous rich sinuses, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to take hold. It is important to treat the sinuses for fungal infestation as well as bacterial.One of the best preventative treatments I have found for sinus problems due to allergies is the neti pot. Neti pots are ceramic or plastic little containers that look like an alladin's lamp, with a long spout. They are used daily or twice daily, especially during allergy season, to wash the nasal passages of pollen and allergens that may cause sinus allergic reactions. I use the standard salt water solution along with one to two drops of tea tree oil to kill fungi in the sinuses. Neti pots can be bought at your local health food store.

Another therapy that I use is to douse a handkerchief in anti-fungal essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender or patchouli and place it over the nose at night to breathe in the anti-fungal, anti-microbial vapors, effectively getting them directly into the sinuses.  

Often just one packet of Sinus and Nasal Seasonal Relief, taken internally will dry up over-productive mucous membranes, making breathing easier and reducing pain.

May 1, 2008

Sinus infections

Sinus inflammation and infection are sometimes a complication of allergies and people often find themselves having to take several rounds of antibiotics to combat them.  Antibiotics can be lifesaving and effective in many situations but repeated overuse only serves to further confuse and compromise the immune system.  Not to mention, overuse can contribute to the development of rampant antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria such as the current MRSA. Also, because the blood supply to the sinuses is limited, antibiotics in the bloodstream have a difficult time reaching the target.  One must get the anti-microbial directly into the sinus cavities to be effective.  This can be accomplished through herbal steams and herbal snuffs.

April 24, 2008

Spring Nettles

It's allergy season again here in the Rockies.  As some of you know, one of the best spring tonics to prevent or decrease the frequency and severity of allergic responses is Stinging Nettles, Urtica dioica.

Did you know that the fresh leaves can be boiled or steamed and eaten like cooked spinach?  They are delicious and the formic acid sting is neutralized by cooking or drying so you needn't worry about that.

April 17, 2008

Welcome

I'd just like to welcome everyone and myself to our new blog.  I am Linda Whitedove, medical herbalist & formulator for WhiteDove Herbals.  I will be posting frequently and look forward hearing from everyone.  I will be addressing various topics as well as answering comments and questions.  For more information regarding herbs and also our formulas and products please visit our website at www.whitedoveherbals.com or our affliate rocky mountain herbals. 

First, since we are entering allergy season, I will be addressing allergies and discussing causes, herbal solutions, and methods that I believe work effectively. 

December 31, 1969

Neti Pots

Thanks, Nicole, for asking this question.  I knew that we borrowed the use of neti pots from the Ayervedic tradition (an ancient healing tradition originating in India) but I wondered about the origin of the word "neti".  A quick check of Wikipedia reveals that "neti" is a shortened version of the Sanskrit "jala neti", meaning "nasal cleansing with water".  Jala neti is a technique commonly used today in India, with practitioners irrigating the nasal passages once or twice daily (like brushing the teeth) to get rid of dust and allergens.

A mild saltwater solution is commonly used in the neti pot, but I don't know if herbs or essential oils are added to the water in Ayurvedic tradition.  (Any Ayurvedic practitioners out there who would like to comment?)  I have used several essential oils and herbal teas, including nettles, in my neti pot with varying results.  Any herbs that are soothing to mucous membranes (like marshmallow or licorice), that fight fungal or bacterial infections (like tea tree, goldenseal, or Yerba Mansa) or that regulate mucous production (like Yerba Santa) can be used. Be careful, and make sure to use a weak dilution with essential oils or herbs high in essential oils (herbs that have a strong odor) to avoid irritation to the mucous membranes.