Sinuses

by The ABC Herbal

April 2007

Many parents get worried about the slightest sniffle in their children. Commonly, parents run their children to the doctor for colds, coughs and other respiratory ailments for antibiotics. However, antibiotics kill bacteria and since colds are believed to be a viral condition, antibiotics don’t help colds at all. Many other people use antihistamines. These drugs dry up the sinuses and provide temporary relief. But in the long run, they can make sinus problems worse.

Excessive drainage is caused by inflammation of the sinus membranes due to the presence of some irritating substance. When the tissues are damages by irritants they release histamines which dilate the blood capillaries and allow excess fluid to enter the tissue spaces.

Under normal conditions, the lymphatic system picks up excess fluid and irritating substances and cleans them up in the lymph notes. Under certain conditions, however, the lymphatic system can be overburdened and the excess fluid and waste seeps out of the mucus membranes instead.

If this continues for long periods, it can weaken the tissues in that area, causing more severe problems. Also, if we buy the idea that germs feed on waste, then an ideal breeding ground for germs is set up, which could lead to sinus infections or other more serious problems.

Most natural healers have concluded that excessive consumption of dairy products, and in some cases other heavy protein foods, put too great a burden on the lymphatic system, congesting it and making a person more prone to sinus problems. We have also observed that sugar and salt tend to aggravate these conditions. Our children tend to get sick during the holidays when well-meaning teacher, friends and family (including their parents) give them too many “treats.” Hence, when our children are congested, the first rule is NO dairy (especially milk), salt, sugar or meat.

Where the problems are chronic, we find that the digestive system may be weak and proteins are only partially digested. Undigested proteins can cause allergic reactions. Hence, children may need a digestive aid such as papaya mint tablet, or some activating herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or safflowers for their digestive systems. Children with sinus troubles usually have bowel problems as well and need to get their bowels moving properly.

The secret of getting rid of respiratory congestion is to use small, frequently repeated doses of herbs which help clear the lymph channels and the bowel. We most frequently use our Children’s Composition formula for this purpose, but we have also developed a stronger formula for more persistent problems. This formula contains: red root, Echinacea purpurea, yarrow flowers, myrrh gum, red clover tops, and Oregon grape root.

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