Traditional Chinese herbal formula indicated for sinusitis

One of the most common and irksome respiratory conditions known to man is Sinusitis. It can be caused by one of four things: an allergic reaction, or a viral, fungal or bacterial infection. The pain and discomfort can be experienced in the mouth, eyes or forehead depending on what sinus cavities are affected. Basically, this is accompanied by a green or yellow discharge through the nose that usually drips into the throat. And besides the pain, the head may feel achy and heavy. Sinusitis can become a chronic condition more so if the person keeps on suffering from recurring colds.

A person with sinusitis may be able to drain his sinus cavities more efficiently and get better once more if he avoids mucus-forming foods and gets enough quality rest. This condition requires the earliest aggressive treatment to avoid the risk of a severe infection that may necessitate the use of antibiotic drugs. This may result in a vicious cycle of several intakes of antibiotic drugs and recurring infections that eventually worsens the health of the immune system and makes the person more susceptible to future infections.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the pathological patterns for sinusitis involve gallbladder and liver fire, lung heat, wind heat, or wind cold that has risen to the head. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used to treat sinusitis regardless of the pathological pattern that caused the condition. Acute sinusitis also can be treated effectively with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture although this type of Sinusitis can be resolved in a matter of days compared to a longer time period required for chronic sinusitis. The acupuncture points treated for both chronic and acute conditions include the LI 20 (Large Intestine 20) as well as the Yintang or Bitong points which are very much useful for the clearing of the sinuses and nasal pathways. When the Yintang or Bitong point is needled, it may generate a painful sensation lasting for a second; however, what you get in return for the discomfort is the quick clearing of the sinuses and the nasal passages. Extra acupoints may also be included in the treatment depending on the type of disharmonic pattern that underlies the sinusitis symptoms.

The herbal remedy known as cang er san (xanthium poweder) is a good formula for sinusitis. Cang er san is composed peppermint or field mint(bo he), angelica dahurica (bai shi), magnolia (hsin yi hua), and xanthium fruit (cang er hsi). This formula has warming attributes and so cooling herbs such as scutellaria (wang qin) and honeysuckle (jin yin wa) are added if the patient shows yellow mucus or fever (which are heat signs). Bi Yan Pian is a proper remedy for sinus and nasal congestion that can be combined with Chuan Hsin Lian Pills and other heat-clearing formulas.

Diet is an important component of the treatment since a lot of foods have mucus-producing qualities that can contribute or cause the sinus condition. Some of the foods to stay away from if you have sinusitis include very spicy and/or greasy foods as well as cold foods. Sugar only worsens the condition; it can lead to the worsening of the pain and the congestion.

After the acute sinusitis symptoms have been treated, herbs that strengthen the spleen like wang qi (astralagus) or dang shen (codonopis) need to be taken. A tonified spleen qi means less mucus making the immune system better able to ward off the colds that can result in sinusitis.