Herbal Medicine Protocol for Acute Sinusitis Not Responding to Antibiotics
This article is a case study review for a young man experiencing debilitating chronic/acute sinusitis treated unsuccessfully with two rounds of antibiotics over a six week period of time. It was asked by one of our amazing students inside the Confident Herbalist Tribe, our premium herbal membership.
He was desperate for some help and was willing to try herbal medicine. His situation seemed pretty hopeless, but herbs and aromatic plants can save the day! Here’s an herbal protocol to save in case you need help one day, too.
When conventional medicine doesn’t work, sometimes it’s because it’s only addressing one layer of a problem that is multiple layers of needs to address. This is the danger of masking symptoms or playing guessing games with antibiotics, which often happens with conventional medicine, unfortunately. But when we approach the situation with logic and from several angles, healing happens… and without the disruption to the body that powerful antibiotics cause.
With two courses of antibiotics targeting bacteria (which the infection may be viral, fungal, or even involving bacteria that develop resistance through biofilm production), of course, they’re just not going to work. Add to this additional stress on the body/mind, sleep disruption, damage to the microbiome of the gut, and the often painful drainage issues that go along with a sinus infection, all go unaddressed, well, I can see why this generally healthy man is frustrated, suffering, and “desperate”.
Six weeks of misery have a way of nudging people toward the power of plant medicine. And this is an interesting fact: this motivation toward natural healing is actually therapeutic in its own right, because people who are engaged and active in their own healing and health tend to do much better. Compliance is also often improved.
Initial Thoughts on the Case
First of all, after six weeks of dealing with sinusitis, he is on the cusp of this being called “chronic sinusitis.” Secondly, the infection might possibly be viral or fungal, and if this is the case, then the antibiotics are a waste of time because they don’t help with these kinds of infections. Third, if the bacteria is resistant to antibiotics or create a biofilm making them resistant, then a completely different approach is needed. Many doctors who are very busy don’t take the time (or may not know) how to layer in other methods with their antibiotics.
Another consideration that we need to take seriously into account is that two rounds of antibiotics in a six week time period has most definitely caused disruption to his microbiome, or gut lining. This can aaffect the health of mucus membranes as well as general mucosal immunity.
Then there’s stress on the body and mind due to the length of this situation, the pain, the certainty of lack of sleep, etc. At this point a person is most likely running on cortisol, and this actively slows or stops recovery. Stress simply can’t be ignored in a case like this.
Let’s see how to approach this man’s needs holistically, effectively, and safely.
A Layered Herbal Approach to Acute Sinusitis
The thing to do is to take all of these factors into consideration and create a protocol for this young many that attacks all of them on different levels. We need to consider solutions for the congestion, ways to attack the microbes, supporting the microbiome, helping with the stress of illness, and adding comforts for this man.
Unlike modern medicine, where a person is simply handed a pill, or even allopathic herbalism where an herbalist uses herbs as a pill would be used, holistic herbal practice involves looking at the whole person, his terrain. Then, we consider all aspects of the illness. We look at the person’s constitution in order to choose effective herbs, and we create a multi-layered protocol.
This kind of holistic herbalism is truly individualized!
Here are some ideas….
Mechanical and Structural Solutions for Sinusitis
This means that we’re going to actively attend to the health of the upper respiratory system using topical methods by supporting the health of the sinus cavities. There are two methods I like to use in this kind of case, and these are nasal irrigation with neti pot and herbal steams (my favorite).
Nasal Irrigation with a Neti Pot
Using commercially prepared saline solution to irrigate the nasal passages may disrupt the biofilm of the resistant bacteria, if this is the cause. It helps to reduce congestion while flushing out infectious material, biofilm, and any debris from the sinus cavities. Do not use tap water, and try to irrigate twice a day.
NOTE: Using a bit of colloidal silver in the solution may help, and this is considered topical use, which I prefer. You can also use a little bit (like a teaspoon) of strong Oregon grape root decoction for the benefits of the berberine chemical constituent coming into contact with the membranes.
Herbal Steams
I love herbal steams! In fact, I love them so much I wrote a FREE Guide to Herbal Steams. You can find out how to do an herbal steam HERE, or download my Free Herbal Steam Guide through the link.
Basically, you’re just inhaling steam with aromatic compounds from a bowl for about 10-15 minutes with a towel covering your head to keep the steam enclosed. When you add herbs or essential oils to the steaming water, then that’s a great bonus, as the volatile oils evaporate and enter the sinus cavity, supporting healing with their antibacterial and other antimicrobial actions.
Use herbs of thyme, eucalyptus, pine needles, and rosemary. If you want to use essential oils, just one to three drops only, and you can combine combinations of any of these: thyme, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, pine, black spruce essential oils.
NOTE: Be sure, if you want to use several essential oils, that you make a stock blend first. You can find out how to do that in my upcoming book, which you can preorder or buy HERE, (afflink) depending on when you read this article. Or, consider taking my Aromatherapy Specialist Certification Program, which is approved by NAHA (National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists).
Herbal and Aromatic Protocol to Attack the Microbes
The next layer is to attend to the pathogens themselves.
Berberine
I suggest using an herbal tincture of a root that contains high amounts of berberine. Goldenseal is often suggested by many herbalists, however, it is currently endangered in the wild and is hard to cultivate. I no longer use it for sustainability reasons. Luckily, Oregon grape root (Mahonia repens or M. aquifolium) is a wonderful substitute. Use a strong tincture three times a day for 2 to 3 weeks. Take a week off, as it is VERY drying. Then you can resume if need be. Since it is being taken several times a day, use one dropperful each time for an average sized adult.
Yerba Mansa
If you can obtain yerba mansa root (Anemopsis californica) tincture, it’s also wonderfully helpful for the respiratory system and healing from sinus issues. It acts as a very powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and decongestant and has traditionally been used to dry up mucus, reduce swelling, and combat infection in the sinus cavities.
Yerba mansa is considered a “mover.” It strongly supports moving stagnant congestion out of the head and facilitating drainage. In our family herbalism course, there are hundreds of formulations, and of course, a great (and simple) herbal nasal spray is included!
To use yerba mansa, you can make an herbal tea, a nasal spray, or take as a tincture.
Mullein, Marshmallow, Peppermint
Mullein (Verbascum thapsis), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) are a fabulous and very gentle trio to help with nasal congestion. These are all so gentle, they can be used as needed. You’ll want to either make an herbal tea, using equal parts; or you can make an herbal tincture.
Herbal Decongestant with Aromatic and Pungent Herbs and Oxymel (Vinegar and Honey)
THIS is the best decongestant you can make. It’s powerful, delicious, and because it’s considered a “food” preparation, can also be used as often as needed.
I made it for a family when we lived off grid, and it worked so well for their very ill twelve year old that they asked for it over and over again. It’s fast-acting, effective, and very safe.
You can find out how to make it here (and the ingredients are probably in your kitchen right now!)
Onions and Honey
Yep! A red onion and some raw honey is all that’s needed for this delicious, healing syrup. And, it’s effective for supporting fast healing from sinus issues and also generalized cold and flu. You can find out how to make it HERE.
Supporting the Immune System
The next part of our protocol for sinusitis is to focus on building the immune system back up. After six weeks of misery, it is certain to be depleted and not working as well as it should be. Along with the disruption to the gut microbiome from the overuse of two rounds of anti-biotics meds, we need to attend to this important system.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or E. purpurea) is exceptional for this case. It’s best used as a pulse, with two or three weeks on, then giving the body a break for a week or so, then resuming the use. Use it initially 3 to 4 times a day for 2-3 weeks. Take that little break, then resume as needed. You may not need to take as much when it’s time to resume. You can gauge this by how the client is doing.
Elderberry with Astragalus
Elderberry (Sambucus spp) and Astragalus are both powerful immune system helpers. Personally I’m an advocate of taking a small amount of elderberry daily for immune system support, and especially if a person works in a high stress career (like our client here does, as an RN), then this becomes even more important.
Both of these herbs stimulate enhanced immune response as needed. Elderberry happens to also be considered a “food” herb, and although some herbalists feel it shouldn’t be used daily, I disagree based on my own personal experience from childhood on as well as in my work with clients.
Astragalus is wonderful tossed into soups or stews or into your homemade bone broth, too!
For both, you can combine them or keep them separate. Use as tincture or syrup.
Support for the Gut’s Microbiome
The next layer of our protocol is all about supporting and improving the state of the gut. Antibiotic use kills off ALL the microorganisms within this fragile system, even the good ones. We need these helpful microorganisms to stay healthy! This is one of the reasons why overuse of antibiotics is never a good idea unless absolutely necessary for major life-threatening infections.
Take a quality probiotic.
Eat raw, fermented vegetables. (You can find out more about fermentation on my website at Healing Harvest Homestead, as well as plenty of delicious recipes!.) You can also purchase lacto-fermented kimchi or sauerkraut at quality markets. Be sure they’re refrigerated and say “raw” on the label. If they’re on the store shelves, they’re “dead” and are of no use to anyone.
Help with Stress
This layer seems trite, but it’s truly a non-negotiable.
I’ve written SO much about stress, it’s ridiculous, and you can find information everywhere on it these days, too. There are many herbs that can support the body when under duress, and the main categories of herbs I like to work with for this are nervines that support health as well as adaptogen herbs chosen for the individual.
Different people will need different herbs, but some good examples of nervines include milky oats, lemon balm (also has antiviral properties), skullcap, hops, wood betony, and passion flower. Helpful adaptogens for this case might include ashwagandha, tulsi (which lifts the mood as well), and shatavari.
Essential oils SHINE when it comes to supporting emotional well-being and the stress response.
Here are some to consider, and you can make roller bottles or diffuser blends for support.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), black spruce (Picea mariana) calms while also supporting the respiratory system, frankincense (Boswellia carterii or B. sacra), lemon (Citrus limon), which also helps activate immune system T-cells in the body, and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) which calms and soothes.
There are many, many other herbs and essential oils that can help the body as well. The wonderful thing about aromatherapy is that it’s so pleasant for people, and this increases compliance.
Final Thoughts on an Herbal Protocol for Sinusitis
This is the kind of student question that we love to answer inside our Confident Herbalist Tribe Live Q&A chats! It’s the kind of question that we can’t completely address on social media, but we can within our private student community that’s OFF social media of any kind.
Sinusitis can be a very difficult situation, depending on the individual and what they need. Knowing how to layer and choose remedies, get to the possible root cause, and ideally to take care of the situation at the FIRST sign of a problem can be an amazing thing to know how to deal with. This is what we teach inside of our School of Botanical Arts & Sciences by Healing Harvest Homestead.
If you’re ready to become your family’s trusted herbalist, then I would just love to see you join one of our programs. And, for our larger options, I show up live ALL the time to help support you in your journey. You’re not alone. Here are the options to check out:
The School of Botanical Arts & Sciences
The Confident Herbalist Tribe (our premium membership that is very affordable and valuable)
Ditch the Drugstore or the Family Herbalist Certification Program
Aromatherapy Specialist Certification Program (approved by NAHA)
And more!
Hugs, Health, and Herbs,
Heidi
P.S. If you’re not ready for a course, then the best thing to do is to join our weekly newsletter! I teach live each week inside these special notes, and you’ll always find value in herbalism and aromatherapy along with some uplifting encouragement and inspiration! Click HERE to get your Free Herbal Remedy Guide as a gift, and this will add you to the list. If you don’t enjoy it, just unsubscribe at any time! No hard feelings. 🥰