Many people suffer from chronic sinus problems. This can be due to allergies or this can be a residual symptom that lingers after a bout of cold or flu. Many people take antibiotics or antihistamines to clear up the issue, but sinus problems are often resistant to treatment with conventional medicine. Many times symptoms return soon after a course of conventional treatment. Chinese herbs can often clear up stubborn and resistant cases of sinus problems quite easily.

Sinus problems due to allergies are treated by increasing a persons resistance to allergens while also clearing a persons blocked nasal and sinus passages. The Chinese herbal formula, Jade Windscreen Formula, is used long term to reduce a persons tendency to have allergies. Jade Windscreen Formula contains astragalus, siler, and schizonopeta. Astragalus can improve a persons resistance to allergies. Siler and schizonopeta are used to reduce allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, and runny nose. Other herbs are used to open up blocked nasal and sinus passages and reduce the pain and pressure of sinus problems. The Chinese herbs, xanthium fruit and magnolia flower, are used for this purpose. Myrrh is also a good herb for clearing sinus congestion.

Sinus problems that are due to a chronic infection after a cold or flu can be handled using a different set of herbs. Herbs that are antibacterial and antiviral, and herbs that clear phlegm are used in this case. The Chinese herbal formula, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, also called Clean Air Tea, can be useful for sinus infections. It can also be helpful for bronchitis. Another herbal formula, Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, is also frequently used, especially if the person has sinus and inner ear problems combined. These formulas are for short term use (2 weeks or less), and tend to work rather rapidly. Xanthium fruit and magnolia flower can still be used to clear nasal passages.

Another method that can be helpful for people who have a tendency toward chronic sinus infection is to use herbs that cleanse the blood and the liver. Dandelion is a useful herb for this purpose. So are nettle leaves taken as a tea. Taking these herbs can help to reduce inflammation and acidity. These herbs can modulate immune response, while creating a less hospitable environment for viral and bacterial pathogens.

As you can see, there are a number of herbs and herbal formulas that can help to clear up sinus problems naturally, even in situations that have been resistant to conventional treatment.