Has anyone read Kava : Nature's Wonder Herb :: Margaret Greenwood-Robinson and tried this herb??  I'm just getting into herbal fixes -- sinus problems are killing me and I hate taking drugs to fix it.

Hello,

I am quite in to herbal remedies myself, as I have found many medications don't work for me, or give me bad side effects (especially for migraines).

Here is some info from thefreelibrary.com

SUPPLEMENTS THAT HELP WITH SINUS INFECTIONS:

* Bromelain bromelain /bro·me·lain/ (bro´me-lan) any of several endopeptidases that catalyze the cleavage of specific bonds in proteins. Different forms are derived from the fruit (fruit b.) and stem (stem b. , an enzyme derived from pineapple, has been reported to relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis

* Vitamin C supplementation (1,000 mg three times per day) reduced histamine levels in people with either high histamine levels or low blood levels of vitamin C. Histamine is associated with increased nasal and sinus congestion

* Eucalyptus oil can be used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil is said to function in a fashion similar to menthol menthol, white crystalline substance with a characteristic pungent odor. It is derived from the oil of the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita (see mint), or prepared synthetically from coal tar.  by acting on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of nasal stuffiness.

* Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been shown to increase nearly every phase of immune-system activity. One study showed that astragalus increases the production and storage of interferon, a substance that alerts the body to invading viruses and bacteria and stimulates cells to begin their defense, and to increase interferon's effects in fighting illnesses such as the common cold.

* Garlic (Allium sativum) contains allicin, which makes it a a potent antibacterial agent. It is a natural antibiotic that is effective against bacteria and viruses, and it is easily accessible.

* Echinacea echinacea (ĕk'ənā`shēə), popular herbal remedy, or botanical, believed to benefit the immune system. It is used especially to alleviate common colds and the flu, but several controlled studies using it as a cold medicine have  (Echinacea angustifolia), is effective if taken during the early stage of a cold or the flu. Echinacea is not an antibiotic; it does not kill germs. Instead, it works by stimulating the production of white blood cell, accelerating their maturation within the lymphatic tissue, and speeding their travel to the area of infection, where they help fight the invaders.

* Goldenseal goldenseal

Perennial herb (Hydrastis canadensis) native to woods of the eastern U.S. Its rootstocks have medicinal properties. The plant has a single greenish-white flower, the sepals of which fall as they open. The fruits grow in clusters of small red berries. , (Hydrastis Canadensis) is believed to help reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes, such as those lining the throat, sinuses, and lungs enabling the tissues to resume their protective role.

A yogic practice for clearing the sinuses is also very effective and is recommended for people suffering from chronic sinusitis. A ceramic pot, known as a 'neti pot', is filled with a warm salt-water solution and poured through the nose to clear out sinus congestion. Neti Pots are available at most natural food stores.

So  great that you posted last night, after I just went to the health food store and pumped the guy there for advice.  Of the herbal remedies you mentioned above, I bought:  bromelain, Vitamin C, and a neti pot.  (I already had echinacea at home but will be taking it more regularly to get rid of this sinus thing.

As for the neti pot, do you use it??  I tried it several days ago (once in the morning, once in the evening) and though it was pretty gross, I'm sure I unclogged my sinus passages as a lot came out -- especially the first time.  I used the salt-water solution and last night, for some reason, I started tasting salt in all of my coughs.  What the heck??!!  Am I doing something wrong?  Am I not breathing enough through my mouth while using the pot (somehow pulling the solution down into my throat?)? 

Any advice would be helpful!

I actually havent tried the neti pot, but it sounds like you may have had some salt at the back of your mouth, or upper part of your throat. Mayeb try gurgalling some water after, or just drink a nice big glass of water when your done. I'm sorry I can't help you more, becuase I havent tried it.

I hope the herbs work for you too!

Neti is great, I do it a couple times a week, more often when I feel I'm coming down with a cold or if I'm around folks who are sick.  Mine is stainless steel, though, it's the Jalaneti and it's very easy to do (it does take a little practice, but it's worth it).  Here's a link to a site that sells the one I have:  http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/product/neti.html  They have instructions and all kinds of information about using it.  I bought mine years ago and it' great.  With the stainless steel it's important to rinse it and dry it out between uses.

Before you start and when you mix up the saline solution take a small amount into your mouth from the spout to test it.  It should be a nice comfortable warm temperature and taste no saltier than your own tears.  Some places sell premeasured salt but it has to match the size pot you are using.  Do half of the solution from left to right and other other half from right to left.  You should breathe out of your mouth the entire time you are pouring.  Lean over the sink until you get the angle right and allow the solution to syphon up one nostril and drain out the other.  The beginning of the flow is often slow because of mucus plugging and once it starts to rinse out the flow will even out.  Pause between sides but continue to breathe through your mouth.  Do not inhale with your nose until you are completely finished so you will not bring the saline further back into your sinus. When you are completely done with both sides you can lean your head forward towards the floor ('forward fold' if you are familiar with yoga) to allow any excess liquid to gravite to the front of your sinuses.  Blow your nose very gently to get rid of more liquid, or just blot each nostril.  The main thing I am careful about is to not allow water to get into the ear tubes (kind of how you don't want excess mucus from a sinus infection getting up into there either).  Eventually any excess water is going to be reabsorbed into your system anyway.  But Neti can make your nasal passages feel so clean and clear it's amazing.

I actually can't do neti on mornings before I go to my yoga class, I get too much extra drainage while doing sun salutations.  But if I'm doing yoga at home then it's a little messy but not a big deal.  Certainly not as all like mucus from a cold would be.  The best time for me to practice neti is early evening, after supper and at least an hour or two before bed so I don't leave water and allow it time to dry out.  There are actually advanced techniques of neti that allow the saline to get into further the reaches of your sinus, but those are only practiced by very experienced people who can channel the water where it needs to go before evacuating it.