Sinus infections are extremely difficult to overcome. Because
of my many allergies, I used to suffer from serious, lingering sinus
infections. It often seemed allopathic medication only created new issues like
yeast infections, constipation, or diarrhea. My herbal studies course
introduced me to an herbal combination that brought me relief and healing---Goldenseal
and Eyebright.
Allopathic drugs, antibiotics, never really healed my sinus
infections. I would take course after course of antibiotics and still have
lingering problems after months of drugs.
The most obvious problem with antibiotics is that they destroy the
healthy gut bacteria.
When taking a course of antibiotics many allopathic
physicians now recommend that you take a probiotic or eat yogurt. Taking a
probiotic or yogurt to replenish healthy gut bacteria is important. But
remember some probiotics do not make it past the stomach, I know this from
personal experience. If you have continuing intestinal issues, (gas, bloating,
pain, mucus), consider getting an enteric-coated probiotic. The enteric-coated
probiotic releases into the intestines and replenishes healthy bacteria.
Frustration and desperation with standardized drugs led me
to the study of medicinal herbs. For everyday concerns herbs are much more
effective with fewer side effects. Goldenseal is a powerful destroyer of
infection, and Eyebright also has anti-bacterial properties while balancing the moisture level the sinus membranes.
Because infection initiates the immune/inflammatory
response, one should cut back on inflammation inducing foods when ill, such as:
sugar, white processed flour, grape seed, cottonseed, safflower, corn and
sunflower oils, Deep fried foods, fast foods, commercially baked goods, dairy
products, feedlot-raised meats, alcohol, and artificial food additives. In
other words when your sick keep it simple choose fresh organic fruits (especially
pineapple) and vegetables, organic eggs, and organic chicken or turkey.
Goldenseal: Hydrastis Canadensis, Ranunculaceae (buttercup genus)
Goldenseal usually has a tall, fork-like stalk with multiple
leaves at its tip. Two leaves are generally located near the ground. During
blooming season, greenish or white flowers are at the stalk tip
Goldenseal is found in the eastern region of North America,
southeast Canada and parts of Europe. It can be wild-crafted in areas from
Ontario, Canada to Arkansas, USA and is cultivated in Washington and Oregon.
The Cherokee, Native Americans, used goldenseal for
respiratory inflammation, digestive and genito-urinary tract problems,
infection, general debility, dyspepsia, and to improve appetite. The Iroquois
used a golden seal root decoction for earache, sore eyes, whooping cough,
diarrhea, liver disease, fever, sour stomach, flatulence, pneumonia, and heart
trouble.
European immigrants who landed on America learned the
benefits of Goldenseal from the native tribes and it became a part of colonial
medicinal care. Prof. Benjamin Smith Barton described the herb as an Iroquoian
cure for cancer in the 1798 essay “Collections for an Essay Toward a Materia
Medica of the United States.” The herb became popular in the early 19th century
when renowned herbalist Samuel Thompson who promoted its medicinal benefits.
Modern uses of Goldenseal include used liver disease,
duodenal ulcers, loss of eating sensation, swellings, cancer, and as an
anti-inflammatory ointment for painful or painless swollen bumps. Goldenseal
has been used for: Abscesses, digestion, allergic rhinitis, bladder and
intestine infections, boils, candida albicans, glandular cleansing,
conjunctivitis, diarrhea, earache, eczema, excessive menstruation, flatulence,
gum infections, hemorrhoids, hay fever, laryngitis, liver disease, pneumonia,
preventing cold and flu, reducing fevers, liver and spleen functions,
constipation, relive congestion and excess mucous, ringworm, soothing irritated
mucus membranes (eyes, ears, nose and throat), sores, sour stomach, thrush,
ulcers, whooping cough, and wounds.
Drugs. Com tells us “few well-controlled clinical trials are
available to guide dosage. Recommended dosages vary considerably: 250 mg to 1 g
3 times daily; some product labeling suggests dosages as high as 3,420 mg/day.
Ten to 30 drops of the extract 2 to 4 times a day has been recommended for
influenza.”
Goldenseal should be avoided during pregnancy as it
stimulates contractions. Consult a physician if you have heart disease,
diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
Eyebright: Euphrasia officinalis
Eyebright is a hardy, small annual plant native to Europe
and is characterized by deeply cut leaves. Common to the heaths and the
pastures of Britain, it is also found throughout much of the European
continent. Eyebright is also found in the sub-arctic regions of the North
America.
Eyebright tends to be sourced wild because it is
hemi-parasitic and cultivation is very hard to accomplish. These wild plant
populations are the source for most of the eyebright used in herbal remedies.
The plant bears many small flowers and are gathered July to August.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the herb was used to
treatment eye afflictions such as conjunctivitis. Eastern European folk
medicine often uses eyebright topically, as well as the internally, for the
treatment of inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes, over-sensitivity to
light, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, styes, hay fever, chronic sneezing and eye
fatigue.
Eyebright reduces inflammation in the eyes and counters
mucus accumulations by tightening the mucous membranes
around the eyes. As a result eyebright is often used in the treatment of
infection and allergic reactions.
Eyebright is also excellent middle ear problems, sinus disorders, and mucous in
the nasal passages. Eyebright is an astringent herb if dryness or stuffiness
increases discontinue use.
Eyebright tea can be taken at a dose of two to three cups
every day during the treatment period. The dried herb dosage of 2-4 grams can
be taken three times a day, during the treatment period. Eyebright tincture is
taken as a single dose of 2-6 ml three time every day of the treatment period.
Safety of internal consumption is not a big concern as Eyebright
is an herbal remedy with few or limited side effects. However, women who are
lactating or pregnant should avoid use since long-term use with pregnant
patients has not been researched.
For those of us with allergic rhinitis, who also worry about
the over use of antibiotics, Goldenseal and Eyebright offer real relief with no
side effects. These herbs are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and break down
mucus. These amazing plants, with the glorious synergy of perfect nature, can
do the work of three different drugs. I call this cost effective!
http://www.drugs.com/npp/goldenseal.html
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