Natural remedy for sinusitis - tulsi or basil leaves

A dull throbbing pain in your face and head, sudden bouts of congestion and intense pain when you move your head are sure signs of sinusitis. A condition that is often seen in people during the winter months, sinusitis is caused due to an inflammation in the mucosal membranes lining the hollow portions within the bones of the face (just above your eyebrows and cheeks - known as sinuses). The mucous membrane is supposed to keep the area moist and free of any foreign objects like dust and infectious organisms. But in some cases this area gets infected, inflammed and congested which can be quite painful. While there are a number of drugs that can help relieve the symptoms, a natural remedy is often what helps the most. If you are looking for simple and natural way to help relieve the pain and congestion; tulsi or basil leaves are your best bet.(Read: Sinusitis: What are the various types and symptoms?)

How it helps:

Tulsi is a great antitussive (helps in reducing the amount of cough), expectorant (helps to expel phlegm from your chest), anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It also helps regulate and strengthen your immune system, making you better prepared to fight off infections. Packed with a potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole, tulsi can open up congested airways, helps reduce inflammation and fights against allergic reactions. Apart from all that, it also has a slight cooling action which is a natural way to relieve the pain associated with sinusitis. (Read: Beat headaches and sinusitis with ujjayi pranayam)

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How to use it:

In Ayurveda this is known as a healing kashayam or decoction that can relieve the symptoms of sinusitis in just a few hours. Here is how you can make it. (Read: Natural remedies: Ajwain or carom seeds for relief from sinusitis)

Take 10 leaves of tulsi, wash them well. Add this to 10 corns of black pepper and a small piece of ginger. Grind all the ingredients well in a mortar and pestle. Add the pate to 250 ml of water and boil it till the quantity reduces to half. Now, strain the liquid and add a little bit of sugar candy (don't use refined sugar). Drink this mixture while it is still warm just like you would drink herbal tea.

Drink this tea every morning on an empty stomach. If your sinusitis is very severe you can have this mixture three times a day; preferable two hours after your meal. An important rule you must follow is not to have a bath or expose yourself to the cold for two hours after having this tea.

Disclaimer: This is only a home remedy, and should not be mistaken for medical advice. Please consult your doctor if the symptoms persist.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis.