Several herbs can help relieve the swelling and stuffiness that make sinusitis, the common cold, or other respiratory complaints so uncomfortable. Most of these herbs work by opening up clogged nasal passages to ease breathing. And while they can certainly be bought and used individually, a blend of these botanicals provides the unique healing qualities of many different herbs--in just a single pill.
First a note of warning: The primary herbal mainstay for decongesting just about anything used to be ephedra (also called by its traditional Chinese name Ma huang). Its synthesized form, ephedrine, is actually the basis for many prescription and over-the-counter drugs. In December 2003, U.S. health officials decided to ban the use of ephedra in over-the-counter herbal products due to safety concerns regarding this herb. Ephedra has been associated with a risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.
Ephedra-free herbal decongestants are also effective and may include any of the following:
- Ginger, dong quai, turmeric, and/or feverfew for their anti-inflammatory properties
- Garlic as a natural antibiotic
- Eyebright and marshmallow to soothe irritated mucous membranes
- Licorice to stimulate the adrenal glands and serve as a natural anti-inflammatory
- Elderberry to act as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory
- Echinacea as a general immune booster
- Peppermint leaves and stems to supply the powerful decongestant, menthol, and eucalyptus leaves and branch tips to provide the decongestant, eucalyptol
- Goldenseal to calm inflamed mucous membranes, boost levels of germ-fighting chemicals, and battle both viruses and bacteria directly by activating white blood cells
