Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have three friends who all suffer from reoccurring sinus infections. They see the doctor, who puts them on antibiotics, the infection will disappear for a while – only to come back again. In some cases, it takes several rounds of antibiotics to get rid of the infection. They are tired of taking the antibiotics. Is there any way they can treat the sinus infections naturally?” — June S., Green Bay, WI

A. Dear June, Chronic sinus congestion/infection is unfortunately a very common complaint. First, your friends need to check with their healthcare practitioners to make sure there are no underlying diseases or structural problems with their sinuses that may be causing or complicating their sinus issues.

If there are no underlying issues, I do have some very excellent and natural ways to support the sinuses. First, I recommend a blend of eucalyptus and myrtle oils, two very wonderful oils that can support the sinuses. Eucalyptus oil helps decongest the sinuses, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been traditionally used to treat runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Myrtle essential oil has been well-studied and sold in Europe for more than 75 years. These are two oils that I strongly value for natural treatment of sinusitis and sinus infection. I suggest taking 1 or 2 softgels of this blend three times daily. If your friends are a little bit on the brave side and want to try my personal recommendation, they should take the softgel and allow it to melt in their mouths. This allows the fragrance of myrtle and eucalyptus to permeate throughout the lungs and nasal passages. While it is an intense flavor, I find it effective and invigorating. If they do not prefer this method, taking it orally will also be effective.

When choosing a formula, make sure it features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

I would also recommend taking a blend that combines the essential oil of thyme with climbing ivy extract standardized to hederacoside C. This soothing combination helps clear the sinuses and reduce tissue irritation and inflammation. I suggest taking 1 to 2 tablets three times daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally