As many of us have experienced, a stuffy nose can quickly turn into a head cold, or can migrate down and cause a sore throat or early-stage bronchitis. Catching it early and effectively is the key to keeping you free from two months of lingering, low-level illness; unfortunately, too often the wrong treatment and poor dietary choices lead to worsening of the condition instead.

Alongside taking My Herbalist's Cold & Flu: Head Cold, there are a number of things that can be done at home to assist the process of clearing an early-stage sinus infection. First and foremost, all dairy products (even organics) should be removed from the diet. I know this is difficult, primarily because most of us love cheese and dairy products. The problem is that dairy products tend to trigger mucus production, and this mucus gets stored in the sinuses and lungs. In addition, simple sugars tend to trigger the production of mucus, though not as strongly as dairy products do. Mucus acts as a 'breeding ground' for bacteria and fungi, so assisting the lungs and sinuses with efficient processing of mucus is key; cutting back or temporarily eliminating dairy and sugar from your diet can make a significant difference in their rate of recovery.

Inhalation of Eucalyptus Oil has been shown to benefit the lungs and sinuses. Place 5-10 drops of oil in two quarts of simmering water, and place your face over the rising steam and breathe it in through the nose as deeply as possible. Drape a hand towel over your head to concentrate the vapor, though if the heat from the steam becomes uncomfortable, remove the towel. This can help open congested passageways, and eucalyptus oil is a known broad spectrum anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substance, addressing the root of the condition as well.

In addition, use of a Neti pot (available at many health food stores) has been shown in multiple research studies to reduce the course and severity of sinus colds, and can not be recommended strongly enought.

To get rid of a stuffy nose/head cold requires a multi-pronged approach: 1) inhibit the production of mucus, 2) clear the mucus already stored in the sinuses, 3) fight the pathogens that are causing inflammation of the mucus membranes, and 4) gently support specific immunity against the offending pathogens. My Herbalist's Cold & Flu: Head Cold formula, along with the preceding advice, should help to address all of these causes of sinus infection/head cold.