Dr. Renu Gupta

Sinuses, also known as paranasal sinuses as they surround the nasal cavity, are hollow air-filled cavities. Humans have four pairs of such cavities which are known as:

• Frontal sinus - in the forehead
• Maxillary sinus - behind the cheekbones
• Ethmoid sinus - between the eyes behind the bridge of the nose
• Sphenoid sinus - behind the eyes

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more of the sinuses. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, allergies or excessive nose blowing and results in the blockage of the sinus opening. Sinusitis can be acute (lasting 4 or lesser weeks), subacute (lasting 4 to 8 weeks), chronic (lasting beyond 8 weeks) and recurring (several attacks in a year).

Acute sinusitis generally causes pain in the sinuses, headaches, loss of smell, stuffiness, and coughs as well as may also cause bad breath, toothaches, and fever.

What does the homeopathic treatment for sinusitis entail?

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine system which uses plants and minerals to develop remedies that augment the body's natural defenses by stimulating symptoms of the disease the patient is suffering from.

Acute sinusitis finds a permanent cure in homeopathy. Though treatment takes time, it rebuilds the body's immunity to sinusitis. It drains the sinuses, kills the germs and wipes the infection off at the root, thus preventing it from recurring. When antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis, there may be side effects such as fungal infections. Fungal infection is a leading cause of chronic sinusitis.

Homeopathy can boost the body's immunity which can treat fungal infections from the root, hence eliminating chances of recurrence. It can treat the symptoms of sinusitis and provide relief from associated respiratory diseases and allergies. There are different remedies available to treat the different symptoms of sinusitis, which work together to completely cure it by boosting the body's immune system without having any side effects.

Homeopathy for Nasal Polyps:

With Chronic sinus, soft growths arising from the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinus are referred as nasal polyps. The most common treatment option suggested by a conventional system in nasal polyps is surgical removal. In most cases, nasal polyps reappear after surgery. However, surgery is a temporary fix since it does not address the body's tendency to form polyps. Homeopathy, on the other hand, offers a permanent solution by treating the root cause. Following six homeopathic medicines are usually recommended for nasal polyps - Lemna Minor, Sanguinaria Can, Calcarea Carb, Kali Bichrome, Teucrium, and Phosphorus. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Homeopath.

Rose is probably the first flower that comes to our mind when we think of flowers. Associated with a variety of relationships including love, friendship, peace, etc., it holds a special place across all celebrations. Not many however, are aware about the wonderful medicinal properties that it has. Whether it is used in liquid, paste, oil or powder form, it has multiple benefits. Read on to know some of the multiple benefits that a rose has.

It is widely grown with very limited climatic restrictions and so it is time to reap the benefits of this simple, readily available flower.

1. Rose powder mixed with fuller earth and rose water is one of the most common household face packs in use.
2. Pure rose water is one of the best skin cleansing agents.
3. The petals of the rose can be made into a paste and applied to control sweating.
4. The dried rose petals can be crushed and made into a paste by adding rose water and further applied on wounds to promote healing.
5. Dried rose petals can be mixed with milk and consumed to reduce acidity and treat stomach ulcers
6. The tincture made from rose petals is useful in diarrhoea
7. Rose buds are used in preparing a decoction which is highly useful in relieving constipation
8. Herbal tea prepared using rose petals is consumed to treat acidity, burning sensation in the body, dryness of the oral cavity and is effective against treating infection in the intestine
9. Rose water can be used as eye drop as they help in reducing burning and irritation
10. Rose petals can be boiled and used for gargling, as it is extremely beneficial in relieving sore throat and cough
11. Rose buds are rich in vitamin C and useful in preventing scurvy and cough and cold problems
12. Pure rose oil is one of the common essential oils and is used to treat insomnia and reduce blood pressure.
13. The rose oils are used in various creams to treat skin inflammation
14. Rose oil is also widely used in various cosmetics (soaps, creams, lotions) for their multiple benefits

How to store your roses?

Given its benefit on various body organs, it generally finds its place in most homes.

1. After watering the night prior, cut the flower diagonally before the sun is up fully
2. Remove the petals carefully after clearing moisture and insects
3. Place a wet paper towel in an airtight container and spread the rose petals on it and close the box
4. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week before use
5. The dried leaves can be used in essential oils as it further enriches the oils
6. The oil has various uses and can be stored in an airtight container for months 

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.