Sinus problems, including sinus pain, afflict some 30 million Americans annually. In fact, it is one of the most prevalent health issues for which patients seek medical care.

For many, the symptoms of a sinus problem include pain (facial and head), fever, weakness, fatigue, cough, and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip.

Can homeopathy help?

Yes. What follows are a few homeopathic remedies to consider for an acute flare-up.

Homeopathy is governed by a law of nature – “like cures like.” As a result, remember - the key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is ALWAYS the same. One must match the “characteristic symptoms” (ie, unusual or peculiar) of the person you are caring for (not the common ones like headache, sore throat, cough, fever, etc.) to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of your family member, you should have a happy outcome every time. If you don't select a remedy in this fashion, you or they will either feel no effect or one that is mildly positive at best. There is never a bad effect from choosing the “wrong” remedy.

Hepar sulphuris: A person needing this homeopathic remedy often experiences a copious mucus discharge from the nose with an almost constant need to blow the nose. The mucus discharged may be thick, yellow, or green and may even be offensive in odor. There can also be heat and burning in the nose, with the interior of the nose extremely sensitive to the passage of air, particularly cold air, and to touch. The nose is frequently stuffed up in the morning, and there may be itching in the nose that causes sneezing. There can also be head pain felt as an aching in the forehead or a boring pain at the root of the nose. Someone needing this remedy will often find themselves extremely sensitive to cold and cold, dry air, pain, and even minor discomfort. They may also feel worse when blowing their nose.  This picture often appears in individuals who feel irritable or overwhelmed by discomfort during illness. Overall, symptoms tend to worsen with cold exposure and improve with warmth and protection from the elements.

Kali bichromium: This homeopathic remedy is often considered when sinus symptoms are marked by thick, sticky, stringy mucus that is difficult to expel. The discharges from the nose and throat are tough, stringy, and adherent, forming long, ropy strands. The nose may be stuffed up, especially in the upper part, with difficulty detaching thick mucus, even though the mucus passes more easily post-nasally. If there is head pain, it is often felt in a very specific, localized spot, particularly over one or both eyes, and can at times be throbbing and quite intense. There may also be a sense of fullness or pressure at the root of the nose or within the sinuses. One may experience pain extending from the back of the head to the forehead when the nasal discharge ceases. In summary, a person needing this remedy typically has thick, tenacious mucus that is difficult to clear and symptoms that can feel stubborn and persistent. Symptoms are often worse in the morning and can be worse in warm, damp conditions.

Mercurius solubilis: This homeopathic remedy is often considered when sinus symptoms are marked by profuse, irritating discharges, frequent sneezing, and a general sensitivity to temperature changes. The acrid discharge from the nose can at times appear greenish and may have an offensive odor, sometimes described as smelling like old cheese. The discharge can be irritating to the surrounding tissues, and some of the mucus may trickle down post-nasally into the throat, causing hawking, hoarseness, and a dry, rough cough from continual tickling. There are often pressing or tearing pains in the forehead, cheeks, upper teeth, and ears, with significant congestion to the head. If a headache is present, it may feel as though the head would burst or is being held tightly in a vise. A distinguishing feature is the combination of excessive saliva with thirst. The breath is often markedly offensive during the illness. Symptoms tend to worsen in damp weather, at night, and from both cold and warm air, reflecting a heightened sensitivity to environmental changes. There may also be a sense of restlessness during the ailment.

Phosphorus: This homeopathic remedy is often considered when sinus symptoms fluctuate, with periods of congestion alternating with profuse discharge, and are accompanied by marked dryness and a strong thirst for cold drinks. The mucus is typically profuse, greenish or yellow, and may be streaked with blood, with bleeding often occurring when blowing the nose. These symptoms are often accompanied by a sense of dullness in the head, along with a sore throat, and hoarseness that may follow. There may also be a loss of smell and taste during the illness. Pain is frequently described as dull or pressive, extending from the forehead to the root of the nose and into the upper eyelids, sometimes with a sensation of pressure behind the eyes or a headache above them. A distinguishing feature of this remedy is a pronounced thirst for cold drinks, even during illness

Pulsatilla: This homeopathic remedy is often considered when sinus symptoms are marked by thick, shifting discharges, a lack of thirst, and a strong sensitivity to warm environments. Someone needing this homeopathic remedy may complain of nasal congestion that is more obstructed at night and flows more easily in the morning. The morning discharge is typically yellow or yellow-green and may be offensive in odor. A key feature of this remedy is that symptoms tend to feel much worse in a warm room and significantly better in cool, open air, where congestion may ease. Head pain is usually frontal, often described as a heavy, bursting, or throbbing sensation, with tearing pains in the sinuses beneath the eyes and a sense of pressure across the face. The discomfort may at times be relieved by wrapping the head tightly. A distinguishing feature is a notable lack of thirst, even with dryness of the mouth, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste. Mentally, the individual may appear more emotional, weepy, or in need of reassurance during the illness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sinus pain and their symptoms match those of one of the remedies in this article, dose with that remedy using either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only re-dose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your problem as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.