Honey for sinuses
Do you have a sinus infection that does not go away no matter how many times your doctor prescribes antibiotics? Maybe you should try rinsing your nose with honey. That's right, scientific research has shown that rinsing the nose with honey can kill the bacteria causing some sinus infections [1]. So, in what way honey helps with sinusitis, and in what ways besides applying it directly to the nose can we use it for sinusitis? You will find out in this article, among other things.
Table of contents:
- What is sinusitis.
- What bactericidal properties honey possesses.
- How honey helps in the treatment of sinusitis.
- Garlic and honey for sinusitis.
What is sinusitis
Sinusitis develops when mucus builds up in the cavities between the nose and the head. This causes swelling and inflammation of the cavities. The skeletal system has many air pockets or sinus cavities lined with mucous membranes. Sinusitis disrupts the drainage of mucus and causes a blocked nose and difficulty breathing. The area around the eyes may look swollen and tender. A sinus infection or recurring sinusitis can cause facial pain and pressure and can unfortunately take a toll on normal activities [2].
What antibacterial properties honey possesses
It has been shown that many factors contribute to the antibacterial activity of honey, such as its high viscosity, mainly due to the high sugar concentration and low water content, which helps provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. Furthermore, the mild acidity and hydrogen peroxide content have obvious antimicrobial effects. A broad spectrum of the antibacterial activity of honey is shown towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant (MRSA) ones [3].
How honey helps in the treatment of sinusitis.
The vast reserve of antimicrobial agents in honey works against the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause sinus infections. Honey can soothe the nasal passage, irritated throat, and remove excess mucus causing the sinus issues [4]. Daily consumption of honey helps stop sinus infection. The benefits of honey are many; honey has proven effective in various types of nose and throat infections. Research presented by the Indian daily The Times of India showed that honey kills about 70-90 per cent of bacteria and biofilms, while antibiotics are only 18 per cent effective. Furthermore, several cases were also recorded where honey was consumed for about a year, which helped in curing acute sinus problems with honey. Moreover, it was discovered that the rate at which honey kills bacteria was significantly higher than that of other prescribed medications. Thus, honey for sinuses is an effective and, compared to antibiotics, cheap preventative and curative measure for sinusitis [5].
Garlic and honey for sinusitis
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and kills infection-causing bacteria; when combined with honey, they provide an excellent weapon in the fight against upper respiratory tract infections.
Take 4-6 cloves of garlic, peel them, and then cut them into small pieces. Mix the cloves with 2 teaspoons of honey and the garlic. Consume this mixture before every meal for magical results. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of honey with four finely crushed garlic cloves and a few drops of olive oil. Use this mixture as, for example, a topping for bread. We most prefer the highly active heather honey, which appears in autumn- just when sinus infections often occur. Now you know how garlic and honey help with sinusitis.
Bibliography/ Sources:
- www.advancedsinusandallergy.com/blog/is-honey-really-good-for-your-sinus-infection
- www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/sinusitis-5-amazing-natural-remedies-to-unclog-stuffy-nose
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6589292/
- https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/sinusitis-5-amazing-natural-remedies-to-unclog-stuffy-nose
- https://www.daburhoney.com/benefits-of-honey/honey-for-health/using-honey-for-sinus
