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Sinusitis, an infection of the sinus cavities, often turns from an acute state into a chronic one and can, with some people, develop into a very persistent and almost constant state. For a short term treatment, an effective mixture is

Echinacea	1 part
Golden Rod	1 part
Golden Seal	1 part
Marshmallow Leaf	1 part

Drink a cup of this tea every two hours.

This mixture combines the anti-microbial properties of Echinacea, the anti-catarrhal actions of Golden Rod, the tonic and anti-catarrhal actions of Golden Seal, and the invaluable demulcent contribution of Marshmallow Leaf. Besides using the tea, the balm and the steam inhalation mentioned for catarrh can also prove very beneficial, along with the general recommendations given there.

As a long term treatment, particularly in persistent cases, the diet has to be examined, again with emphasis on mucus-forming foods, as sinusitis depends on the state of the mucous membranes. The diet should be supplemented with vitamin C and with Garlic, either eaten raw in the diet or as oil in capsules.

Hayfever

Hayfever and other conditions like allergic rhinitis are caused by an immunological reaction to an external allergenic substance. It is debatable why the body reacts in this over-sensitive fashion. Is the allergy due to the allergen or an internal process triggered by it? A classical chicken and egg situation! I feel that there is a spectrum of reasons from purely genetic causes to purely inappropriate lifestyle. If the lifestyle is right and the inner environment is in harmony, a genetic weakness might not even show itself.

To treat and alleviate the symptoms of hayfever, the following combination of herbs can be most effective:

Elder Flowers	2 parts
Ephedra	1 part
Eye bright	1 part
Golden Seal	1 part

A cup of this tea should be drunk two or three times a day.

To prevent hayfever occurring and to be really effective, the treatment should start at least a month before the person’s particular hayfever season begins, as the tonic and anti-allergenic properties need time to take effect. The low-mucus diet may be beneficial here (see the section under the respiratory system on congestion), as will vitamin C and Garlic.