Multiple Remedies
★★★☆☆
The professor could only offer me pharmaceutical relief (Flixonaise nasal drops) which worked during the first 12yrs, then, after a consultation with my Dr. who wasn't happy for me to stay on these drugs any longer as they're very strong, with steroids, I agreed and decided to stop using them as I was concerned about the detrimental effects they'd have on my health long term. I tried going drug free for 4yrs, trying various natural remedies, but my well being was deteriorating with the debilitating symptoms of acute rhinitis.
I went back to the Dr. who prescribed various nasal sprays, they all seem to irritate it more! I have settled with the Flixonaise nasal spray which for a few months seemed to help relieve the symptoms a little, but lately the symptoms are raging once again! There's no rhyme or reason as to the time of year or weather, it's 7 days a week, 12 months of the year! I always have sneezing fits first thing in the morning which can last for a couple of hours, excessive runny nose, streaming light sensitive eyes, irritation in my nose, this then happens periodically through the day and can wake me up in the early hours affecting my sleep. I usually feel drained and wretched with the sheer exhaustion of it. I do have polyps, but have been told and have read that whilst the cause of the irritation (rhinitis) remains, the polyps would just grow back.
They say that `mind body pain` isn't life threatening... but my word it's debilitating! ...or could it be the complex culprit of hormones?
I'd be eternally grateful if anyone has found any relief from rhinitis. I always vowed that if I found a `cure` I'd post on every site I could find to help others who are suffering with this symptom.
Regards,
Marian
(Ontario Canada)
02/24/2023
I searched, and found this site which mentions usually viral, although irritants can cause this. Treatment, humidification of air Bacteria ect.
Blessings
(TN)
02/24/2023
Dear Marian,
My family has had great success with nettle leaf for all sorts of allergies. 2-4 capsules 1-4 times a day, or as needed.
Nettle is also a blood purifier. My son's asthma and allergies actually healed after being on it for a year.
Nettle is a nutritive. It was commonly boiled and eaten in the spring for good health.
~Mama to Many~
(Crescent City, CA)
03/05/2023
Is the Nettle leaf something I would have to continue taking through the years since my PND is 24/7, and I believe it is allergies, or, it may be allergies and non-allergic rhinitus?
I was diagnosed with allergies in the 90s but only had this PND come on in the last 7 years and it is pretty bad because the mucus is ever present in my throat. It's completely clear when I'm able to blow some out my nose but mostly it just hangs in my throat, and I cannot cough it out at all.
I do the sinus irrigation that gives me some temp. relief, and make my own saline solution using Himalayan Pink Salt that I can use any time of the day. I also have a hard time swallowing at times, and also talking in the earlier part of the day. If it's bad I've tried the sinus irrigation and hot liquids with some relief.
I worry about this stuff causing throat issues eventually, and it's like my sinuses cannot stop producing too much mucus/phlegm. It's horrible.
(TN)
03/06/2023
Dear Denise, I am not sure it you would need it 24/7 for life. Allergies can heal or change. If you do have to take it long term, it is a safe and inexpensive herb and easy on the system. My son took it for a year, along with quercetin, and it seemed to heal his allergies and asthma. My daughter took it for a year along with homemade milk kefir. Her allergies (and health) were much better after a year. She still has some allergies and takes nettle sometimes. When I take it for allergies, I take 2 capsules morning and evening. ~Mama to Many~
(PA)
02/25/2023
Hi-
Sorry, you have suffered too long with this!
I recommend you try a xylitol nasal spray and discontinue all steroid containing nose drops.
Also, put several drops of ionic silver solution in each nostril before bed.
And I would add 2 black elderberry gummies containing bit C and Zinc each day.
Start with this and see if this helps & do keep us posted!
(somewhere, europe)
02/25/2023
Marian, we have seen most upper respiratory ailments improve with breathing h2o2 diluted in boiling water, several times a day, gradually decreasing as improvements is noticed.
(Ontario Canada)
02/26/2023
Marian, here is another site to check out. I hope you find a solution!
https://search.freefind.com/find.html?si=46222494&pid=r&n=0&_charset_=UTF-8&bcd=÷&query=rhinitis+
(Crescent City, CA)
02/26/2023
Hello Marian, I'll start by explaining my symptoms to see if they are similar to yours as I have found some relief after about 7 years of what I've called Post Nasal Drip but it seems so bad that it deserves a better name. I haven't been diagnosed by an ENT, just my MD who has little to offer in alternative methods. Mine was literally keeping me awake at night, including sore-throat and I could not cough it up or blow it out my nose, very thick mucus in throat. What's happened in the last 2 years is that the improvement is that it's way thinner, and although it is still there. I'll list what I am doing and other things that caused me to adapt to these:
1. Ketogenic diet (due to diagnosis of T2 Diabetes)
2. Water (never focused on water consumption, I think I was allowing myself to become dehydrated)
3. Regular walks (eventually started the gym)
4. Sinus Rinses (which helped when it was unbearable)
5. Pink Himalayan Salt nasal spray, home-made
I have quite a few issues so I am focused on more than one thing, depends on which is bothering me most but I suspect my Tinnitus (ears ringing) is related to the Sinus issue. It is not LPR which is mucus coming up from the stomach and they call it Silent Reflux sometimes.
I have tried not doing dairy, but to no avail so I use a bit of cheese, creamer, and yogurt. I do think the hydration with my water is doing me the most good to at least thin the mucus. But it continues to run down the back of my throat and I am pretty constantly having to swallow since like I said, it won't come out except in a little bit off and on through my nose. I go through a lot of kleenex. I'll let you know if I find more answers for mine.
(England)
07/26/2023
(Crescent City, CA)
02/26/2023
I'm sorry, I forgot some things, Marian, I do have an Air-purifier that may be helping, can't say for sure as I try/use a lot of things. Mine is also, I'm convinced, environmental. I also recently bought some of the Himalayan Salt lamps, once for each area I'm in the most. I have a frequent very dry cough, but salt gargle or just a few sips helps that. I too sneeze a bunch of times but only under a couple minutes. I do add 1/8 tsp of Himalayan Salt to my 16 oz water bottle (glass) and potassium 1/8 tsp. This is my form of home-made electrolyte to help keep me hydrated. I was given the same "fixes" by the doctor and used them maybe twice and said no way because they didn't work and I was nervous taking them. Sorry again about 2 replies but I am 70 now and also have memory issues. Here's where I'd insert a crazy face smiley if I had one, Denise
(Austin, TX)
01/21/2024
Marian, You're writing about my life...except that I've had this on and off since I was about 22 and I'm 64 now. Come to think of it that was right after the birth of my first child. Maybe it is related to hormones My oldest daughter and younger sister have it too. I had years of relief using a prescription nose spray called Dymista. Worked for about 10 years and now it doesn't. Dr added Flonase. Does nothing. Humidifier in my bedroom at night seemed to be working for a week or so, and then didn't. Nasal rinses do nothing. Added quercitin supplement, nada. Trying to ground myself regularly since that helps with inflammation. I don't have any other helpful remedies to add. Just wanted you to know that you're not alone, and I'm out here searching for a cure too.
(NYC)
01/22/2024
Try LDN (low dose naltrexone) and consider completing NAET full course.
So many have no idea what NAET is or brush it off as some sort of witchcraft. Yet, it is impossible to overestimate its results. Nothing short of miraculous results. My 4yo nephew's tantrums and screams are gone, another one stopped snoring and no more ear infections, her nose stopped running, skin eczema is gone, etc. Adults have many chronic issues simply disappear.
I have a wonderful way to treat rhinitis, with Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, a prescription. It is usually cheaper to buy several sprays at one time, this week at Walgreens or Costco. But if you use the Good RX app on your phone you can check. Its a free app and I don't need the premium version. I take the .03 dose, taking it once or twice a day as needed. It is the generic form of Atrovent, so it is not a steroid. Good luck with this.
(Kentucky)
03/10/2025
ATROPHIC RHINITIS.
Source - Therapeutic Gazette, a Monthly Journal of General, Special, and Physiological Therapeutics, by H. A. HARE, M.D. and EDWARD MARTIN, M.D. 1900
DOUGLASS writes in the Post- Graduate for June, 1900, concerning the treatment of this most obstinate condition. He says that the treatment is to be directed first to the alleviation of the symptoms by means of cleanliness, antisepsis, and the use of alkaline, saline, or acid solutions, and, secondly, to
the cure of the disease. He discusses ( 1 ) treatment of the early cases; (2) the unilateral cases; (3) the ulcerations; (4) those with obstructions in superior or middle meatus; and (5) the remedying of general conditions.
The complete removal of the scabs and the cleaning of the nares and pharynx constitute an important part of the symptomatic treatment. He again emphasizes the complete and careful removal of the scabs, and this cannot be trusted to the patient at home. The cases should be made to understand that the physician should see them at least every two days, and, better still, daily; that all the scabs can only be removed by cotton dipped in some solution and carefully applied to loosen them. Every nook, furrow, and fold must be carefully searched. A douche containing any medicament does not cleanse the nose of these scabs, and the patients realize this only too well. When told to use the douche in the interim, they
must also be cautioned against an overuse of it. Realizing that some scabbing still remains, they douche and redouche themselves until they are veritable douche fiends. Patients will often use the douche six or seven times a day, and, in the vain endeavor to remove all secretions, will increase the strength of the solution until real harm will result. The best results are obtained from the use of an antiseptic and deodorizing solution applied twice daily, followed by the medicament we may choose, and on alternate days these cases should be carefully cleansed at the physician's office. Peroxide of hydrogen used as a spray, with water, 1 to 10 or 1 to 20, seems to soften and loosen the scabs well, and is both an antiseptic and deodorizer. After a complete spraying and a wait of a couple of minutes, this should be washed out with a warm normal saline solution, either used in the nasal syringe or douche bag. This spraying and washing can be repeated until about a quart of water is used.
Besides the use of saline solutions, Douglass has found it useful in many cases, particularly when the odor is very offensive, to resort to a weak solution of the metallic chlorides, using mercury bichloride in the strength of about I to 10000. Both of these remedies may be used with salt in the douche, and in these strengths do not act as irritants, but as desirable antiseptic deodorizers and astringents. The method of treatment by acids (citric acid) has recently attracted attention in New York. Solutions of some of the vegetable acids have been used with more or less success. To dislodge the mucus, to act as a deodorizer and a stimulant to the atrophied mucous membrane, the first to be used was trichloracetic acid -in a one- per- cent watery solution. This was given to the patient to use at home, and in the office a two- to five-per-cent solution of the same acid was used in the nasal application. More recently articles have appeared from German sources, claiming excellent results from the use of citric acid in two to six - percent solutions in these cases of atrophic rhinitis. Douglass's own experience with trichloracetic acid has led him to consider it a useful remedy, but less satisfactory on the whole than other methods. With citric acid he has as yet had no experience.
Other deodorizers and antiseptics have been recommended, and the list of applications is almost identical with the list of new pharmaceutical preparations. In other words, everything has been recommended, but one of the two above mentioned methods will suffice for home treatment.
Ichthyol is, after all, a remedy which seems to give the greatest relief when used locally in these cases of atrophic rhinitis.
At a meeting of a section of laryngologists in the Academy of Medicine, New York, last winter, a discussion arose regarding the most useful remedy for the relief of atrophic rhinitis. The consensus of opinion among those who spoke on that occasion was very much in favor of ichthyol in some form or other. Some used it in weak solutions, two to six per cent; some in stronger, twenty-five to fifty per cent; while others preferred the use of ichthyol pure. All agreed that in their experiences it was the most valuable remedy for the relief of the disagreeable symptoms and the best stimulant for the mucous membrane. This coincides with Douglass's personal experience with this remedy. It is his habit to use ichthyol in the treatment of rhinitis in three ways: The first by means of a watery solution of ten- to twenty-per-cent ichthyol applied on a large pledget of cotton, and introduced into the nares upon the atrophied areas. As soon as the nares have been properly cleansed, by any method considered
desirable, the pledgets are placed in the nose, and the patient is allowed to sit in the outer office for a period of fifteen to thirty minutes, after which the pledgets are removed, and the oily sprays are used to finish the treatment.
In cases of atrophic rhinitis presenting ulceration, or localities in the nose where pus is particularly persistent, or in areas that are very much atrophied, it is his habit to use ichthyol in full strength, rubbed directly into the parts, particularly if one of these bad places is upon the nasal septum. Ichthyol is used on cotton which is wound on a probe. This is gently rubbed for a period of four or five minutes into the atrophied mucous membrane.
The third method of using ichthyol is by means of a salve-forty grains of ichthyol and five grains of menthol, added to one ounce of vaseline. This is given to the patient to use at home after cleansing of the nostril, and also each night before retiring. The patient is directed to introduce into the nostril a piece as large as a good-sized bean, and then to snuff it back, when most of the salve will be distributed over the inferior meatus, and will lubricate the nose rather thoroughly during the night, the excess of ichthyol escaping into the postpharynx and acting there as a lubricant.
In selected cases of atrophic rhinitis, where the odor is particularly disagreeable, or the stench intolerable, such as generally arises from some caries or denuded necrotic bone, a rather new remedy seems to work well-ortho - chlor- phenol in solutions with glycerin of the strength of ten to twenty- five per cent. In ten-per-cent solutions it is a very strong stimulant to the nasal mucous membrane. In solutions of twenty- five per cent it is a decided cauterant, the great objection to its use arising from the odor of phenol which it possesses. For this reason it is used only in severe classes of cases which require a strong deodorizer. It is a strong irritant to the mucous membrane, and if used too often or too strong will result in overirritation. It must be used with caution
Oregano Tincture Steam Inhalation
★★★★★
ORIGANUM VULGARE (Oregano Tincture) INHALER IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS, A DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL. 2006 Iran
Source: https://www.ijbbku.com/assets/custom/journals/2006/3/ORIGANUM VULGARE INHALER IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS, A DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.pdf
ABSTRACT
Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are cumbersome and refractory to most systemic medications and even after surgical intervention, the recurrence of symptoms are frequent. In order to study the beneficial effects of Origanum vulgare inhaler in releasing the symptoms, this study was conducted at Boo Ali Sina Hospital Sari, Iran. Sixty four patients were recruited and allocated equally in case and control groups matched for age, sex and duration of symptoms.15.6 and 25 percent of cases and controls had history of sinuses surgery. All symptoms including headache, nasal congestion, sinus pain, post nasal discharge, eye pain, purulence in nasal cavity and cough were significantly reduced after the intervention except for hyposmia and nasal discharge(p<0.00). No side effect was reported. Inhalation of 75% hydroalcoholic extract of Origanum vulgare effective in releasing most symptoms of CRS.
INTRODUCTION
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is among the most common illnesses in the world (Anonymous, 1994). Symptoms including headache, nasal congestion, sinus pain, post nasal discharge, eye pain, purulence in nasal cavity, caugh, nasal discharge and hyposmia are cumbersome and difficult to treat (Krouse, 2002). Treatment of CRS cost, more than 2 billion $ annually in the USA (Anonymous, 1994). If untreated, it may cause some local and serious complications such as subperiosteal, orbital abscesses, cavernous sinus thrombosis, orbital, preorbital cellulitis, osteomyelitis and meningitis (Choi and Grundfast, 2001; Pickard, 1988). Classic treatments of CRS antibiotics, decongestants, mucolytics, antihistamins and sinuses surgery if indicated, however, recurrence is common (Krouse, 2002; Clerico, 2001; Ivker et al., 2002; Nuutinen et al., 1986). Origanum vulgare (Wild marjoram) which belongs to
the Laminaceae family (Bown, 1995; Leung and Foster, 1996) has been used in Italian cookery (Bremness, 1994) and also in herbal medicine as antifungal (Leung and Foster, 1996; Stile et al., 1995; Biondi et al., 1995) and antibacterial (Stile et al., 1995; Biondi et al., 1995) agent, but never as inhaler. In order to study the effects of inhalation of the 75% hydroalcoholic extract of O. vulgare.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It was double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial performed from April to December 2005. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Science. The subjects attended the ENT clinic of Boo Ali Sina Hospital with suggestive symptoms and signs and proven to have CRS by CT scan or FESS were enrolled for the study. After explaining the trial, an informed consent form was signed by each patient. Then a questionnaire was completed. The patients were randomly allocated to cases and control groups matched for sex, age and chronicity of the symptoms. The exclusion criteria of the study were age under 15, fever or signs of acute infection, known immunodeficiency states and history of eye allergy. Origanum vulgare was gathered in summer from Kojor Mountain (North of Iran) and identified by an experienced botanist. The aerial organ of the plant dried, macerated and undergone a 75% hydroalcoholic extract and finally standardized by Emerson method (Hartke et al., 1982). The active ingredient and placebo were both prepared in similar dark glass bottles. The subjects were instructed to use the medication by the medicine to about 250 ml (8.45 fk. oz.) of boiling water and inhale it for 15 minutes, three times a day for two weeks. The placebo has contained no active substance. Two telephone calls for each patient were made to enhance the compliance. After two weeks a doctor blind to groups asked for symptoms possible side effects and examined the patients for signs and filled a separate form. Chi square was used to analyze the effects of the intervention and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULT
Sixty four patients (32 cases, 32controls) have participated in the study. Basic characteristics of patients prior to the intervention are shown in table1, and were statistically not different. The effects of O. vulgare inhaler on the symptoms of CRS are shown in table 2. All signs and symptoms of CRS were relieved except nasal discharge and hyposmia. No side effects were reported.
DISCUSSION
The study showed that 75% hydroalcoholic extract of O. vulgare inhaler was effective on CRS. The most important active chemicals of the plant are phenol compounds including thymol and carvacrol which have antioxidant (Lagouri and Boskou, 1996), antibacterial (Stile et al., 1995; Biondi et al., 1995), antifungal ((Leung and Foster, 1996; Stile et al., 1995; Biondi et al., 1995), antiseptic (Bremness, 1994) and ant parasitic (Force et al., 2000) properties. There are reports of their effects against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Serratia macescence, Staphylococcus aurous and S. fecalis (Biondi et al., 1995; Hammer et al., 1999), Proteos vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, Micrococcus cluteus and Candida albicans (Stile et al., 1995; Biondi et al., 1995 Hammer et al., 1999). Also there are papers referring to the beneficial effects of Origanum vulgare extracts on different kinds of illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, nervous headache, muscle spasms and spider bites (Bown, 1995; Bremness, 1994; Leung, 1996). Thymol with a phenolic index of 50% is being used in local antiseptics such as oral wash solutions and vaginal douches is one of active ingredients of the plant (Remington, 1990). Leuteolin is another chemical of the plant which is active against carcinogen factor Trp-p-2 of Salmonella thyphi (Samegima et al., 1993).Even an anticancer property was described for the plant (Milie and Milie, 1998). Avicenna noticed the effects of O. vulgare dark halos under eyes, pain and swelling of joints, headache and scorpion bite (Avecina, 1984). Nowadays some products of the plant are available including"Candismic", "Herbetom BB DG-103", "Papahade", "Broncol San" (It ballast and Bachelor, 1997; Treas and Evans, 1991; www.hipernatural. com/en/ pltoreganohtml). The extract is even effective against bacteria such as Ralstonia solanacearum pathogenic to tomato, potato, banana and tea plant (Pradhanage et al., 2003; Momol et al., 1999). Origanum vulgare extract inhalation was effective and safe in symptomatic relieved of CRS.The results of this study showed that the extract of O. vulgare has promising effects on the symptoms of CRS, and because of it, availability and low price, easy of use as well as lack of side effects. It is recommended to undertake a more comprehensive study on all aspects of the medical and pharmacological properties of the extract. Of course based on the results of this study O. vulgare can be recommended.
Breathing Steam with Oregano Tincture:
Boil approximately 1 qt water and pour in approximately 1 Tablespoon or more of Tincture of Oregano. Turn heat down, put towel over your head and inhale the steam for several minutes, taking deep breath's and holding it. Do this several times a day as needed. Refreash pot with more tincture everytime you use it.
Note: Some say you can use oregano oil. I do BUT, the study was done using tincture and the alcohol content in the tincture has DISINFECTING PROPERTIES which I'm sure added the the success of this treatment.
Also I like using a hot water kettle to inhale steam from.
DIY Old School Steam Inhaler Nebulizer from a Tea Kettle
Source: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Old-School-Steam-Inhaler-Nebulizer
