Rhinitis, or a stuffy nose, is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses that can cause coughing, headaches, earaches, toothaches, facial pressure and pain. It is commonly due to bacterial or viral infections in the nose, throat and respiratory tract. The nose can be stuffed or runny, with variations of thick yellow-green nasal discharge. Homeopathic remedies are a fast way to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis. Homeopathics are safe to use with children, which tends to be the group that most commonly suffers from rhinitis.
Kali Bichromium
Kali bichromium is one of the most commonly used remedies for rhinitis with sinus pain and congestion. It is indicated when pain and pressure is worse at the bridge of the nose and may shoot toward the corner of the eye. Mucus discharge is especially thick, ropey and gluey with a yellowish green color. The infection may cause your voice to change, giving it a nasal quality. You can cough up mucus from the throat. Use Kali bichromium when the symptoms start in the morning, get worse in the afternoon and go away in the late afternoon.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla homeopathic remedy is used for rhinitis with more bland nasal discharge that can alternate between congestion and clearing. The sinus pain will be worse at night, worse when standing or stooping and worse when applying heat. You may find that you have an associated pulsating headache and greenish discharge coming from the eyes.
Silica
Silica is administered when the rhinitis pains improve with pressure to the area. You may find you want to wrap your head tightly with a towel or bandage and apply heat–this is an indication for the homeopathic remedy silica. Thinking, talking and noise will aggravate the pain. Use silica for children that suffer from repeated sinus infections in an attempt to strengthen immunity.
Spigelia
Spigelia should be considered when rhinitis starts after an exposure to the cold or in cold, wet weather. Symptoms are relieved by cold applications and by lying down with the head propped up. Use spigelia for rhinitis when the symptoms are predominantly left-sided with a left-sided headache and sharp pain, according to “Homeopathy for Musculoskeletal Healing.”
About this Author
Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.
