JANUARY 18, 2012 SINUSITIS

"Love alone, dominates fear ." - Zohar, Exodus 216a

What are you really afraid of? Fear is the antithesis of love. I believe that fear is the reason most of us suffer from the lack of self esteem. We have fear - this makes it so difficult to love others.

When I had a low self esteem years ago, everything caused fear in me - I was out of what I call my comfort zone and I was always tense. We are afraid to try something new and we are scared not to try to try something new. It is almost like the fear of success and the fear of failure combined in one individual. This must change. There is some fear that is necessary . Fear by 'fright or flight' response where you are jumped from behind, or walking down a dark alley, or even watching a horror flick is one kind of fear. Then there are all the negative thoughts.

Of course there is also guilt. As a Catholic/Italian I am well aware of guilt. I sometimes believe that guilt can be the flip side of fear. Fear is a future tense feeling. Most fear is about the future. I do not understand that- the future should be a happy thought. I would have no expectations of the future otherwise you will get disappointed most of the time. I see too many people who are afraid of things that will or will not happen.

THE ANSWER: Live in the now.

Cold and flu season seems to occur all year round these days. Perhaps climate or weather changes are creating more sinus infections. The other possibility is the overuse of antibiotics.
SINUSITIS IS INFLAMMATION OF THE SINUSES. The sinuses are the air filled cavities located in the bones around the nose. When this does occur the sinus swells. This causes a blockage in the channel than drains them. There is a build up of mucous which then discharges through the nose. It creates intense pressure buildup in the sinus areas. It is a usual complication of a virus such as the flu, but can also develop due to tobacco ( even second hand smoke) and air pollution. The sinuses usually involved are the frontal, maxilary and sphenoid sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis can be result of swimming in contaminated water such as a lake. Headache usually occurs if the sinusitis is in the frontal or ethmoid sinuses.

Most of the time the physician will give the patient an antibiotic. Usually today, physicians start with the 'big gun' antibiotics as levaquin or a Z - pack (5 days).

Are there alternatives other than antibiotics? Of course there are. Do not forget that many sinus infections are caused by food allergies especially cow's dairy and wheat. Other possible food allergens can be vinegar and/or vinegar products such as green olives, pickles, and dried fruit. Oh let's not forget peanuts.

There are many Chinese herbal treatments. I prefer Western herbs. I love essential oils infused (one to two drops) in a steam . Remember the vaporizer your mom used when you had a cold? She likely used Vick's vapor rub. I have other herbs that are just as effective. It is better to use a cool mist steamer which prevents mold buildup. These are also not that expensive. Find one that is easily maintainable. I would add one to two drops of one of the following:

1. Tea tree oil

2. Lavender

3. Eucalyptus

4. Peppermint

5. Thyme

A cheaper effective method is add a handful of sage to simmering water on the stove. It fills the air with sage constituents which are antimicrobial. A strong tea of Goldenseal is also helpful. Try one of the following above. If this sinusitis persists and fevers occur, then try an antibiotic. Remember you must take probiotics (the good bacteria) to prevent a yeast infection.

Until tomorrow...