The Sinus System
The sinuses are interconnected cavities in the skull. These are linked to nasal passages by small channels that allow air to flow from the nose into the sinuses. There are four pairs of sinus cavities. The maxillary sinuses are located under the cheeks behind the cheekbones. The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and ears. The frontal sinuses are located under the forehead. The sphenoid sinuses are located behind the nasal cavity at the base of the brain.
The maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses are typically one chamber with a single opening, called an ostea, that drains to the nose. The ethmoid sinus is a labyrinth of cells, usually 5-15, each having a separate drainage opening, either into the nose or another ethmoid cell. All the sinuses surround important structures, such as the brain and eyes. They also connect to the ears through the Eustachian tubes, these are the tubes that pop when you yawn!
The lining of the nose is similar to the lining of the tubes that lead to the lungs, trachea, and bronchi. The nose, sinuses, and lungs lining is called the respiratory epithelium. Sinuses have mucus and tiny hairs called cilia that work together to keep bacteria and microorganisms out of your body, protecting against infection. Sinuses produce thin mucus that works with the cilia to drain dust, microorganisms, and other pollutants out of the sinuses into the throat, where it’s swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid.
The nose also warms and moistens the air to prepare it for the lungs. This makes the air more optimally used by the body. They also help to lighten the weight of the skull!
Other systems affected:
Sinuses surround important structures such as the brain and eyes. Your nose is connected to most parts of the head and neck anatomy.
Sinus Facts:
- Sinuses are hollow cavities around the nose. They are located behind your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and between the eyes.
- The primary function of the sinuses is to produce mucus. The mucus is a normal fluid responsible for warming, moistening, and filtering the air in the nasal cavity.
- Sinuses play a vital role in the sense of taste.
- About 20,000 liters of air are estimated to pass through the nose daily!
Nutrition to Support the Sinuses:
- Hot liquids: tea, bone broth
- Raw local honey
- Citrus Fruits
- Pineapple
- Immune Mocktails
- Spicy foods
- Horseradish
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hot peppers
- Fish/seafood
- Turmeric
- Spinach
- Ginger
- Berries
- Aloe
- Probiotics
- Quercetin
- Bromelain
- N-Acetyl Cysteine
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Vitamins: C & D
Ways to Support Your Sinuses:
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer
- Take long showers, or breathe in steam from a pot of hot water
- Use a colloidal silver nasal spray
- Try a neti pot
- Try spicy foods
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of Vitamin C
- Herbal Steam
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Use a saline flush
Herbal Friends of the Sinuses:
- Mormon Tea Leaf
- Mullein Leaf
- Astragalus Root
- Olive Leaf
- Stinging Nettle
- Rosemary
- Yerba Santa
- Rooibos
- Eucalyptus
- Angelica Root
- Burdock Root
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Andrographis
- Oregano
- Marshmallow Root
- Golden Seal
- Horseradish Root
- Parsley Root
- Fenugreek
- Slippery Elm
- +Plus many more
Related Products:
- Sinus Clear®
- AirwayClear®
- ClearLungs® Classic
- ClearLungs® Extra Strength
- Clearlungs® Immune
- ClearLungs® Sport
- ClearLungs® Liquid
