Your Nose is a Natural Air-Filtration System
The hollow spaces of the nose - called sinuses - act as an “echo chamber” which makes our voices resonate (unless the sinuses are stuffed up). These open spaces – located behind our eyebrows and nose and between the eyes – also give us better balance and cushion the brain from blows to the head. Our sense of smell is located in the nose. However, the most important function of the nose, the sinuses and nose hairs, is to condition and filter the air as it passes through to your faithful and hard-working lungs.
The membranes of the nose and sinuses produce between a pint and a quart of mucus every day. These secretions line the walls of the nose and sinuses and are always on the move. As the mucus passes through the sinus cavities, it collects dust particles, bacteria and other air pollutants that were breathed in along with the oxygen-rich air that nourishes every corner of the body. These same airways are lined with little filter hairs (called cilia) which try to keep out all the dust and pollutants from the air we breathe.
As you can see, God entrusts some very important duties to the nose. It’s the nose that tries its best to protect the lungs and all your body cells from any airborne pollutants and contaminants. Under healthy conditions, our lungs receive clean air even with some pollution, thanks to our nose filters. Sadly, many areas have heavy pollution that plagues our air today and takes its toll on the body. The nose takes the brunt of the attack and then the lungs.
Sinusitis Causes Breathing and Infection Problems
Sinus complaints usually are signs of the nose trying to do its job of protecting the lungs in troubled times. The nasal passages can suffer from the contaminants they work hard to block. Sometimes the sinuses become irritated or inflamed from air pollution, smoke, infection, or an allergy attack brought on by some of these irritating toxic factors.
Blocked Sinuses Breed Health Problems
When the nose and sinuses become over-burdened, they secrete mucus and swell. This blocks the openings and prevents the free flow of mucus and air. This causes a breathing problem and even worse; it creates an environment in which bacterial conditions flourish. This unhealthy situation weakens the nose and sets the stage for sinus and asthma problems, poor breathing, mucus plugged sinuses and infections, etc.
Many people who suffer from blocked and painful sinuses run to the drug store for over-the-counter medical relief. Forcing the sinuses open continually can cause harm, because they close up to protect the lungs from airborne toxins, etc. “Temporarily, nasal decongestants and nose drops may give some relief,” says Joel R. Saper, M.D., Director of the Michigan Headache Institute. “But if your sinuses are the problem, longer use puts you at risk for a chronic situation of diminishing returns.”
Instead of the quick-fix relief of a drug, take a longterm view of your nose’s health. Remember, your nose is the pathway to your lungs, and the point of entry for the body’s most needed, elemental nutrient – oxygen. Your nose deserves to be treated with loving, gentle care.
Herbs Bring Relief and Promote Healing
In addition to healthy living and avoiding dairy, you can relieve symptoms of sinusitis and bolster the health of your nose with herbs and plants. Anise, fenugreek, ginseng, ginkgo, anise, marshmallow and red clover help to loosen phlegm and clear congestion; rose hips are a good source of vitamin C; horehound and mullein help relieve symptoms. Most importantly, drink 8 or more glasses of distilled water daily. Add organic, raw apple cider vinegar to 3 of these. This helps mucus membranes and sinuses to better filter and dispose of any pollutants in your air. A strong body makes a strong mind. – Thomas Jefferson
When we begin to trust ourselves more, the body begins to renew itself and becomes healthier and filled with more life energy. – Shakti Gawain
