Symptoms and relief

Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.

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Respiratory tract

The respiratory tract is an anatomical structure primarily devoted to breathing and made up of several organs with the function of channeling air from the external environment, rich in oxygen, towards the inner part of the body, eliminating at the same time air “already breathed”, which is therefore rich in carbon dioxide.

During inhalation the first organs that air comes in contact with are the nose and the oral cavity, and right afterwards the pharynx. The passage of air in the upper airway (how this set of organs is called) allows it to be warmed up and take on water vapor: this way it is ready to move on to the second part of the respiratory tract, i.e. at mid-level. Larynx and trachea channel inhaled air towards the bronchi, bronchioles and the lung alveoli, i.e. the lower airway, or final part of the respiratory tract. It is in this anatomical area that gaseous exchanges of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place, which are at the basis of the respiratory process.

The respiratory tract is anatomically closely connected to the set of thoracic muscles and to the diaphragm, which enable the rib cage to expand during inhalation. Apart from the main, essential respiratory function, the respiratory tract also has another function: maintaining the right balance of acidity in the blood by regulating the quantity of carbon dioxide circulating.

All organs part of the respiratory tract are particularly exposed to attacks by bacteria, viruses or other harmful elements: in fact, these can be present in air inhaled and therefore come into direct contact with the mucosa of the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, etc. When the mucosa of the organs involved is not prepared to respond to the pathogenic attack, a whole series of disorders can develop, ranging from colds, pharyngitis, laryngitis, up to bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and asthma which easily tend to become chronic if not adequately treated – particularly in the case of pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis,.

It is therefore essential to be able to resort to adequate remedies which, while respecting the physiology of the mucosa, may effectively guarantee a definitive solution and at the same time reduce the risk of relapses and chronicity.

The term sinusitis refers to an inflammation of the mucosae covering the paranasal sinuses, which are cavities inside the cranial bones directly connected to the nasal passages through orifices called “ostia”. As a result of inflammation of the mucosae, sinuses tend to swell and secrete copious quantities of mucus.

Mucus has a defensive function: it should, in fact, trap and help expel whatever agents have triggered the inflammatory phenomenon (microbes, irritants, etc.). Unfortunately, however, following the ensuing congestion, the so-called “ostia” orifices tend to become narrower, hindering and preventing drainage of mucus through the nasal cavities. Mucus therefore ends up stagnating inside the sinuses, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses or fungi. Should this occur, inflammation overlaps with infection.
Predisposing factors

Excluding the presence of nasal polyps or particular anatomical conformations hindering drainage through the naval cavities – all situations requiring surgical intervention, sinusitis is generally the consequence of a neglected cold. Bacterial, viral, fungal attacks or irritant agents are surely possible causes triggering the production of mucus. Mucus that is not adequately drained becomes a favourable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, giving rise to an inflammation that generally becomes chronic.

The condition of the organism’s immune system is a decisive factor. A healthy body should be able to solve infection from cold within 1 – 2 weeks without the complication of sinusitis. Recurrent sinusitis is often associated to intestinal dysbiosis, caused by refined food, poor in nutrients, “contaminated” by toxins, preservatives, colouring agents and heavy metals. There may even well be a not yet recognized problem of intolerance to certain foodstuffs.

Intolerance to milk, for instance, is one of the major causes of respiratory disorders. Undigested milk and dairy products produce copious quantities of mucus that can flow into the low and upper airways causing weakness and a tendency to fall ill frequently.

Dysbiosis of the intestinal bacterial flora can trigger the onset of chronic Candidiasis. In immunocompromised patients, fungal infection can extend to other mucosae of the body, including the internal coating of nasal senuses, generating mycotic sinusitis. Treatment of sinusitis therefore cannot disregard proper dietary cure.

Other causes of sinusitis can depend on going to swimming pools frequently; chlorine present in water can, in fact, trigger a form of vasomotor rhinitis that generates congestions, swelling and stagnation of mucus in the sinuses. This process can also initiate after contact with dust, cigarette smoke, irritant substances or allergens or following the sudden passing from a very cold to a very hot place or viceversa.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sinusitis are mainly characterised by pain and a sense of pressure on the area of the face corresponding to the affected sinus or paranasal sinuses. Pain above the upper jaw, often confused with a dental problem, is caused by an inflammation of the maxillary sinus; headache across the forehead, featuring pain of eyes and temples, can be related to infection of the frontal and sphenoidal sinuses (sferoidale). Other symptoms of sinusitis include: stuffy nose, reduced perception of taste and smell, cough with phlegm, high temperature and swelling around the eyes.

Treatment of sinusitis with conventional medicine

To address the problem of sinusitis, conventional medicine resorts to antibiotics so as to calm microbial infection of the mucosae coating the paranasal sinuses. However, apart from not eradicating the symptoms, use of antibiotics entails side effects on beneficial, physiological bacterial flora, representing the first line of natural defense, by impoverishing them and generating sensitization as well as bacterial resistance.

Antibiotics are often associated with cortisone-based medicines, which are strong immunosuppressive agents that further weaken the organism’s natural defenses, exposing it to the risk of new, mostly viral infections.

At a local level, in order to fight the symptom, common nasal decongestants are administered: their mechanism of action consists in promoting vasoconstriction, but they are completely ineffective on the actual causes triggering sinusitis.

Antihistamines are used, instead, in cases of chronic sinusitis of allergic origin; but due to the well-known rebound effects that may arise, neither are these the ideal treatment to solve the problem definitely.

This proves the importance of having valid alternatives available so as to treat sinusitis effectively, whatever the origin and nature of its symptoms.

Nature can help you in case of sinusitis

A natural and effective approach

To solve the problem of sinusitis definitely, nature can once again be of great help, first of all owing to the use of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), the efficacy of which against pathogens involved in this affection has been confirmed by numerous studies and applications.

GSE and sinusitis

Grapefruit Seed Extract has broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy: in fact, it has been proven by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide that GSE is active against several viral strains, showing encouraging results. However, further research is necessary to establish its full potential.

In addition, results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against over 800 bacterial strains, (both Gram+ che Gram-), as well as against 100 strains of yeasts and moulds confirms the value of GSE not only for local but also for systemic use, in directly contrasting ongoing infections as well as improving the general efficiency of the organism’s defense system to counteract any microbial attack.

A study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” Vol.5 n° 3 of 1990, effected in vitro and in vivo on intestinal microflora, proves the efficacy of GSE, in different concentrations, towards pathogenic microorganisms; it also proves its “selectivity”, in that it does not have a significant, negative impact on physiological microbial flora, safeguarding the organism’s natural defences to avoid the development of bacterial resistance. GSE therefore represents an extremely valid and safe remedy against sinusitis.

Given the above considerations, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an exceptionally effective approach against sinusitis. The association with specific plant extracts enables to obtain a remedy through a mechanism of action that must include the following:

systemic action by means of a product contrasting microbial proliferation, whether of bacterial or viral origin, while strengthening the organism’s natural defence system and preventing the insurgence of complications;
“selective” cleansing action and drainage of the nasal cavities, contributing to free the “ostia” orifices from obstruction, soothe the mucosae while strengthening their defences;
aerosol therapy to promote “selective” cleansing, drainage, expectoration and decongestion of the upper airways.

This approach, combined with a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, but not only), includes the use of natural remedies that are well known in folk tradition and the efficacy of which in providing a definitive solution has been confirmed by recent studies.

1 - Systemic action by means of a product contrasting microbial proliferation, whether of bacterial or viral origin, while strengthening the organism’s natural defence system and preventing the insurgence of complications
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: acting as an extraordinary “selective cleanser”, it is effective on pathogens, without having a negative impact on microbial flora of the mucosae; instead, it enables reconstruction of beneficial flora, representing the first line of the organism’s defensive system against any external aggression, therefore ensuring protection against infections.

Echinacea purpurea: by slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, it triggers a defensive mechanism against germs while activating a regenerative process of tissues at the same time. For this reason, preparations based on Echinacea are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions and in situations of infectious diseases in general.

Rhodiola: it increases resistance of the organism towards toxins; it increases the level of enzymes, of RNA and of proteins and can therefore reduce recovery time following fatigue or prolonged illness.

Uncaria: powerfully effective in regulating the immune system. Its use leads to an increased resistance of the organism against infections and it improves the body’s response in case of illness.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): an Australian plant with widely known and proven antiviral properties, it is also effective against bacteria and fungi, as well as being a powerful stimulant of the immune system.

Swallowable tablets are the most suitable form of intake for these plant active constituents, to be taken at recommended doses, preferably before meals, for one month. For children, the drinkable version composed by the same ingredients is to be preferred.

As an alternative to these two solutions, both for adults and for children, it is also possible to resort to an innovative formulation in effervescent tablets, based on GSE at high concentrations and Uncaria; the exclusively natural composition, the high concentration of active constituents and the benefits of the effervescent formulation (allowing rapid dissolution and increased bioavailability), give the product a pleasant taste, making it also rapidly effective.

2 - “Selective” cleansing action and drainage of the nasal cavities, contributing to free the “ostia” orifices from obstruction, soothe the mucosae and strengthen their defences
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained with regard to the antimicrobial efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) confirm GSE to be beneficial also for local use. Its synergy with specific plant extracts makes the formulation effective and safe to use.

Altea: the extract obtained from Atea root is extremely rich in mucilages (up to 20 – 35%, principally galactose, rhamnose – galacturo-rhamnans, arabinans, glucans and arabinogalactans), as well as containing flavonoids, tannins, pectins and starches. The strong presence of mucilages makes Altea the ideal remedy for the respiratory tract.

Mucilages, in fact, determine the formation of an adhesive mucus film that not only protects the area from external agents, but also carries out a soothing, decongestant action, reducing inflammation of mucosae that are particularly irritated and weakened by ongoing infection. Use of Altea therefore gives the product beneficial properties that are important both to protect the mucosae and to solve the problem of nasal congestion rapidly.

Echinacea: by slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, it triggers a defensive mechanism against germs while activating a regenerative process of tissues at the same time. For this reason, preparations based on Echinacea are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions and in situations of infectious diseases featuring high temperature, particularly when there is a tendency to develop chronicity and relapses.

Thymus Serpyllum: its most significant action is as an expectorant and it is therefore successfully employed in the treatment of catarrh in the respiratory tract. Moreover, its proven bacteriostatic property, especially on Gram + bacteria, completes the antiseptic and secretolytic action on the naval cavities.

Cypress: an extract is obtained from Cypruss fruit, also called cone or galbulus, glabulo rich in several active constituents, in particular proanthocyanidins, terpenic acids, tannins, flavonoids and essential oils. Cypress extract has numerous beneficial properties: in particular, it is has extraordinary anti-inflammatory and balsamic attributes and contributes to restore the physiological conditions of the nasal mucosa, providing rapid relief from signs of cold. Finally, having a good concentration of proanthocyanidins, Cypress also has a strong antiviral effect, therefore supporting the activity carried out by Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Calendula: rich in triterpene derivatives, it has marked anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Other components present are caretonoids, numerous resins, flavonoids, polisaccharides and mucilages, markedly bioadhesive on the skin and mucosae, thereby contributing to plant’s health properties. The most significant actions that Calendula can carry out are: anti-inflammatory, anti-reddening, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, cicatrizing, analgesic, soothing and decongestant, promoting rapid healing of localized inflammations at connective tissue level.

Kiwi water: distilled Kiwi water enriches and completes the product by supplying a number of indispensable elements such as vitamins (A,C and E) as well as minerals (in particular Potassum, Copper and Iron) that together favour riepithelisation of the mucosa, restoring its original physiological condition.

Being rich in vitamins, it moreover reinforces the mucosal immune system, contributing to improve its response against infections. These plant ingredients are combined in a completely natural and sterile solution, ideal to be debulised directly in the nasal cavities, using a practical eco-spray nebulizer with preservative-free packaging.

Aerosol therapy to promote “selective” cleansing, drainage, expectoration and decongestion of the upper airways
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained with regard to the antimicrobial efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) confirm GSE to be beneficial also when used in specific formulations for aerosol. Its synergy with specific plant extracts makes the formulation effective and safe to use.

Drosera rutundifolia: it carries out a spasmolytic activity on smooth muscles, with an action similar to adrenalin that reduces spasms caused by histamine on the chain of bronchial rings; consequently, it relaxes the bronchi.

Enula bell: it has secretolytic properties, thanks to its sesquiterpene lactone in particular, and is markedly anti-inflammatory.

Dwarf pine: the extract obtained is a mixture of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as alfa and beta pinene, limonene, phellandrene, camphene and borneol: all these substances have antiseptic, balsamic and secretolytic properties, particularly aimed at the respiratory tract.

Thymus: its essence includes, among other constituents, thymol (up to 55%) and other volatile compounds such as: geraniol, terpineol, cymene, linalool, camphene, borneol. It has antiseptic, balsamic and fluidifying properties.

Atomised sea water: sea water is the most complete mineral water because is contains all elements present in nature. Used for inhalation, it is beneficial in treating or preventing numerous affections and is a good remedy for all respiratory disorders.

The ideal medium for intake, in either adults or children, is a solution to nebulise with an aerosol device.

The association of the above-described active constituents, essential for a definitive solution of sinusitis, can be further supported by specific remedies indicated in the following cases:

To restore balance of the intestinal flora and at the same time strengthen the organism’s natural defences: for adults, single use vials with patented proportioning cap based on probiotics (B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Uncaria and Morinda citrifolia (Noni); for children, single use vials with patented cap, based on probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria tormentosa.