Evidence supporting the use of: Sea salt
For the health condition: Sinus Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Sea salt is commonly used in saline nasal irrigation, a supportive therapy for sinus infections (sinusitis). The practice involves rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution, which is typically made by dissolving sea salt (or non-iodized salt) in sterile or distilled water. Numerous clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that saline nasal irrigation can reduce symptoms of sinus infection, such as nasal congestion, discharge, and facial pain. It works by thinning mucus, improving mucociliary clearance, and helping flush out allergens, pathogens, and inflammatory mediators from the nasal passages.
Organizations such as the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the Cochrane Collaboration endorse saline irrigation as an adjunctive therapy for both acute and chronic sinusitis. The evidence supporting its use is rated moderate to strong, with benefits observed in both adults and children. Although some studies do not specify the type of salt, sea salt is widely used because it is free of additives and generally well-tolerated. While sea salt itself does not possess unique medicinal properties beyond its ability to create a physiologically appropriate saline solution, its use for sinus irrigation is grounded in both scientific validation and a long history of traditional use. Overall, saline nasal irrigation with sea salt is a scientifically supported, safe, and effective adjunctive treatment for sinus infections.
Other ingredients used for Sinus Infection
alpha-pinenebenegut perilla (proprietary)
black pepper
bromelain
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
honeysuckle
lactobacillus gasseri
marshmallow
mint
peppermint oil
platycodon root
quercetin
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
malabar nut
inula racemosa
anise
pau d'arco
elecampane
sweetgums
Sichuan pepper
sea salt
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Andrographis
allyl isothiocyanate
Barleria
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Cineole
Cinidium
Cistus
cypress
Ephedra
Elder
Goldthread
Other health conditions supported by sea salt
AbrasionsAcid Indigestion
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Bleeding (external)
Burns and Scalds
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dehydration
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores