If you've been on round after round of antibiotics and steroid sprays, used a neti pot, and still wake up congested, post-nasal-dripping, fogged and unwell — there's a reason. Chronic sinusitis is rarely just a bacterial infection. It is usually a combination of biofilms, fungal overgrowth, immune dysregulation and an irritated, inflamed mucosal lining that conventional treatment hasn't addressed at its root.
I help patients break that cycle using evidence-based herbal medicine, targeted nutritional support and FSM.
Why sinusitis becomes chronic
- Biofilms — bacteria and fungi that hide in protective layers in the sinuses, surviving antibiotics
- Fungal sinusitis — under-recognised; Aspergillus, Candida and other moulds drive much chronic disease
- Mould exposure — water-damaged buildings often the missing piece
- Immune dysregulation — low secretory IgA, mast cell activation, food sensitivities
- Allergy and hay-fever overlay — perennial allergens, dust mite, pet dander
- Anatomical contributors — deviated septum, polyps (worth investigating with an ENT alongside)
Symptoms I see most often
- Facial pressure, congestion, post-nasal drip
- Recurrent infections despite repeated antibiotics
- Loss of smell and taste
- Headaches, brain fog, fatigue
- Chronic cough and throat clearing
- Worsening on damp days, in old buildings or with certain foods
My approach
Herbal medicine — strong evidence base
Antimicrobial and mucolytic herbs: standardised extracts including eucalyptus (1,8-cineole), myrrh and frankincense oils, andrographis, berberine, elderflower and plantain. Targeted antifungals where indicated. Tinctures, steam inhalations and nasal sprays as appropriate.
Nutritional medicine — calming the immune system
Vitamin A and D for mucosal integrity, zinc and quercetin for inflammation, NAC as a powerful mucolytic, omega-3s, and food-sensitivity work where relevant.
FSM — reducing inflammation
Frequency Specific Microcurrent protocols for sinus inflammation and the vagus nerve — particularly useful for chronic, treatment-resistant cases.
The evidence
- Network meta-analysis of 47 RCTs across 18 herbal medicines showed lower recurrence than conventional treatment alone in chronic rhinosinusitis.
- Herbal medicine in sinusitis review, 2025: comprehensive overview of clinical evidence.
- Eucalyptus 1,8-cineole — documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic action.
- Frankincense + myrrh essential oils — synergistic antimicrobial activity.
Testing I use
- Mycotoxin urine testing — for suspected mould involvement
- PCR nasal microbiome — bacteria and fungi missed by standard culture
- Comprehensive stool analysis (GI-MAP) — gut-immune connection
- Total IgE and food sensitivities — allergic and IgG-mediated drivers
- Vitamin D, zinc and immune panel
What to expect
A first consultation is 60–90 minutes, in person at my Fulham clinic or by online appointment. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks, with further consolidation as immune resilience builds.
FAQ
Will I need to come off antibiotics or steroid sprays?
Not immediately. We work alongside conventional treatment and reduce it as the underlying drivers settle.
What if my ENT says I need surgery?
Surgery may still be appropriate for anatomical issues (polyps, deviated septum). Even then, addressing the underlying biofilm, fungal or immune drivers reduces recurrence after surgery.
Could mould be the real problem?
Often yes — particularly with brain fog and fatigue alongside sinus symptoms. See the Mould Illness & CIRS page. Worth investigating.