Watermelon, Rice, and Sinus Infections 

     All natural substances are considered herbs in Chinese Medicine, with properties to heal. Various foods can be powerful remedies for many ailments. As I mentioned in a previous post, watermelon is the coolest food there is, cool being a medicinal quality.  

     Infections bring heat to the body, whether it is a sore throat, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), yellow or colored mucus from and cold or flu, or a sinus infection. Chuan Xin Lian is an antibacterial Chinese herbal formula for infections, available at Health Food Stores. Adding medicinal foods to other treatments speeds recovery, and can sooth symptoms. Watermelon is good for most infections, especially those with burning pain.
     White rice is drying, so suitable to help resolve mucous and phlegm (with the exception of a dry cough). White rice "Bind the Bowels", a Chinese saying meaning that it also helps with diarrhea, another case where drying is needed. For constipation it is advisable to avoid rice.   
    For a sinus infection rice, rice crackers, rice tortillas (toasted is nice), rice pasta, and watermelon are foods that help dry and cool the sinuses.

                                                                   Health & Happiness, 

                                                                               Nancy Burton, L.Ac.