The $20 Extract That Finally Cured One Woman’s Chronic Sinus Infections

After years of severe sinus infections that caused constant congestion, throbbing headaches, and the loss of her sense of smell, Kim St. Clair was convinced she’d have to live the rest of her life in pain and discomfort… until she discovered an affordable daily remedy that changed everything!

“Not again!” Kim St. Clair groaned, waking up to the dim light of morning after a restless night of struggling to breathe. Another sinus infection? she despaired, waiting for the crashing waves of pain and dizziness to wane. How am I going to make it through the workday?

For the then-53-year-old massage therapist, these sensations-and questions-were all too familiar, as Kim had endured unrelenting sinus infections, constant congestion and throbbing head pressure for years. In 2018, the Indiana resident had even lost her sense of smell, the delicious aromas of her favorite foods and candles seemingly lost to her forever.

But the inability to smell posed an even greater concern: What if there was a fire and I couldn’t smell the smoke? she worried as she got dressed. Will any of this ever end?

If Kim’s doctor’s visits were any indication, the answer was no. She’d been prescribed a myriad of traditional remedies, including allergy shots, nasal sprays and antibiotics, to no avail-in fact, some of her treatments even caused nosebleeds. After years of battling dizziness and head pain daily, Kim was at her wits’ end.

“All these prescriptions are just making me feel worse,” Kim told her husband, chucking her medication. “I’ll have to try something new to feel better!”

Relief at last

But, honestly, Kim had no idea what else she could do. And in December 2020, she shared her exasperation with her own massage therapist. As her therapist listened thoughtfully, suddenly a light flickered on in her eyes and she pulled out a small bottle. As it turned out, she’d been using grapefruit seed extract (GSE) to treat her recurrent ear infections with great success. “Maybe it could work for your sinus infections!” she offered.

Could something so simple actually heal me? Kim wondered, taking the bottle and noting the brand. “It’s worth a shot!” she cheered. Later that day, Kim did a little research and learned that grapefruit seed extract has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal compounds- and that fungus is often the cause of chronic sinus infections. Feeling hopeful, Kim ordered NutriBiotic GSE Liquid Grapefruit Seed Extract ($19.50 for 4 oz., Amazon) and began mixing 10 drops in six oz. of water or juice every morning.

“It’s amazing that such a simple solution completely healed me. I’m grateful to have my life back.”

Kim St. Clair

Just three days after starting her new regimen, Kim found out just how effective the extract was when she and her husband went out for a drive and she sniffed the scented air freshener she kept in the car.

“Oh my…I can smell it!” she exclaimed, thrilled. “I can’t believe it-my sense of smell is back!” In awe, Kim continued using GSE daily, and with each passing day, her sinus congestion and throbbing head pressure began to ease too.

Inspired, Kim also purchased NutriBiotic GSE Nasal Spray ($7, Amazon), which also helped her sleep at night and breathe easier.

Today, the 56-year-old is thrilled to report that her symptoms have disappeared and she is breathing freely and enjoying boundless energy once more. “I feel amazing!” Kim beams. “I’m finally free of chronic sinus infections, and it’s all thanks to grapefruit seed extract! GSE gave me my life back — I am truly grateful!”

Editor’s note: GSE can affect some medications, so always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

More surprising benefits of grapefruit seed extract

• Stops breast odor. Yeast can grow in skin folds under the breasts, producing a stubborn vinegary odor. To nix it in 48 hours, mix 3 drops of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) into 1 Tbs. of coconut oil, then massage into skin twice daily. Microbiologist Sam Cao, Ph.D., says GSE kills yeast cells on contact, plus speeds the healing of irritated skin.
• Ends infections. Integrative physician Fred Pescatore, M.D., says overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans triggers many chronic conditions, from allergies to irritable bowel and fully 80 percent of recurring sinus infections. To eliminate candida throughout the body, he advises taking one 200-mg. capsule of GSE three times daily.
• Nixes nail fungus. Rubbing a drop of GSE into infected nails twice daily can eliminate this pesky fungus better than prescription topicals, says Andrew Weil, M.D., who adds that it may take two months for the fungus to clear.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.