Pulsatilla, derived from the plant Pulsatilla pratensis or Pulsatilla vulgaris, has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal and homeopathic medicine, particularly in Europe. Historically, it was employed to address a variety of respiratory complaints, including those related to the sinuses, such as catarrh, congestion, and sinus headaches. The herb was thought to have mild anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, which could, in theory, help clear nasal passages and relieve sinus discomfort.

In homeopathy, Pulsatilla is a commonly prescribed remedy for sinus-related symptoms like thick, bland, yellow-green mucus, and congestion that improves with fresh air. However, these uses are based on homeopathic principles, which significantly dilute the original plant material, and the efficacy of such dilutions remains controversial within the scientific community.

Scientific studies directly evaluating Pulsatilla’s effectiveness for sinus health are scarce. A few laboratory studies have suggested that extracts might have mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials, especially for sinus conditions. As such, the use of Pulsatilla for supporting sinus health is justified largely by tradition and historical use, rather than strong scientific evidence.