Discover 10 top most essential oils for sinus infection and how to use them to relieve sinus headaches, runny/stuffy nose, fatigue, fever and other symptoms of a sinus infection.
What is a Sinus Infection?
Scientifically known as sinusitis, a sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses, which are a series of hollow cavities located within the skull and surrounded by mucus membranes.
A sinus infection occurs when a foreign object such as allergens or pathogens find their way into the sinuses and aggravate their mucus linings. This causes the mucosal layers to swell with inflammation, as the body tries to fight the unwanted trespasser, which hinders drainage and increases mucus production.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Congestion
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus headache
- Fever
- Pressure behind the eyes and cheeks
- Postnasal drip with thick yellow/green mucus
- Fatigue
How Do Essential Oils Help Sinus Infections?
Extracted from the leaves, roots, flowers, bark and resin of aromatic plants, essential oils are concentrated liquids rich in volatile aroma compounds that have therapeutic properties. Some of the properties of essential oils that help relieve sinus infections include their antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, diuretic and analgesic properties. Essential oils help naturally treat sinus infections by:
- Easing sinus headaches
- Clearing congested nose and airways
Helping drain out excess fluids - Fights viruses, bacteria, germs and other microbes
- Uplifting dull and sullen moods due to sickness
- Boosting the immune system
- Reducing fever
- Soothing sore and fatigued muscles
- Thinning thick heavy mucus
- Promoting deep and clear breathing
Research on Essential Oils for Sinus Infections
A study conducted in 2008 in the HaEmek Medical Center, Israel compared the efficacy of essential oils of Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon eucalyptus), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Origanum syriacum (oregano), and Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) used in a spray as the treatment of patients with acute Rhino-sinusitis, that is, sinus that majorly affects the nasal area, which is one of the most common sinus infections. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a relief in the nasal obstruction within just 20 minutes after first administration of treatment with the spray. These oils helped because they have direct activity on the respiratory tract, the coughing reflex and the airflow in the nasal tract. (1)
Top 10 Essential Oils for Sinus Infection
1. Peppermint essential oil (where to get it)
2. Eucalyptus essential oil (where to get it)
3. Tea tree essential oil (where to get it)
4. Lavender essential oil (where to get it)
5. Lemon essential oil (where to get it)
6. Basil essential oil (where to get it)
7. Rosemary essential oil (where to get it)
8. Clove essential oil (where to get it)
9. Oregano essential oil (where to get it)
10. Cinnamon essential oil (where to get it)
How to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Infections
1. Steam session
Steaming is the best you can do for INSTANT relief from sinus infections, nasal congestions, headaches and fluid retention in the sinuses. Find out how to do steaming for sinus infections below:
What you need
- A pot of 3 cups of water
- Heat source
- 1 drop tea tree oil
- 2 drop eucalyptus oil
- A towel
Method
- Boil the water in the pot for about 3 minutes until it gets very steamy.
- Carefully put the pot on a table with a place mat below it.
- Now sit down in front of the pot and position your face so that the steam hits all parts of your face.
- Use the towel to create a tent over your head and the pot.
- Let the essential oil-infused steam penetrate deep into your sinuses and nasal pathways and help fight off the infection and clear congestion. Be in the tent until the water grows cold for maximum results.
- Once you’re done, you’ll feel like your cured already – but repeat the steam sessions 3 or 4 times a day to completely clear the infection.
2. Mood Boosting Diffuser Blend
Being sick with a sinus infection can make you feel groggy and depressed. Diffuse this blend to boost your mood!
What you need
- 3 drops lemon oil
- 3 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
- High quality diffuser (where to get it)
Method
- Use the above oils in a high quality diffuser, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Enjoy the uplifting scent that will brighten your dull mood!
3. Headache Relieving Salve
Sinus headaches can be one of the worst pains ever. When you feel a headache coming on, quickly apply this salve on your forehead and it might help relieve your headache faster than pain killers, no kidding!
What you need
- 2 tbsp beeswax pastilles (where to get it)
- 2 tbsp shea butter (where to get it)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (where to get it)
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus oil
- 5 drops rosemary oil
- Double boiler (where to get it)
- 4 oz glass jar (where to get it)
Method
- Melt the beeswax pastilles, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler over a medium low heat.
- Once melted, turn off the heat and let the liquefied oils cool down a bit for 2 minutes.
- Then stir in the essential oils and let the salve to set in the freezer for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Scoop out a little and massage in circular directions on your temples and on your forehead.
4. Soothing Sore Muscles Bath Recipe
Fatigue, soreness and general tiredness is a major symptom of sinus infections that can tax your body to the limits. Soak in this soothing bath to relieve your painful body.
What you need
- 2 handfuls of Epsom salts (where to get it)
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops peppermint oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops chamomile oil
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (where to get it)
Method
- Throw 2 handfuls of Epsom salts while running a hot bath and allow them to disperse.
- When the bath is drawn, mix up the essential oils in the coconut oil and add this to the hot water.
- Stir the bath with your hand then immerse yourself in the soothing bath.
- Soak for as long as you want.
5. Blend for Reducing Fever
Feeling feverish is one of the symptoms of a sinus infection. In most cases, it’s a low grade fever that usually subsides on its own but you can use essential oils to help it along its way. Try this cooling blend for fever reduction:
What you need
- 3 drops peppermint
- 3 drops eucalyptus
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (where to get it)
Method
- Mix the essential oils in the aloe vera gel and a rub a little on your forehead, chest, back and soles of feet.
- Keep applying every 2 hours to help reduce the fever.
6. Warming Blend for Controlling Chills
If you’re cold and suffering from chills, then this blend is something that will create a cozy and calming feeling on your body.
What you need
- 5 drops cinnamon oil
- 5 drops frankincense oil
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (where to get it)
- 2 oz amber glass dropper bottle (where to get it)
Method
- Combine the oils in the glass dropper bottle.
- Massage about 5 – 7 drops on your chest, back, neck and soles of your feet, covering them with a pair of socks.
- Cozy up in a thick wool blanket to gather warmth.
7. Oil of Oregano Capsules for Ingestion
I swear by oregano for respiratory ailments and allergies including colds, runny noses and irritated airways! I grow my own oregano so I chew on a fresh leaf often and make it a point to do so every time I feel the allergies coming on. Since they’re a bit bitter, a better option would be to purchase oregano capsules or a bottle of wild oregano oil or oil of oregano and make healing capsules with it:
What you need
- 2 drops food grade oil of oregano (where to get it)
- Olive oil (where to get it)
- 00 vegetable capsules (where to get it)
- Essential oil dropper (where to get it)
Method
- In a 00 vegetable capsule, add 2 drops of oregano oil.
- Fill the rest of the capsule with olive oil. You may need a dropper for this.
- Take a capsule after food to strengthen your immune system, fight viruses and help relieve various symptoms of sinus infection.
- In a day, aim to take 1 – 2 capsules for a period of 3 – 5 days maximum and NOT more than this because essential oils are highly concentrated – ingesting a lot doesn’t mean you’re getting more benefits, on the contrary, you’re just causing liver toxicity and damage in the long run as processing essential oils can take a toll on the liver.
References
(1) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00610779
Have you ever tried using essential oils for sinus infection treatment? What is your best oil and the most effective remedy you used? Please share below!
