Are you suffering from a sinus infection? Are you prone to frequent sinus-related troubles? Try any of these 8 essential oils for sinusitis to get relief fast and naturally.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is also known as sinus infection or rhinosinusitis. It refers the inflammation of the sinuses, located on the facial region. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as thick nasal mucus, facial pain, headaches/migraines, blocked nose, fever, poor sense of smell, sore throat, and cough.
If infection in your sinuses lasts for 4 weeks, it is known as acute sinusitis. If it lasts more than 12 weeks, it’s known as chronic sinusitis. Some of the causes of sinusitis include:
- Infection (bacterial, fungal and viral)
- Allergies
- Air pollution
- Structural problems in the nose
Sinusitis is a common infection that usually clears up on its own. Pain killers can assist in alleviating facial pain and headaches. However, if it takes more than 7-10 days, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor. But did you know that most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection? Unnecessary and ineffective treatment of viral sinusitis with antibiotics is common.
8 Relieving Essential Oils for Sinusitis + How to Use Each
Essential oils are one of the best natural remedies for colds, headaches, pain and other symptoms associated with sinusitis. Have a look at the best 8 relieving essential oils for sinusitis and what makes them effective in treating symptoms naturally.
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of the best essential oils for sinusitis. It is a common ingredient used in chest rubs to relieve symptoms of colds. Peppermint has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
How to use: You can diffuse 6 drops of peppermint essential oil in 200ml of water in a cold-air diffuser. This can help kill off germs, ease breathing and relieve headaches.
2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Just like peppermint, eucalyptus is used in chest rubs such as Vicks. It is a refreshing and healing essential oil. It’s cooling properties help numb sinus headaches/migraines. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
How to use: Get a clean cloth/handkerchief and place 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil on to the cloth. Hold this cloth over your nose and breathe deeply. This will help relieve sinus-related headaches and reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is a major purifying essential oil. It’s known to kill off bacteria and germs. Tea tree oil has a clean, disinfectanct-like smell that is a testimony to its powerful anti-bacterial and cleansing effects. It is a go-to remedy for all sorts of infections including sinus infections.
How to use: Use tea tree oil for facial steaming. This works wonders to loosen up and unclog fluid/mucus stuck in the sinuses. You can also diffuse the oil or apply it diluted on your forehead, chest, throat or back.
4. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil has been used since ancient times for easing breathing/respiratory problems. It helps relax the lungs and fights infection.
How to use: To use, simply diffuse 3-6 drops in a cold-air diffuser with the recommended amount of water for 15 minutes.
5. Menthol Essential Oil
Menthol essential oil has a strong crisp mint scent that helps clear blocked nasal passages. It is also good for pain relief in the case of sinus headaches/migraines.
How to use: Mix 2 drops of menthol essential oil in 1 tsp of coconut oil and apply it on your throat, chest and forehead for relief.
6. Lemon Essential Oil
This popular clean-smelling essential oil is also good for fighting off infections. You can use lemon essential oil for facial steaming to relieve congestion and sinus pain.
How to use: To perform facial steaming with lemon essential oil, simply add 2 drops of lemon essential oil in a pot containing 4 cups of boiling water. Place it on a table with your head positioned over the steam. Cover your head and the pot with a towel to trap the steam. Steam for 5-7 minutes for relief. It will help facilitate easier breathing and destroy germs.
7. Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is known for its strong anti-fungal properties. It has a strong spicy and herbal scent that is very soothing when you have headaches.
How to use clove essential oil for sinusitis: You can use it to steam or apply it (mixed in a cream/oil) on your forehead, throat or chest.
8. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is a healing oil with a herbaceous scent. It helps relieve congestion, is useful in treating colds and cough and is effective against resistant bacteria that cause chronic congestion and respiratory problems.
How to use: Make a sinus-relieving balm by melting 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a double broiler, and adding a combination of rosemary, peppermint, and clove essential oils; 3 drops each. Allow the balm to set in the fridge for 2 hours. Apply over your forehead and temples for sinus relief.
Use any of the above 8 essential oils for sinusitis, either as singles or by combining 2 or more together. Essential oils are a great natural remedy for quick relief from sinusitis!
