Infections occur when an unknown agency intrudes into the cell or tissue system of a host organism. They can be caused by microscopic pathogens which cause harm to the human body. Signs of infection emerge due to the struggle of the defense systems in the cells to keep such influences away.
Virus, bacteria, protozoa or fungi may trigger infections when introduced into the organ cells. If the organ cells of the sinus are affected, for example, this will lead to a sinus infection. Essential oils for sinus infection can make sure that the treatment is on point and the effective.
Types, Symptoms, And Cause Of Infection
The main symptom of the sinus is a severe headache and congestion in the nose. Though the symptoms are similar there are various types of sinus. Let us see a few of them.
Types
Depending on the type of organism causing an infection in an organ, infections are broadly divisible into four categories:
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Viral infections
- Protozoan infections
An aggravation of the sinus due to such allergens and pathogens cause a severe sinus infection. The types of sinus infection are:
- Fungal sinus infection
- Chronic sinus infection
- Bacterial sinus infection
- Viral sinus infection
Symptoms
The main symptoms of sinus infection are as follows:
- Severe headaches
- Facial pain
- Congestion
- A runny nose
- Pain at the back of eyes, nose, and forehead
- Fatigue or malaise, with fever
- Swollen face with tenderness
Causes
The causes of sinus infection and bronchitis may be said to be as follows:
- A common cold
- Nasal polyps or a growth in the inner nasal lining
- Allergic rhinitis or a swollen inner nasal lining
- A change in the nasal cavity causing a deviated septum
[Read: Natural Treatments for Sinus Infection]
What Essential Oils Are Good For Infections?
The sinus infection causes pain in head and congestion in the nose due to which a person is unable or has some difficulties in regular breathing. In extreme case, the headache increases or as if someone is hammering in the head, it becomes worse. Due to this, a person starts feeling pressure in head, infection, cold or flu, nauseous and dizzy. Essential oils have traditional natural ingredients which can be consumed along with prescribed dose.
There are severe side effects of essential oils consumption. Every essential oil has different properties helping cure the disease. Like reducing headache, removing congestion or building the immune system to stop the dizzy and nauseous feeling. There are different kinds of essential oils for the sinus infection(1). Mostly of natural origins, these oils come from different parts of plants.
As a derivative of the plant, the oils carry all the positive points and value of the plants themselves. Essential oils for sinus infection are tea tree oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, Oregano oil, Eucalyptus oil and clove oil etc. These aromatic but volatile compounds are hydrophobic and help rid you of infections without using sinus infection medication.
How To Use Essential Oils For Sinus Infection?
Essential oils are highly effective and can thwart dangerous situations. Here is how you can use the top ten essential oils for sinus infection:
1. Tea Tree Oil For A Sinus Infection
Tea Tree oil comes from tea plants, from terrace plantations in different parts of the world.
Why One Should Use Tea Tree Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Often referred to as Melaleuca, tea tree oil has specific characteristics which make it suitable to avoid infection. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic, that helps the body act against the pathogen in case of an infection.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Inhaling steam from a Tea Tree Oil solution is the most effective way of making things work. Many healthcare experts recommend adding a few drops of tea tree oil to boiling water in a heat-resistant container. With a towel over your head, breathe in the emerging steam to soothe your sinus infection.
[Read: Effective Essential Oils for Flu]
2. Oregano Oil For A Sinus Infection
Oregano oil is obtained from the Mediterranean plant and can help prevent sinus infections in human beings.
Why One Should Use Oregano Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Microscopic pathogens like fungi and bacteria cause infections. Sinus infections are no exceptions. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of oregano are well-known, which are also present in the essential oils, which help fight infections in the sinus.
How To Use Oregano Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Dilute the original oregano oil with a carrier oil before beginning your routine consumption. You can take one to five drops of this essential oil with your meals, once or twice daily, depending on your condition. Monitor your health to know if this is helping.
3. Eucalyptus Oil For A Sinus Infection
The many benefits of this sweet aromatic oil include how it can help fight sinus infection.
Why One Should Use Eucalyptus Oil For A Sinus Infection?
A significant amount of menthol present in the essential oil derived from eucalyptus helps clear congestion in the nose and sinus. The stuffiness in the nose may go away as the oil acts on receptors in the mucous membranes inside the nose.
How To Use Eucalyptus Oil For A Sinus Infection?
The most effective way of using eucalyptus oil is through the inhalation of steam. Add a few drops to warm water and inhale the steam that emanates. The most effective way of using eucalyptus oil in a way that can help reduce sinus infection is to use it in a humidifier.
[Read: How to Get Rid of a Blocked Nose]
4. Peppermint Oil For A Sinus Infection
A hybrid plant of watermint and spearmint, peppermint has critical infection-fighting characteristics.
Why One Should Use Peppermint Oil For A Sinus Infection?
The essential oil derived from peppermint is similar to the oil obtained from eucalyptus, as both contain menthol. Peppermint oil has comparatively less amount of menthol, which nonetheless helps in clearing the blocked nasal passage during an infection.
How To Use Peppermint Oil For A Sinus Infection?
In case of intense headaches or coughing fits, peppermint steam may be helpful. Otherwise, 2 or 3 drops of the oil may be topically applied on the back and chest. The oil is suitable for usage in a humidifier for all-around benefits.
5. Lavender Oil For A Sinus Infection
Lavender Oil derived from the lavender plant has a host of health benefits, including fighting sinus infections.
Why One Should Use Lavender Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Lavender oil(2) can help deal with essential sinus related problems by assisting with uncomfortable nasal congestion. Besides, it can help reduce inflammation and also helps fight and eject the pathogen causing the infection in the first place.
How To Use Lavender Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Once diluted with a carrier oil, lavender oil can be applied to the face, neck, chest and back to provide necessary relief. The oil is usable in a humidifier, or the aroma can be inhaled directly from the bottle which can clear nasal passages and reduce infection of the sinus.
[Read: Benefits for Lavender Oil]
6. Chamomile Oil For A Sinus Infection
Like chamomile tea, this essential oil soothes and clears the nose during a sinus infection.
Why One Should Use Chamomile Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Chamomile oil is known for its antiseptic properties. As a result, it can help calm down the flared-up sinuses by acting on the organs and reducing the infection. It also has sedative and antiallergenic properties that relieve one from the pain and promote sleep in the person suffering.
How To Use Chamomile Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Chamomile oil is usable with a carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil. This mixture can then be applied to the chest, neck, and forehead to provide relief. Further, the combination is suitable for use in a diffuser, and the steam can be taken for best results.
[Read: Benefits for Chamomile Oil]
7. Clove Oil For A Sinus Infection
Most well known as a spice used in Indian cooking, clove and essential oil derived from clove helps defend the body against infection.
Why One Should Use Clove Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Inflamed sinuses acting up due to infection causes a lot of pain to the person suffering. Antiseptic properties of clove oil can help combat this infection, and the anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the symptoms of sinus infection.
How To Use Clove Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Clove oil can be very quickly used to bring down an infection of the sinus. Only two or three drops of oil are essential for this purpose. The drops can be added to a diffuser, and the diapered air can be breathed in to reduce the infections.
8. Sweet Basil Oil For A Sinus Infection
The leaves and stems of the sweet basil plant are the parts from which the essential oil comes, which can help fight infection.
Why One Should Use Sweet Basil Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Sweet basil oil acts as an analgesic to the body which can allow your body time to heal after the effects of the infection have been brought down.
How To Use Sweet Basil Oil For A Sinus Infection?
The strong smell can be taken in from the bottle itself to provide relief from sinus infections. For a more sustained treatment, add it to a humidifier or a diffuser and breathe in to relieve pain from the sinus infection.
[Read: Home Remedies for Sinus]
9. Rosemary Oil For A Sinus Infection
Derived from rosemary bush, rosemary oil helps prevent infections in the human body.
Why One Should Use Rosemary Oil For A Sinus Infection?
The essential oil derived from rosemary bushes have a component called rosemarinic acid that also exhibits anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory characteristics which relieves the passages inside the nose and can help fight sinus infections.
How To Use Rosemary Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Rosemary oil needs dilution with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or olive oil; it can then be applied to the temples and the forehead to provide relief to one suffering from a sinus infection. Diluting it also make it fit to be applied to the chest and back.
10. Lemon Oil For A Sinus Infection
Why use Lemon essential oil for a sinus infection?
Lemon essential oil is versatile oil and can be blend with any essential oil. It has properties supporting respiratory and lymphatic systems. This is achieved by breaking down mucus and congestion in nose area.
How to Use Lemon Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Take 2-5 drops of lemon oil. And add 1:1, carrier oil in lemon oil. Mix them well. Rub or massage this mixture on the chest and throat. Repeat this several times a day.
Other Oils
1. Coconut Oil For A Sinus Infection
The essential oil derived from the tropical coconut trees have many benefits that can be of use to human beings.
Why One Should Use Coconut Oil For A Sinus Infection?
Coconut oil can be used to fight a specific type of sinus infection. If you have chronic sinusitis due to a fungal infection, coconut oil can be of extreme help. Scientific research has confirmed the anti-fungal nature of coconut oil(3) and can be used to fight sinus infection.
How To Use Coconut Oil For A Sinus Infection?
You can add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your morning smoothie if you are looking to incorporate the essential oil into your daily routine. Consuming raw coconut oil can also help build immunity. Additionally, you could replace your cooking oil with coconut oil to enjoy all the health benefits associated with coconut.
Risks And Precautions Of Using Essential Oils For Sinus Infection
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and often need to be diluted either with water or with other carrier oils, to be used and administered for proper health care. The risks and precautions are to be given due attention before using essential oils for the sinus infection.
Other Home Remedies For Sinus Infection
While essential oils can be helpful in preventing and curing the infection, the following home remedies also offer an answer to your question of how to get rid of sinus infection to help your body fight infection:
1. Saline nasal irrigation
This is a way that involves lightly rinsing your nasal passage with a mild saline solution. Mix a little bit of sea salt in distilled water, with a pinch of baking soda and use the solution for this purpose. Having a neti pot or a bulb syringe can also aid the process.
2. Warm and cold compresses
A combination of warm and cold compresses can soothe sinus pain and infection. You can drape a warm compress on your face, neck for three minutes, and alternate it with 30 seconds of a cold compress. For best results, conduct this process 2 or 3 times.
3. Chicken soup
A recent study has revealed that hot chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce sinus infection. While medical research may vary, chicken soup is a comfort food that may or may not have additional features that benefit you.
Infections are preventable, and more importantly, they are treatable). Improve your chances by using essential oils to reduce sinus infection, especially if it bothers you on a regular basis.
[Read: Essential Oils for Sinus Headache]
FAQs
1. Are essential oils all that is needed to fight infection?
The function of essential oil is mostly preventive. If an infection occurs, essential oils can be supplemented by others medicine to cure the condition faster.
2. How to treat sinus infection with remedies other than essential oils?
A healthy diet with exercise can help lead a healthy life. This can develop the immune system of the body to fight all significant threats effectively.
