A blocked sinus along with a runny nose can be quite a huge hassle and very uncomfortable as it interferes with your daily routine and causes pain, discomfort and mood swings. It has all the symptoms just like the common cold but the intensity is more.
But, with the use of essential oils for sinus, you can be good to go! First, let us look at what exactly is a sinus infection.
The sinus is the hollow part of the body in the facial area which usually comprises air, but when fluid fills these empty spaces are filled, they can get infected by microbes and result in inflammation and cause a lot of pain. This condition is known as Sinusitis or inflammation of the sinus.
The major symptoms of sinus infection are:
The primary causes behind a sinus infection are:
The best way for essential oils to relieve your sinus infection is through inhalation. A few techniques are as follows:
Peppermint oil is a perfect oil for all kinds of ailments especially sinusitis because it has antispasmodic expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These qualities of the oil are an excellent remedy for sinusitis.
Also, it contains menthol which is a decongestant further helping the cause.
[Read: Benefits of Peppermint Oil]
You will have to add four drops of this oil in a diffuser and inhale the scent. It shall begin its work as a decongestant.
You can do this ritual once daily.
Oregano(1) is quite a famous spice these days. Mainly we see it on pizza toppings. But, wait, its oil has some better uses. It has a distinct aroma due to the menthol content present in it which is why it can treat sinus infections effectively. Also, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities.
You need to mix just one drop of oregano oil with a suitable carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil and massage it delicately on the chest and nasal area.
Tea Tree Oil(2) is one of the best essential oils in treating sinus congestions due to its excellent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It has shown its widespread effects in decongesting blocked nasal passages.
This procedure can be done once daily and after the acute symptoms are relieved, thrice a week is fine.
[Read: Tea Tree Oil Benefits]
This herb is dated back to the Mediterranean and Greek civilization. Its extraction process from the thyme leaves and flowers is through steam distillation and is a lengthy one. Also, only a small amount comes from a lot of raw material. Hence it has always been expensive.
It has various qualities of being antispasmodic, antibacterial and an expectorant. It is popular as a decongestant and a powerful herb in the treatment of immune disorders and respiratory infections as it is also a powerful antioxidant.
It can be mixed with any carrier oil in a ratio of 1:1 and applied topically.
This medicated oil is extracted from the eucalyptus leaf and contains the active compound eucalyptol which has a minty flavor. It is commercially popular as throat drops and cough syrups.
Its antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties work excellently is sinus and clearing blocked nasal passages. It helps beautifully to fight infections naturally and relaxes the chest muscles which are overworked because of the acute sinus.
Another attraction of this oil, which mothers will be quite relieved to hear, is that it is safe for toddler use, of course in moderation.
Eucalyptus oil is a simple technique and can be repeated twice a day
First, you need to add a few drops of his oil to a container of hot water.
Next, cover your head with a large towel and inhale the hot steam.
[Read: Home Remedies for Sinus Infection]
Lavender Essential oil is mainly heard of in skin lotions and baths due to its pleasant fragrance.
But, surprisingly it works beautifully in clearing sinus too as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Its widely used as a decongestant too. It helps in clearing the blocked nasal passages and breaks apart mucus and eases congestion. One can not overlook its mild power.
You need to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath along with Epsom salt.
Soak in the mix for about 5 to 20 minutes.
It can be done thrice a week, and it will leave you relieved and refreshed.
[Read: Acupressure for Sinus]
Now, this name is common when you think of a refreshing chamomile tea.
But, again nature heals through many ways and this wonderful oil can also aid in treating sinus due to its powerful antiseptic, sedative and anti-allergic properties. It also aids in inducing sleep.
You can mix three to four drops of chamomile essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil.
Rub this mixture on your chest and nasal area.
Alternatively, the scent can be inhaled through a diffuser too.
One can do this multiple times a day.
[Read: Benefits of Chamomile Oil]
Cloves are distinctly known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties. The clove oil works magically in the treatment of inflamed sinuses.
You can add three drops of clove oil to a diffuser. Just inhale the scent.
It can be done daily.
Here are some precautions that you must observe while using essential oils. They do not have any side-effects as such but make sure you do not apply them on the skin without diluting.
On a concluding note, let’s say that essential oils are a powerhouse of organic compounds which are extracted from plants. Once you make use of them daily, they can be rejuvenating, healing and restorative. Maybe it is the remedy that may work upon your severe allergies and give you relief from the many drugs and lotions that you have tried. After all, they are natural!