6 Essential Oils to Combat Sinusitis
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can come as a consequence of a viral or bacterial attack. In fact, many cases develop from the same virus that causes the common cold. Do you know how to combat sinusitis naturally? Discover the benefits of essential oils.
Sinusitis happens when the paranasal sinuses become irritated or inflamed. Due to this, you can get uncomfortable symptoms like nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and headaches, among others. While the symptoms can be light, sometimes they turn into a chronic problem.
Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that you can use, like essential oils, that help speed your recovery. Using them in aromatherapy or topically can help to calm many of your symptoms. In this article, we’ll share some options with you.
6 essential oils to combat sinusitis
Essential oils are a natural alternative to fight sinusitis. Although in chronic cases you should consult a doctor, by using these ingredients you can alleviate acute or light cases. Why are they so effective?
The volatile compounds of essential oils are used in aromatherapy sessions for their relaxing effect. In this particular case, inhaling these substances can minimize your congestion and calm your symptoms like headaches. Let’s take a look at a few options.
1. Tea tree oil
The antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it a great tool to combat sinusitis. This is due to the fact that inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and bacterial growth are the causes of the problem.
How to use it:
- To start, add about 20 drops of tea tree oil to a pot of boiling water
- Then, lean over the pot and inhale the steam
- Do this for about 5 minutes, until you feel some relief
You might like to read: Sinusitis Symptoms: From Origin to Diagnosis
2. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is used to treat many respiratory problems. In this case, thanks to its cineol content, it can help treat sinusitis. It’s even recommended by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) to purify air and remove bacteria and other germs.
How to use it:
- Just like the previous oil, add about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam
- If you want, you can use the vapors to purify the room and other areas
- Also, another option is to combine it with olive oil or coconut oil to massage into your chest
3. Oregano oil
Due to the antimicrobial and antifungal agents in this oil, oregano oil can combat sinusitis and other respiratory infections. However, the evidence that supports its effectiveness in these cases is just anecdotal.
How to use it:
- Boil with water to inhale the steam, or apply it topically to your chest after combining with coconut oil
- Repeat use until you feel your symptoms alleviate
Discover: 7 Tricks to Get Rid of Sinusitis
4. Combat sinusitis with lavender oil
One of the best essential oils for aromatherapy sessions is lavender oil. Due to its pleasant smell, it’s very relaxing and therapeutic. Because of this, it can be used as an ally to treat congestion, headaches, and other symptoms related to sinusitis.
How to use it:
- You can inhale lavender oil through the vapor inhalation technique mentioned previously
- You can also use it in a diffuser, or dilute it with other oils to apply topically
5. Geranium oil
Geranium oil contains substances that help to fight respiratory infections. Because of this, in addition to being used for bronchitis and coughs, it’s also useful for fighting sinusitis. According to one study, a few drops of geranium oil can alleviate common cold symptoms.
How to use it:
- Use geranium oil in a diffuser or diluted in your bath.
6. Thyme oil to combat sinusitis
Applying thyme oil topically can help combat sinusitis and other respiratory tract infections. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, it prevents the growth of bacteria and calms inflammation of your paranasal sinuses.
How to use it:
- First, combine it with a carrier oil, coconut oil or olive oil
- Then, massage it into your skin in areas like your chest
- You can also inhale it as a vapor
Do you have sinusitis? Give these natural remedies a try. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor if the symptoms worsen or last for several weeks.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- Kintzios, S. E. (2012). Oregano. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition.
- Ueno-Iio, T., Shibakura, M., Yokota, K., Aoe, M., Hyoda, T., Shinohata, R., … Kataoka, M. (2014). Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma. Life Sciences.
- Lizogub, V. G., Riley, D. S., & Heger, M. (2007). Efficacy of a Pelargonium Sidoides Preparation in Patients With the Common Cold: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing.
- Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Luise Wagner, Holger Cramer, Petra Klose, Romy Lauche, Florian Gass, Gustav Dobos, Jost Langhorst Forsch Komplementmed. 2015; 22(6): 359–368. Published online 2015 Dec 14.
