Updated on 22 February 2022 • 6 minute read Show
Why People Are Turning To Essential Oils for Sinus Infections & CongestionSinus issues can be caused by the common cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and congested. This inflammation causes increased mucus production that isn’t able to drain due to the constricted sinus passages which result in sinus pressure and discomfort. Bacteria in the mucus can create further inflammation and cause infection. (source: Google)Common symptoms of sinus infection are:
Luckily, there are multiple natural remedies available that can provide sinus relief without the added side effects of prescription or over-the-counter medication and antibiotics. These medications often cause drowsiness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and headaches. Because of their medicinal properties and immune-boosting effects, the use of essential oils may be a relatively low-risk, natural, and effective way to treat sinus infections and congestion. Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated aromatic compounds that are extracted from tree or plant material such as bark, leaves, flowers, roots, resin, fruit, or nut. They’re a form of herbal medicine and their therapeutic application is referred to as aromatherapy. The benefits of essential oils are often increased health and wellness. Top MC Blends Picks
Top MC Essential Oils for Sinus Infection & Congestion
How EOs Work To Provide Sinus & Congestion ReliefIt’s important to choose the right EOs for sinus and congestion relief because not just any EO will do. In order to maximize their health benefits and healing potential, you’ll want to look for oils that have the following medicinal and therapeutic properties:
The 4 Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infections & CongestionPeppermint oil (Mentha piperita)
Menthol, the active compound in peppermint essential oil, is a sinus soother thanks to its cooling effect that can even act as a mild anesthetic. Therapeutic uses include sinus congestion, sinusitis, headache relief, migraine, mental and physical exhaustion, and tension relief. MC Top Pick Safety & Caution:
Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata)
When inhaled, the major active component in eucalyptus essential oil, 1.8-cineole, can provide relief for inflammatory respiratory problems such as rhinosinusitis and bronchitis. (1) It can also reduce infection-induced mucus secretion. (2) MC Top Pick
Safety & Caution:
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
The vapors in tea tree oil are effective at opening up the sinus passages and breathing airways while relieving nasal congestion. Therapeutic uses include sinusitis, respiratory tract infections, rhinitis, laryngitis, & bronchitis. MC Top Pick Safety & Caution:
Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine mentions the compounds 1.8-cineole and linalool – the active ingredients in rosemary essential oil – as having powerful antimicrobial properties that appeared to be effective against many harmful and drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. (3) The vapors in Rosemary oil can open the sinus pathways to help you breathe better and relieve sinus congestion. MC Top Pick Safety & Caution:
Other oils that might be useful:
The Pros & Cons of EOs for Sinus & CongestionThe Pros:
The Cons:
How To Choose the Right High-Quality EOs for Sinus & CongestionIf you’re using EOs for medicinal purposes it’s important to choose high-quality oils that are undiluted and 100% pure. This will ensure you’re getting maximum effectiveness and healing power. Using only high-grade EOs for your little ones is crucial as they’re more sensitive and susceptible to harsh chemicals. Here are seven factors to consider when purchasing EOs for sinus and congestion relief:
Note: Just because an EO is known to have a certain effect, it doesn’t mean each person will experience that same effect. We’re all made up differently and have our own unique biochemistry that interacts with the oils. This is why it’s very important to listen to your own body. Sinus Rx: 4 DIY Essential Oil Recipes To Ease Congestion & Soothe A Sinus InfectionNow that you’re familiar with EOs as effective home remedies, it’s time for application. You can use the following essential oil blend three ways: 1 – Steam InhalationSteam inhalation therapy is the most direct way to get the oil vapors deep into your sinuses, nasal passages, and respiratory system. Sinus Rx Blend:
Instructions:
2 – DiffuserUsing an essential oil diffuser helps to vaporize and disperse millions of aromatic microparticles into the room you’re diffusing in. Sinus Rx Blend:
Instructions: Add to 200 ml of water in your diffuser 3 – Vapor RubThis homemade chest rub is the best way to apply this blend topically. This recipe is a non-toxic alternative to the good old fashioned Vicks rub. Unfortunately, Vicks contains less than favorable ingredients including synthetic chemicals and even petroleum. (Ugh.) Mixture:
Instructions:
4 – Kid-Safe InhalerThis inhaler recipe is gentle enough for babies 6+ months and older. Inhalers are a great way to help soothe your child’s congestion as they are mess-free and portable. Mixture: 6-24 months:
2-6 years:
Instructions:
References: (1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20359267 (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4514714/ (3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17900043 (4) Essential Oils Revolution Online Summit, Interview with Robert Pappas, “Essential Oil Preparation” |