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. Common symptoms of sinus infection are:
Headaches and facial pressure Runny nose Stuffy nose Sore throat Cough Low-grade fever Fatigue
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 Relief
It’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:
Analgesic – pain relief fromsinus headaches and pressure Antibacterial – to kill and prevent bacteria from growing into an infection Antiviral – to kill and prevent viruses from causing infections in the nasal passages Antifungal – to kill and prevent fungi from growing Antiseptic – to inhibit the growth of microbes and keep your sinuses clean Anti-inflammatory properties – to help relieve inflamed sinus passages Antioxidant – to help fight inflammation and free radicals Decongestant – to relieve sinus congestion and remove excess mucus Febrifuge – to address any low-grade fever that might be present Immune system support – to help your body fight infections Respiratory system support – to aid in decongestion and difficulty breathing
The 4 Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infections & Congestion
Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)
Analgesic Antibacterial Antiviral Antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Decongestant Febrifuge
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
Babies and children under 6 years old Pregnant and breastfeeding mamas If you have high blood pressure May cause skin irritation (perform a patch test) Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes
Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata)
Analgesic Antibacterial Antiviral (respiratory tract) Antifungal Antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Decongestant Febrifuge Immune system support Respiratory system support
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
Babies and children under 6 years old Pregnant and breastfeeding mamas If you have high blood pressure If you have epilepsy If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Analgesic Antibacterial Antiviral (respiratory tract) Antifungal Antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Decongestant Immune system support Respiratory system support
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
Babies under 6 months old Toxic if ingested (topical use only) May cause skin irritation (perform a patch test) Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes
Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Analgesic Antibacterial Antiviral Antifungal Antiseptic Decongestant Immune system support Respiratory system support
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
Babies and children under 6 years old Pregnant and breastfeeding mamas If you have high blood pressure If you have epilepsy Toxic if ingested (topical use only)
Other oils that might be useful:
Oregano oil Lavender essential oil Lemon essential oil Frankincense oil Clove oil Cedarwood oil
The Pros & Cons of EOs for Sinus & Congestion
The Pros:
The oils are potent – a little goes a long way. Just a few drops of essential oil can offer multiple active compounds that unleash a series of healing, protective and regenerating effects on your sinus pathways and body. You have direct access to mother nature’s pharmacy at a relatively affordable price, though oils should be 100% natural, undiluted, and certified organic. If used with care and mindfulness EOs are relatively low-risk and offer little to no side-effects when compared to most conventional prescription or over-the-counter medication. (But please be aware of the contraindications for each oil you’re using!) You can create your own blends to enhance and maximize their healing effects on your sinuses and any infections. When you use them safely, EOs can be an effective home remedy for many child-related conditions. You can use them as a first-step defense with your babies before turning to harsher medicines.
The Cons:
The oils are potent – misuse or unnecessarily high concentrations can cause irritation and might even make your symptoms worse. Unfortunately, there are many adulterated EO products out in the market that feature misleading claims and labels. It’s estimated that more than 75% of all EO on the market are either diluted or contaminated with synthetic material. (4) EOs aren’t cure-alls, especially if you’re experiencing severe or recurring sinus infection or congestion. (If you’re dealing with persistent or unusually painful sinusitis please consult with your physician or medical provider prior to using them.) Most of the research done on EOs is based mostly on animal studies or cultured cells. Though studies do seem promising, more research is needed to explore the mechanisms and potential of these oils. Be sure to research each essential oil before using it on yourself or your children – many essential oils are considered unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas, as well as unsafe for babies and young children.
How To Choose the Right High-Quality EOs for Sinus & Congestion
If 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:
Always choose certified organic and therapeutic grade Check quality assurance via testing Look into the company – are they reputable? Check the label. Don’t skimp or cheap out. Make sure the oil’s Latin name is on the label. Observe your body’s feedback and trust your intuition.
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 Infection
Now 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 Inhalation
Steam inhalation therapy is the most direct way to get the oil vapors deep into your sinuses, nasal passages, and respiratory system. Sinus Rx Blend:
2 drops Eucalyptus 2 drops Rosemary 2 drops Tea tree 1 drop Peppermint
Instructions:
Fill a large bowl or pot with boiling water.(Very hot water will also do.) Add essential oils. Place a towel or blanket over you to contain the steam. Take deep, slow inhales.
2 – Diffuser
Using an essential oil diffuser helps to vaporize and disperse millions of aromatic microparticles into the room you’re diffusing in. Sinus Rx Blend:
3 drops Eucalyptus 3 drops Rosemary 3 drops Tea tree 2 drops Peppermint
Instructions: Add to 200 ml of water in your diffuser
3 – Vapor Rub
This 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:
¼ cup cacao butter (carrier oil) ¼ cup jojoba or coconut oil (carrier oil) 15 drops Eucalyptus oil 15 drops Rosemary essential oil 10 drops Tea tree oil 10 drops Peppermint oil 5 drops Lavender oil
Instructions:
Slightly melt cacao butter and coconut oil in a small pot. Add all EOs and stir well. Transfer mixture to small jars or any airtight container with a lid. Allow to fully cool off before topically applying to the chest and back as needed. Note: Do not apply to nostrils or any area with mucous membranes. Pro tip: For a less-fuss, on-the-go application you can add the mixture to empty lip balm containers and apply directly.
4 – Kid-Safe Inhaler
This 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:
5 drops tea tree oil 2 drops lemon oil 3 drops fir needle oil
2-6 years:
10 drops tea tree oil 5 drops lemon oil 5 drops fir needle oil
Instructions:
Add all EOs on top of the cotton inhaler wick and allow the mixture to fully absorb before placing the wick in a non-BPA plastic inhaler container.
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”
