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Sinus congestion is uncomfortable to say the least. It may make it difficult for you to breathe or sleep. It may also cause painful pressure behind your eyes, make your nose run constantly, or cause an annoying cough. Some essential oils may clear up nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure and other congestion symptoms.
Essential oils have been used for centuries as a natural way to support emotional and physical health. When people become wary about synthetic medications, they often turn to natural remedies such as essential oils.
Some people use over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants or antibiotics to treat sinus congestion and sinus infections. These remedies aren’t for everyone. OTC decongestants can interact with prescription medications and aren’t recommended for people with multiple conditions, such as pregnancy or high blood pressure.
There isn’t a lot of reliable research about essential oils and sinus congestion. Some studies suggest specific essential oils may relieve symptoms.
A 2006 review found that tea tree, or melaleuca, oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because sinus tissue inflammation and bacteria are often the culprits of sinus congestion, tea tree oil may help.
Researchers in a 2009 study found that 1,8 cineole, which is the main component of eucalyptus oil, is an effective and safe treatment for sinusitis that doesn’t include antibiotics. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), 1,8 cineole helps clear the air of bacteria and other microbes. It can also help clear airways of mucus and is a natural cough suppressant.
The main compound in peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol is in certain OTC remedies, such as vapor rubs, lozenges, and nasal inhalers. Studies show menthol may be more likely to increase congestion than decrease it. Menthol produces a cooling sensation, leading users to believe their nasal passages are clearer and they’re breathing better, even though the passages are still congested.
Because oregano oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it may help sinus congestion in theory. No published trials exist. Evidence supporting the oil’s effectiveness is anecdotal.
The best way to use essential oils to relieve a stuffy nose is through inhalation. You can inhale oils in a number of ways.
Steam inhalation involves combining essential oils with hot water to create therapeutic steam. NAHA recommends adding three to seven drops of essential oil to boiling water in a large pot or heatproof bowl. Use a towel to cover your head, and breathe through your nose for no more than two minutes at a time. Keep your eyes closed to prevent eye irritation.
Direct inhalation refers to inhaling the essential oil right from the bottle. You may also add a drop of oil to a handkerchief, cotton ball, or inhaler tube, and breathe it in.
Diffusers disperse essential oils throughout the air, allowing them to dilute before being inhaled. This is a less potent method of inhalation.
For an aromatherapy massage, add a few drops of essential oil to your favorite massage lotion or massage oil.
You shouldn’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. You should always dilute them with a carrier oil, water, or lotion. Popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil. Using them directly on the skin may cause:
Essential oils are powerful. When they’re inhaled in small doses for brief periods, most are generally considered safe. If you inhale them in high doses or for long periods, you may experience dizziness, a headache, and nausea.
You shouldn’t ingest essential oils. They contain strong compounds that may cause toxic side effects. Some side effects may not be noticeable right away. Essential oils may also interact with prescription and OTC medications.
Essential oils and decongestants aren’t the only way to treat sinus congestion. Other options include using:
If you have chronic sinus congestion due to nasal polyps or narrow nasal passages, surgery may be necessary.
If you have sinus congestion, make sure you eat a healthy diet. Avoid dairy, chocolate, and processed foods. They may increase mucus production. Make sure you’re drinking enough fluids to help thin your nasal mucus. Put a humidifier in your bedroom to increase the humidity while you sleep.
If you have any of these essential oils on hand, try steam inhaling them a few times per day:
If possible, consult a trained aromatherapist to learn how to combine essential oils for fast relief of sinus congestion.
Last medically reviewed on July 6, 2016Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our
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Many people find that inhaling peppermint oil feels good when they have blocked sinuses. This is because of its cooling effect. But does peppermint oil actually improve sinusitis symptoms?
A 2015 review notes that a compound called alpha-sabine in tea tree oil provides antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.
A 2015 animal study suggested that this essential oil may have analgesic, or pain-relieving, effects and that it may also reduce inflammation. However, researchers have not tested this in humans.
Several over-the-counter decongestant products, such as chest rubs, contain eucalyptus oil. Many believe that this oil can relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs, including sinus congestion and stuffiness.
Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called cineole. A small-scale 2009 study found cineole to be a safe and effective treatment for sinus issues, compared to a placebo, when participants took it in a pill. The researchers warn, however, that this treatment could cause a rash or heartburn.
Sinus congestion is uncomfortable to say the least. It may make it difficult for you to breathe or sleep. It may also cause painful pressure behind your eyes, make your nose run constantly, or cause an annoying cough. Some essential oils may clear up nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure and other congestion symptoms.
Some people use over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants or antibiotics to treat sinus congestion and sinus infections. These remedies aren’t for everyone. OTC decongestants can interact with prescription medications and aren’t recommended for people with multiple conditions, such as pregnancy or high blood pressure.
The main compound in peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol is in certain OTC remedies, such as vapor rubs, lozenges, and nasal inhalers. Studies show menthol may be more likely to increase congestion than decrease it. Menthol produces a cooling sensation, leading users to believe their nasal passages are clearer and they’re breathing better, even though the passages are still congested.
A 2006 review found that tea tree, or melaleuca, oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because sinus tissue inflammation and bacteria are often the culprits of sinus congestion, tea tree oil may help.
The best way to use essential oils to relieve a stuffy nose is through inhalation. You can inhale oils in a number of ways.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils : How to Use Aromatherapy for Sinus Infection
FAQ
What essential oil gets rid of sinus infection?
How do you use peppermint oil for a sinus infection?
Is frankincense good for sinus issues?
What doTERRA oils are good for mucus?
Can essential oils help a sinus infection?
As sinus infections affect your airways, the best way to relieve congestion with essential oils is by breathing them in. One popular strategy is to use an essential oil diffuser. You’ll fill the center tank with filtered water, add between six to twelve drops of your chosen essential oils, and turn the diffuser on to create a fragrant steam.
Can mozzarella sticks help with my sinus infection?
Sinusitis is present when the tissue lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. It occurs as the result of an inflammatory reaction or an infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus. Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions:Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses fail to properly move mucus out. This may be due to some medical conditions/Colds and allergies may cause too much mucus to be made or block the opening of the sinuses/A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps may block the opening of the sinuses/Chronic infection can cause mucosal swelling and inflammation. The high saturated fat content in cheese can trigger inflammation And infection therefore should be avoided.
Is lavender oil good for sinus pain?
Inhaling lavender oil may reduce pain and swelling in the sinuses. Lavender oil may improve symptoms of sinus congestion by reducing pain and swelling. A 2015 animal study suggested that this essential oil may have analgesic, or pain-relieving, effects and that it may also reduce inflammation. However, researchers have not tested this in humans.
How to use essential oils for sinus congestion relief?
To use essential oils for sinus congestion relief, it is best to dilute them, then breathe in the scent. Do not swallow or ingest essential oils. Inhaling directly: Add a few drops of essential oil to a tissue and gently breathe in, holding the tissue near the face.