The good news is that there are a number of natural remedies that can help to relieve the symptoms of blocked sinuses, and one of the most effective remedies is essential oils.
In this article, we'll talk you through exactly how essential oils can help with blocked sinuses, talking you through some of our favorite essential oils for this purpose. We'll also explain how to best use the essential oils, so that you can get the most out of them.
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses are a system of hollow cavities in the skull. There are four main sinus cavities:
- The frontal sinuses, which are located above the eyes in the forehead
- The maxillary sinuses, which are located under the eyes in the cheekbones
- The ethmoid sinuses, which are located between the eyes
- The sphenoid sinuses, which are located behind the eyes
The sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus. This mucus traps any foreign particles that enter the sinuses, such as dust or pollen. It also helps to keep the sinuses moisturized and protected from infection.
The sinuses are connected to the nose by a narrow drainage passage. When the sinuses become blocked, this can cause a build-up of pressure in the sinuses, as well as congestion and discomfort.
What causes sinus pain?
Many things can cause the sinuses to become blocked. Common causes include:
- Allergies such as hay fever
- Colds and flu
- Sinus infections
- Environmental irritants
- Stress
How can essential oils help with sinuses?
Essential oils can help to relieve the symptoms of blocked sinuses in a number of ways. Firstly, they can help to improve airflow and reduce congestion. This is because essential oils have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Next, essential oils can also help to kill bacteria and viruses that may be contributing to your blocked sinuses. This is because many essential oils (such as eucalyptus and peppermint) have potent antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Finally, essential oils can help to improve your mood and reduce stress. This is important because stress can exacerbate the symptoms of sinus infections and other types of illness.
What are the best essential oils for sinuses?
From clearing your nasal passages to killing bacteria that may be causing sinus infections, essential oils are a great natural remedy to sinus problems.
Here are some of our favorite essential oils for the sinuses.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular essential oils for blocked sinuses. This is because it has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It's also very effective at relieving congestion. That's why you'll find eucalyptus essential oil in many over-the-counter decongestant products such as vapor rub.
In fact, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) states that eucalyptus essential oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, as well as being an expectorant (helping to clear mucus from your chest) and reducing tension headaches. There's no wonder that so many people rely on eucalyptus oil to ease their sinus symptoms!
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil is another great choice for blocked sinuses. Like eucalyptus oil, it has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, peppermint essential oil also contains menthol, which can help to clear your airways and relieve congestion.
A 2014 study found that peppermint oil could be effective at reducing inflammation in the sinuses. The study also found that peppermint oil had an antioxidant effect, which can help to treat respiratory infections, on top of boosting overall health.
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil is a great essential oil for sinus infections. This is because it has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's also highly effective at reducing congestion.
A 2015 review of studies found that tea tree oil was effective at killing a range of bacteria, including those that cause sinus infections. This review also found that tea tree oil had an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help to ease the symptoms of sinus congestion.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is a great choice if you're suffering from stress-related blocked sinuses. This is because lavender oil is very relaxing and can help to reduce stress levels.
A 2018 study found that lavender oil was effective at reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. This is vital because stress and sleep deprivation can exacerbate the symptoms of sinus infections, colds and flu.
Oregano essential oil
Oregano oil has been trending in recent years as a potent antibacterial essential oil. It's also effective at reducing inflammation.
A 2012 study found that carvacrol, one of the key components of oregano oil, is highly effective at killing a range of bacteria, including those that cause sinus infections. It is thought that inhaling oregano oil could help to clear your sinuses faster and prevent infection from occurring.
But user beware: this is a spicy oil, and overexposure can cause a burning sensation! Remember: a little goes a very long way.
Clary sage essential oil
Clary sage oil has been proven to be a natural antimicrobial, meaning that it is able to kill certain types of bacteria. This gives clary sage essential oil the potential to help to fight sinusitis as well as to clear congestion that has been caused by bacteria. This means that inhaling clary sage oil could help to prevent sinus infections from occurring as well as helping to clear your sinuses if you already have a sinus infection.
How to use essential oils for sinuses
There are a number of different ways that you can use essential oils for sinuses. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ways to use essential oils for sinus relief.
1. Inhalation
One of the most effective ways to use essential oils to unblock your sinuses is to add a few drops of oil to a diffuser and allow the vapors to fill your room. You can then inhale the aroma while you go about your daily routine, easing your sinus symptoms.
If you don't own a diffuser, you could add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. This can be especially effective if you add a towel over your head to trap the steam. Alternatively, you could try adding a few drops of essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhaling the scent.
2. Topical application
Many people enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy massage. Using essential oils that are known to clear the sinuses is a great way to help relieve sinus pressure. Try adding a few drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil to a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or almond oil, and massaging it into your temples and forehead.
3. Aromatherapy baths
Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath can also be very effective at relieving sinus congestion. This is because the steam from your bath will help to open up your nasal passages, alongside the benefits that the essential oils provide.
Before adding essential oil to your bath, you should always combine it with a carrier oil. This will help to disperse the oil and prevent it from irritating your skin. Once you've added a few drops of essential oil to your carrier oil, run yourself a bath and add the mixture. Soak in the bathtub and enjoy the relaxing aromas of your chosen essential oils.
4. Pillow mist
If you find that your sinus congestion gets worse overnight, using an aromatherapy pillow mist may help. Simply add a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake the mixture and then mist your pillow lightly with the solution. This will help you to breathe more easily overnight so that you can get a good night's sleep and potentially wake up to improved or clear sinuses.
To sum up
People across the globe have used essential oils to ease sinus congestion for centuries. If you're looking for a natural way to unblock your sinuses, why not give essential oils a try?
You can use essential oils in various ways to help ease sinus congestion. Inhaling the vapors from a diffuser, adding a few drops of oil to your bath or using a pillow mist are all great ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
Applying them to your skin through aromatherapy massage or with an aromatherapy bath can allow them to deliver their potent, natural benefits in a two-fold manner by absorption through your skin as well as via inhalation.
If you're looking for pure, organic essential oils for sinuses, volant's range of essential oils is ideal. Made from the finest organic ingredients, volant's essential oils can help you to keep your sinus congestion at bay naturally. For more information on essential oils for sinuses, contact our friendly aromatherapy experts at support@volantaroma.com
