How to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Infection
If you’re looking for a natural sinus infection remedy, essential oils are an appealing choice. For many, they come with fewer side effects than standard OTC medication, and they smell nice, to boot. But are they effective?
Our experts will fill you in on how to use essential oils to handle the symptoms of a sinus infection.
Can Essential Oils Cure a Sinus Infection?
Outside of antibiotics, there are few cures for a sinus infection the best you can hope for is managing your symptoms. Essential oils can reduce inflammation, alleviate congestion, suppress coughs, and even help you sleep. Your immune system does most of its heavy lifting while you sleep, so quality rest really can help you feel better sooner.
Essential oils may not cure your sinus infection directly, but they can make life more tolerable while you recover and maybe help you feel better faster.
The Best Essential Oils for Reducing Sinus Infection Symptoms
You can use essential oils to target specific symptoms. It’s important to note, however, that not all products are created equal. There is a marked difference between premium oils and ones that contain synthetic fragrances. If you’re looking for a reputable retailer that uses responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients, check out Wholesale Botanics.
Some of the best essential oils for treating sinus infections are:
Eucalyptus
The eucalyptus plant was used for centuries by Australian Aboriginal people as a fever reducer. It also has widely documented abilities to reduce inflammation, which can decrease congestion and make breathing a little easier.
There is even evidence that one of the ingredients in eucalyptus, cineole, has antibacterial properties that may help your body fight off a sinus infection.
Lavender
If you’re dealing with a sinus headache, try inhaling some lavender scent. As an essential oil, lavender has the potential ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, both of which can come in handy when your sinuses feel a little too full.
Not only that, but studies have shown that lavender’s soothing aroma can improve sleep quality. That alone is worth its weight in gold when you’re stuffy and uncomfortable.
Citrus
Citrus-based essential oils, such as lemon and orange, are another useful tool to have in your arsenal. Citrus oils not only have antibacterial properties, but their aroma may also help clear mucus from your nasal passages. This aids in breathing and can also reduce sinus pressure.
Using Essential Oils for Sinus Infections
There are a few different ways you can use essential oils to treat your symptoms.
One of the best methods is by inhaling water vapor. Steam is good for reducing congestion, and adding a few drops of essential oil may make it even more effective. If you have a warm steam vaporizer, you can place a couple of drops into the reservoir. Or you can add essential oil to a pot of boiling water, and then carefully lean over the pot as it boils to inhale the scented steam.
You can also try applying essential oils topically. Add a drop or two of essential oil to your preferred carrier oil (coconut works great) and rub a small amount on your chest. The effect is similar to a vapor rub.
Feel Better Soon With Essential Oils
There’s no doubt sinus infections are miserable. Essential oils are an all-natural way to reduce your symptoms, improve your sleep, and help you feel better sooner.
