Essential Oil Recipes For Sinus
Diffuser Blend for Stuffy Nose
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops oregano essential oil
Diffuser Blend for Sinus Infections
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Diffuser Recipe for Sinus Headache
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 1 drop thyme or rosemary essential oil
Natures Antibiotic Oil Remedy
- 1 drop oregano essential oil
Instructions: Place one drop of oregano oil in a veggie capsule and fill the rest with a food-grade oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Take morning and evening for no more than 2-3 days.
Sinus Relief Hot Compress
- Damp, hot towel
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil or doTERRA breathe
Instructions: Place 2 drops of oil onto a damp, hot towel. Place on forehead or chest.
Sinus Steam
- Small boiling pot of water
- 3 drops of essential oil (doTERRA Breathe/OnGuard, Eucalyptus
Instructions: boil a small pot of water. Add essential oils of choice. Place towel over head and inhale steam.
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When To See A Doctor For Sinus Congestion
Treating sinusitis and nasal congestion with essential oils and nasal rinses can help to reduce the discomfort and speed up recovery. However, sometimes, professional medical help is needed if your sinus infection and congestion become chronic. A doctor may test for allergies or see if there are any obstructions in your sinuses that are causing irritation and inflammation.
According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, you should visit your doctor for sinus-related conditions in the following circumstances:3
- Your symptoms of sinusitis last more than 7 days and get worse.
- You have frequent cases of sinus infections and treatment doesnt help.
- You have a high fever.
- Blocked sinuses are accompanied by redness around your eyes and/or severe headaches.
- You have confusion or vision changes.
- Your neck is stiff.
Essential Oils For Sinus Health
Pollen season got you feeling downor stuffed up? Essential oils can be supportive allies against the spring sniffles! For a simple way to find rapid relief when pollen becomes overpowering, we turn to high-quality, organic, and therapeutic essential oils to relieve sinus congestion and ease our seasonal discomfort.
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Types Of Sinus Infection
- Acute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection usually lasts for 2-4 weeks and is often accompanied by a runny nose and facial pain.
- Subacute sinusitis: This lasts for about 4-12 weeks.
- Chronic sinus infection: This takes 12 weeks or longer to heal.
- Recurrent sinusitis: This infection occurs several times throughout the year.
In the next section, we have discussed the causes behind the development of a sinus infection.
Do Essential Oils Really Work Against Sinus Infections
Since ancient times, people have been using natural plant oils to treat a lot of diseases. From skin rashes to stomach problems, theres an essential oil for that.
But do they work against sinus infections too?
For now, the research on the effectiveness of essential oils for sinus infections is quite limited. But a review published in 2015 demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of certain essential oils. It also explained how essential oils work against bacteria that are causing respiratory tract infections.
This means that if your sinus infection is caused by viruses and bacteria, essential oils may help.
Another clinical review also suggests that aromatherapy may be effective in treating certain medical conditions including sinusitis.
However, more studies are needed to come up with more conclusive proof.
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What Essential Oils Are Good For A Sinus Headache
-Oregano OilThe carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil does wonders for sinus infections. Try 500mg of oregano oil four times per day to help ease your symptoms. Simply drop the oil into a bowl of boiling water and breathe in the steam.
-Grapefruit Seed Extract- Grapefruit seed extract is commonly used in nasal sprays for its antiviral properties. Using it directly a few times a day can help boost your immune response.
-Garlic- Okay, so this is not an essential oil or extract, but its one of natures best antibiotics and a powerful sinus headache treatment in Buffalo, NY. Not only will it help you recover more quickly, but it can also help prevent colds and sinus infections in the first place. Try get at least one clove of fresh garlic or 0.4-1.2g of garlic powder per day to get the effects.
-Echinacea-Echinacea is an herb that contains active ingredients that naturally fight viruses and bacteria and reduce pain and inflammation. Contact an herbalist to get a hold of this sinus headache treatment in Buffalo, NY.
-Eucalyptus & Peppermint Oils- Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are known to effectively help clear the sinuses. Rub a drop of food-grade oil on the top of the mouth and drink water to help wash it down.
Do Essential Oils Work For Sinus Congestion
While there isnt much research on using essential oils for sinus congestion, many people find that certain blends provide near-instant relief. Many people who use essential oils for medicinal purposes want to live a more natural lifestyle or may have allergies or negative reactions to medications commonly used to treat sinus problems. Thankfully, you can use essential oils for congestion to feel better fast without medicine.
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Why Essential Oils Are Effective For Sinus Congestion
Essential oils for congestion and mild sinus infections help to quickly reduce your symptoms without using medication some of which may have unpleasant side effects. There is also scientific research to back up claims that essential oils are effective for sinus congestion.
For example, the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that aromatherapy with essential oils helps with inflammatory responses in the nasal passages. It was found that certain essential oils help to relieve nasal inflammation and congestion, improve sleep quality, and reduce fatigue. The researchers concluded that inhaling essential oils can have the potential to alleviate signs of nasal inflammation.6
Also, the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine reported on a number of essential oils that have scientifically proven use in treating sinusitis. Some of the essential oils for sinus infections and nasal congestion mentioned were eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil.7
What Is Sinus Infection
Sinus infection, otherwise called sinusitis, is a condition whereby the cavities located around the nasal airways become inflamed and stuffed.
While acute sinusitis may come from allergies or a cold and may naturally go without any medical intervention, chronic cases are caused by abnormal growth or an infection and may stay for up to eight weeks.
Indeed, several over-the-counter prescriptions deliver fast relief to sinus blockage. But,too often, these recommendations leave some undesirable effects.
As a result, researchers are investigating more natural options to manage sinusitis. Among the popular options found so far, essential oils look most promising.
Lets quickly run through some essential oils to consider for an alternative nasal decongestant.
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Best For Small Rooms: Victsing Essential Oil Diffuser
- List price: $59.99
- Pro: comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty
- Con: has a smaller water capacity which may only suit smaller rooms
The VicTsing 130 milliliters ultrasonic diffuser lasts up to 4 hours on the high mist mode and 6 hours on low mist. The wood design and shape fit with many decors.
Due to the smaller water capacity, this diffuser may better suit smaller rooms. Those with an open floorplan or larger rooms may wish to consider diffusers that can emit more mist and scent.
The brand states that this is whisper-quiet, shuts off automatically when the tank is empty, and has a choice of eight light colors. It is easy to carry around for refills as it can fit in hand.
Buyers also receive eight bottles of different essential oils. These include lemongrass, eucalyptus, and sweet orange.
Passive diffusers do not pump essential oils or water directly into the air. Instead, they release a fragrance from rocks, ceramics, and other surfaces.
The fragrance from passive diffusers is not usually as strong but may last longer.
These diffusers are a good choice for people with spill concerns, who do not want to refill a diffuser, or want something attractive and understated.
How Essential Oils Work For Treating Sinus Infections
People rely more on over-the-counter decongestants or antibiotics to relieve sinus congestion and infections. But these tend to cause side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, restlessness, etc. Hence often people prefer to choose natural remedies for getting relief from sinusitis. When sinusitis occurs due to allergies, common cold, bacterial attack or inflammation, essential oils can be an option.
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How To Use It
Eucalyptus oil can be taken internally by adults.11 It should always be diluted in warm water before consuming. For local applications, 30 ml of the oil can be mixed in 500 ml of lukewarm water and applied topically as an insect repellent or used over the temporal areas of the forehead for tension headaches. As an inhalant, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water or a vaporizer. Deeply inhale the steam vapor. For eucalyptus leaf preparations, an infusion of 23 grams of the chopped leaves may be boiled in 150 ml of water and taken two times per day. Eucalyptus oil needs to be used very cautiously since as little as 3.5 ml of the oil taken internally has proven fatal.12 It is best for people to discuss internal use with a qualified healthcare professional.
Warning: Eucalyptus oil needs to be used very cautiously since as little as 3.5 ml of the oil taken internally has proven fatal. It is best for individuals to discuss internal use with a qualified healthcare professional.
When To See A Doctor
The essential oils for bronchitis and remedies mentioned in this article should help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent bronchitis becoming more serious. Bronchitis usually takes 10 to 14 days to clear up and you should see a doctor if your symptoms last longer.
Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD recommends visiting your doctor if you have symptoms of bronchitis and the following conditions:18
- You cough up thick yellow or green phlegm or you notice traces of blood in it.
- You have a fever and night sweats.
- Along with an irritating cough, you also have shortness of breath and wheezing.
- You cant sleep because of your bronchitis symptoms.
- The cough lasts longer than 2 or 3 weeks.
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Essential Oils For Inflammation
Inflammation is your bodys automatic, protective response to injury. It occurs when cells release a signal to neutrophils at the site of trauma, causing immediate inflammation. This then allows larger white blood cells in the immune system to begin attacking harmful pathogens and dead tissue. The body will then start healing itself by repairing and re-growing cells in the area.1
We generally associate inflammation with the swelling that occurs at the site of injury such as a puncture wound, scrape to the skin, and muscle strain or sprain. This type of inflammation is known as acute inflammation, and while it can be painful and temporarily inhibiting, can subside with adequate rest and treatment. Acute inflammation can also be caused by infections, introduction to foreign bodies, and often results in immune reactions.
Chronic inflammation is often harder to treat, and is caused by repeated bouts of injury to the body. This can manifest itself from years of wear and tear from sports injuries , as well as from autoimmune issues . Autoimmune inflammation occurs when your own cells cause the inflammation due to a genetic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the bone tissue in the joints and fingers. Other examples of chronic inflammation include asthma , and multiple sclerosis .2
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Try These Essential Oils For Sinuses And Relieve Your Stuffy Nose Know How Ayurvedic Nasya Oil Benefits Your Nervous System And Sinus
Lets be honest. We all loathe being sick and side-lined for a week or two. Besides, catching a cold gives rise to all other uncomfortable symptoms, like coughing and sneezing. No matter how much you take care of yourself, sometimes you cant escape catching a cold. And if your cold just wont go away even after a week, chances are you have sinusitis. Although decongestants and antibiotics help, your body takes its own time to heal sinus infections. Aside from that, essential oils for sinus problems are an alternative way to cope with your sinus symptoms.
Sinuses are the cavities within the bones that surround your nose and help clear mucus. But when this drainage system swells and blocks, your mucus becomes thick and clogged. This blockage occurs if you have an infection or an allergy.
Sometimes, structural issues with your nose put you at a greater risk of chronic sinus infections. Often, you experience intense headaches and pressure around your eyes. Meanwhile, many people resort to steam inhalation to unblock their stuffy noses. So, is steam good for the sinus? Can you add essential oil for sinus infections? Lets find out.
Aromatherapy with essential oils for sinus
While steam inhalation helps soothe and open your stuffy nose, too much of it can make your mucus thicker. Of course, the steam benefits for the nose are therapeutic. But you must limit inhaling steam to less than three times per day.
Bestessential oils for sinus infection
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Supercharged Diy Vapor Rub For Sinus Congestion
When sinus and respiratory problems strike, threatening to keep you home from work or out of school because sleep is elusive and, as soon as you lie down to rest, overproduction of mucus leads to coughing, sore throat, and congestion, many people choose an over the counter vapor rub to help ease the severity of the symptoms and help them get some rest. No one can afford to be sick, so of course quick and easy remedies make it seem like everything is fixed, without any of the hassle or wait time.
Although it may feel like these rubs immediately work, doctors note that vapor rubs do nothing to actually relieve the congestion because they do not actually treat the symptoms at all. In fact, studies show that, when tested, these vapor rubs increase mucus production in the body and also tend to restrict the nasal passages even further once the effects wear off.
Some even go so far as to say that these rubs make the symptoms worse when used for long periods of time. Like putting a band aid on an infected wound and doing nothing to clean it or make it better, the infection or inflammation only worsens over time. High levels of menthol present in these vapor rubs make the brain think that the nose is clearing out when, in reality, the body is still producing mucus at an alarming rate.
The ingredients are as follows
- 1/2 cup grated beeswax
Can I Leave My Essential Oil Diffuser On All Day
People should always follow the manufacturers instructions on how long to leave an essential oil diffuser on.
However, it is important to ensure the area has good ventilation and to stop diffusing oils if a person experiences any side effects such as irritated eyes or headaches.
10 sourcescollapsed
- Aponso, M., et al. . Dose-related effects of inhaled essential oils on behavioural measures of anxiety and depression and biomarkers of oxidative stress.
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Risks While Using Essential Oils For Sinusitis
Essential oils are very strong, and this is very important to consider if you want to apply them directly on your skin. In virtually all cases, itâs recommended to dilute the oil with a carrier oilâcoconut, almond, olive, jojoba, etc.âor water. If they are applied directly, it could result in redness, burns, or itching.
You also want to avoid ingesting essential oils, so wash residue off your hands. Ingesting them could lead to toxicity or negative interactions with medications you may be taking.
Inhalation is fine in small doses for brief periods, but over-exposure or big, strong hits may lead to dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Sinus Steam Essential Oil Blend Recipe
Steam inhalation is a technique utilized to open the nasal passages, clear out mucus, and support the lungs. This process is also known as steam therapy and has been utilized for centuries to bring comfort to a stressed respiratory system. By boiling water, adding herbs and/or essential oils, and inhaling the vapors that arise, steam inhalation provides an array of benefits to alleviate seasonal discomfort.
Steam therapy can easily be done at home, and when youre finished, you will feel like you just went to the spa! Check out one of our favorite sinus steam blends below, or feel free to create your own blend from the list of oils above.
Ingredients
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Common Treatments For Sinus Infections And To Relieve Sinus Pressure
In most cases of acute sinus infections or mild sinusitis, doctors recommend remedies to help relieve the symptoms. According to Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD, some effective natural remedies for sinus infections and congestion include:5
- Using a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent your nasal passages from drying out
- Inhale steam vapors to help ease congested nostrils and sinuses
- Get plenty of rest to help boost your immunity
- Irrigate your nasal passage with a salt solution
- Keep yourself well hydrated
However, if allergies are to blame for acute sinusitis or chronic sinus infections, you should try to identify the allergen and avoid it.
Dr. Ratini warns that using over-the-counter decongestants for longer than 3 days can aggravate your sinusitis symptoms.