How to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Congestion

I am almost certain that everybody reading this article will have suffered a bout of sinus congestion at some point during their lives. There are many possible reasons for sinus congestion which commonly include viruses like the cold and flu, allergies and sinus infections. If you are suffering from chronic or long term congestion then it is advisable that you seek medical advice however most cases are less serious and can be treated very effectively a home.

Certain essential oils can be put to great use in clearing up your sinus congestion; they are natural, safe and extremely effective and could well save you an unwanted visit to the doctor. Conventional treatments for sinusitis congestion and underlying sinus infections can include antibiotics or antivirals. Neither of these are necessarily effective and can lead to bacteria becoming resistant when overused.

Essential oils are a popular option because they are able to penetrate affected sinus and nasal regions directly and they contain natural antibacterial, anti- inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help you to recover fast with no adverse effects.

 

When it comes to essential oils as a remedy for nasal and sinus congestion, there is no lack of choice in terms of the oil you use or the method of treatment. A variety of essential oils can be used to equal effect and they include the following all of which possess the natural healing properties to clear your sinuses efficiently and safely..

Not all essential oils are created equal; make sure that you choose therapeutic grade essential oils from a reputable company.

Perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to use your essential oil for sinus congestion is to put a few drops of your chosen oil into the palm of your hands and cup them over your nose; inhale the vapors deeply for quick relief. You can do this on the go and use them whenever necessary but because the oils evaporate so quickly, you will need to re-apply your essential oil regularly.

Many undiluted essential oils can burn and sting when applied directly to the skin so adding a few drops of oil to a handkerchief and inhaling from the material might be preferable. Alternatively, you can inhale the oils directly from the bottle when necessary.

Steam inhalation takes a little more planning but it is a great way to ensure that you are inhaling all the therapeutic goodness of the oils and is a proven method of dealing with nasal and sinus congestion as well as respiratory difficulties.

1. Boil up a sufficient quantity of water to fill a heatproof bowl or your bathroom sink.
2. Add between 6 and 8 drops of your chosen essential oil and stir it well.
3. Drape a towel over your head and shoulders and lean overt the sink or bowl being careful not to scald yourself on the water or seam.

Breathe the vapors in through your nose and mouth for at least 5 minutes if you can tolerate it. Repeat the process several times a day until your symptoms have cleared away.

Many people suggest that peppermint is the most effective essential oil for steam inhalation but the other oils listed above should prove almost equally effective.

If you have a range of oils, consider the following steam inhalation blend that comes highly recommended for fast and effective sinus relief.

•  Eucalyptus essential oil (2 drops)
•  Thyme essential oil (2 drops)
•  Peppermint essential oil (3 drops)

Essential oil diffusers are not just for show and scent. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of different diffusers available some of which are more effective than others in terms of therapeutic use. We recently reviewed he different types of diffuser and if you are unsure which one to buy, you can read a comprehensive breakdown here.

Diffusers are convenient for sinus congestion because you can leave them running near the bed overnight and they are also the best way to treat multiple people at once. About a month ago, our entire family came down with the same symptoms at the same time. To get the maximum benefit from diffusing your essential oils, position yourself as close as possible to your diffusing machine.

Assuming that you have one, you can use your humidifier or vaporizer to similar ends. In order to be effective, you will need to add around 20 to 30 drops of your chosen essential oil to your humidifier and run it in the room that you spend most of your time in. This method is especially effective if your sinus congestion is caused by allergies as humidifiers clear the air of pollens and other irritants that can cause or contribute to congestion.

Unfortunately this is something that I am unable to do; most people in my part of the world have showers. Not designing a bathroom big enough to accommodate a bath was a significant oversight on my part because there is nothing quite like a warm, therapeutic bath to take away your pains.

If you would rather not lean over a hot sink, then a bath filed with healing essential oils is a great way to ease your sinus congestion as well as soothe any aching muscles. I feel envious just writing about it. Fill your bathtub with hot water but don’t add your essential oils until the water has finished running.

Adding the oils to running hot water is a sure fire way to lose them through evaporation. Once the tub is full, add around 10 drops of your chosen oil or oils to the tub and stir it in well. Take a long hot soak, allow the water to soak over you and breathe in the vapors for as much time as you want. It has been so long since I had a relaxing bath that I’m not sure I would ever get out.

Congested sinuses cause difficulties with breathing patterns and can also lead to sleeping problems so massage is a great way to ease the congestion and relax the body. By following a few easy steps, you can massage your essential oils into the affected areas to ease your congestion.

1. Dilute your chosen oil or oils in a good quality base oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil.
2. Gently massage and apply pressure to the neck, forehead and affected areas around the nostrils being careful to avoid contact with the eyes.

This is a recommended massage oil for sinus complaints, but you can use other oils depending on your preference. Always make sure that you dilute your essential oil with a base oil before applying it.

•  Tea tree oil (2 drops)
•  Geranium oil (3 drops)
•  Peppermint oil (3 drops)
•  Eucalyptus oil (3 drops)
•  Rosemary oil (4 drops)
•  Sweet almond or jojoba oil (10 ml)

A neti pot is a very effective tool for irrigating the sinuses and easing any nasal congestion. Neti pots are readily available, cheap and effective and can be used with water and salt solution alone or by adding essential oil to the mixture for even greater effect.

1. Mix 3 or 4 drops of your chosen essential oil into 2 cups of warm, distilled water.
2. Add a teaspoon of sea salt and allow it to dissolve.
3. Mix the solution thoroughly and put it in the neti pot.
4. Bend over and tilt your head to the side.
5. Carefully pour the solution into the top nostril and allow the fluid to drain across to the other nostril.
6. Repeat the process on the other nostril.