Top 12 Essential Oils for Sinus Congestion
Are you tired of having a blocked nose? Do you know that you can use essential oils for sinus congestion relief? The congestion is surely disturbing and can last for several days as excessive mucus will block nasal passages and will as a result will cause inflammation. Consequently, it might cause headaches, fatigue, loss of smell, sinus pressure or even coughing.
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- Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. If you have a medical problem you should seek advice from a doctor and other health care professionals.
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1. Best Essential Oils for Sinus Congestion
Below are 12 essential oils for sinus congestion. As for me, Ravintsara works well. Don’t forget to check out also Raven essential oil benefits.
1. Eucalyptus Blue
Eucalyptus Blue is also called blue gum. It contains a high amount of eucalyptol. This plant is unique since it does not cause allergic reactions to those allergic to eucalyptol due to the balanced chemical constituents in the plants. One may benefit from its insecticidal, anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. It is also used for respiratory support and relieves sore muscles.
2. Peppermint
This oldest and highest valued herb is effective in soothing digestion. Peppermint oil can affect the brain’s satiety center and valuable for those who want to control their food intake to prevent overeating. It is also an effective digestive stimulant. For medicinal properties, it is anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic towards worms, antibacterial, antiviral, and pain-relieving. Typical uses include treating rheumatism, respiratory infections, viral infections (herpes, cold sores, human papillomavirus), fungal infections, digestive problems, headaches, nausea, skin conditions such as eczema, and varicose veins.
3. Dorado Azul
In Ecuador, Dorado Azul was previously only recognized as a weed. That was until Dr. Gary Young distilled and analyzed it for the first time and gave it its identity. It provides the color red when distilled, and the natives use it to treat cancer. Another usage is to treat cold, coughs, flu, bronchitis, asthma allergic that cause breathing difficulty, hormone balancer, diabetes, and mood enhancer. These usages are based on their properties of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antihyperglycemic, gastroprotective, liver protectant, and respiratory stimulant.
4. Eucalyptus Globulus
For centuries, the Australian Aborigines have benefited from its disinfectant leaves to cover wounds. The plant’s eucalyptus also serves as an insect repellant. s. In the lab, it proves to be a strong antimicrobial agent. A solution of 2 percent eucalyptus oil will kill 70 percent of ambient staph bacteria. (refer Jean Valnet, MD). Some doctors still use solutions of eucalyptus oil in surgical dressings.
5. Palo Santo
Palo Santo derives from the same botanical family as Frankincense. Just as Frankincense, it has a spiritually inclined usage too. Palo Santo is also a mosquitoes repellent in South America. For its’ medicinal properties, it is Anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral. Typical uses include treating inflammation, regrowth of knee cartilage, joints, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, respiratory problems, and reduces airborne contaminants when diffused.
6. Eucalyptus Radiata
Like other eucalyptus family variants, Eucalyptus Radiata is also antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly used for sinus infections, viral infections, and fight herpes when combined with bergamot.
7. Ravintsara
For the people of Madagascar, Ravintsara is referred to as “the oil that heals.” This is because it effectively supports the respiratory system. Particular medicinal properties are Antitumoral, antiviral, and antibacterial. Typical uses are fighting herpes virus or viral infections, including colds, respiratory infections, throat/lung infections, hepatitis, shingles, and pneumonia.
8. Myrrh
Myrrh, also known as Commiphora Myrrha, is mentioned in one of the Egyptian lists of 877 prescriptions and recipes. The Arabs have been using this plant to treat skin conditions such as cracked skin and wrinkles. This plant is a powerful antioxidant. It is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic. This plant is commonly used to treat diabetes, cancer, hepatitis, fungal infections such as ringworm, tooth gum infections, and multiple skin conditions like eczema, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
9. Idaho Balsam Fir
Surprise! Balsam fir tree is also known as Christmas tree! It has been prized for its medicinal effects and its’ benefit on the respiratory system. In addition, they have the medical properties of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly used for throat/lung/sinus infections, fatigue, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and scoliosis.
10. Thyme
One of the oldest medical records is Thyme among the 877 prescriptions and recipes of the ancient Egyptian list. The Egyptians used this for embalming. Thyme is anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic. In addition, thyme is widely used as an ingredient for mouthwash and vapor rubs due to its purifying agents.
11. Fennel
During the medieval time, Fennel is believed to have the ability to ward off evil spirits and protect from spells cast by witches. Fennel also has been used as a digestive aid as well as balancing menstrual cycles. For its’ medical properties, fennel is Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, estrogen-like, antiparasitic against worms, antiseptic, analgesic, and increases metabolism. It is commonly used to treat diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, urinary tract infection, fluid retention, intestinal parasites, menstrual problems, and digestive problems.
12. Rosemary
About 1000BC, Rosemary was burned as incense. Some cultures believed that using it as incense may ward off devils. During the 15th century plague, this plant is used as protection. Until recently, French hospitals use it as an air disinfectant. It has medical properties such as liver-protecting, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antidepressant, and enhances mental clarity/concentration. Commonly it is used to treat infectious diseases, hepatitis, throat/lung infections, hair loss, acne, or even Alzheimer’s.
2. How to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Congestion
Below are 3 common ways of using essential oils for sinus congestion. More backgrounds on how these methods were derived can be found in this post.
1. Inhalation
This is personally my favorite way of using it. It is easy, quick, and effective in producing results within a short time. What I usually do is put one drop on my left palm, then rub it clockwise with my right palm, cup my nose with both palms and inhale. I use a maximum of 2 drops since the oil is highly concentrated.
2. Topical application
Topical application is where the oil is applied directly to a particular area of the body. In case of sinus problems, typically oils will be applied to the neck and upper chest. It is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil. If you are using peppermint, you should dilute it since it can be really ‘hot’ on the skin.
3. Diffuse
Given you have a proper diffuser, this is another effective way of benefiting from these oils. The supersonic vibration of the plate inside the diffuser will break the oils into smaller particles while the built-in fan inside the device will spread it out throughout the room. One effective method is to diffuse the oil throughout the night while you sleep.
4. Other treatments for sinus congestion
Below are three common ways of using essential oils. I don’t recommend ingesting essential oils for you unless you had consulted your certified aromatherapist.
1. Nasal Spray
Nasal spray typically is a pressurized saline solution to treat nasal congestion. This saltwater solution will dilute the nasty mucus in the nasal area. Using it can be uncomfortable as it is invasive but it does relieve sinus congestion
2. Humidifier
If you are able to control the humidity in a room/space, it will eventually have effects on those sinus problems. According to Healthline media, A humidifier is an easy way to relieve a stuffy nose. Ideal humidity should be around 40-60%. You can get your humidity measurement device here. Low humidity may increase the chances for the growth of bacteria, causes dry skin and throat whereas too much humidity is a good condition for fungus growth. High humidity also makes it uncomfortable as you will sweat very much.
I live in a country situated along the equator, therefore the air is humid throughout the year. So when I had the chance to visit a place less humid such as in Europe, to my surprise I never thought there is a significant difference. Breathing in less humid air gives a feeling of ‘wider space’ sort of. Quite a relief although it is subtle.
3. Netipot
Personally, I prefer Netipot in comparison to nasal spray. The only downside is that you will have to prepare the saline solution yourself. The good thing is that the saline solution can be mixed with essential oils too and on the other hand, you are able to control the pressure of the solution coming in your nasal area therefore it feels less invasive. Why not try a small amount of saline solution mixed with tea tree essential oil with rosemary oil?
5. How To Choose the Right High-Quality EOs for Sinus & Congestion
To be safe, go for Young Living or Doterra as these two are confirmed to be able to produce high-quality essential oils. On the shelf, you might find essential oils labeled therapeutic grade but this label serves for marketing purposes only since there is no official independent body to certify essential oil grade.
So now you know there are 12 essentials oils for sinus congestions. However, these are home remedies, and should the condition persists, do consult your local GP.
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