Essential Oils For Sinus Infections

by Annalisa Fredrickson

Feeling stuffy or dealing with a sinus infection? During the winter many people get sinus infections due to the cold, dry weather and exposure to many germs. Read on to learn more about sinuses, what a sinus infection is, and how to soothe your sinuses.

What do your sinuses do and what causes a sinus infection?

The sinuses are air-filled spaces located throughout your head. They are:

Above the eyes near the brow area (Frontal sinuses)

Inside your cheekbones (Maxillary sinuses)

Between your eyes (Ethmoid sinuses)

Behind the nasal cavity (Sphenoid sinuses).

The nasal sinuses work extra hard to trap bacteria that is inhaled through your nose and mouth. When a bacteria or particle comes in, the sinuses quickly go into action by trapping the bacteria in mucus and stopping the unwanted visitor from go further into the body.

A sinus infection is caused when the nasal passages get irritated by the particles and the sinuses become swollen. A sinus infection is often caused by a virus and creates that uncomfortable feeling of pain between your eyes, in your upper teeth or just an overall pressure in your head.

The sinus pain is usually accompanied with a headache, postnasal drip, a stuffy nose and other cold symptoms.

Using Essential Oils for treatment

Steam inhalation is a great way to soothe your sinuses while fighting infection and breaking down phlegm.

The warm, moist air will feel relaxing and comforting as it travels down your nasal passageways.

To create a steam inhalation, put a pot of purified water on the stove and bring to an almost boil. When steam is rising, pour it into a big bowl and cautiously test the steam to see if it is the right temperature with your hand.

Be careful because steam can burn if it’s too hot! Once the steam is ready, add one drop of oregano and two drops each of tea tree and sweet marjoram essential oils to the bowl of water. Put a towel over your head and start inhaling the steam. Continue for five to ten minutes, or until the steam disappears. Try this twice a day until the symptoms go away*.

Here’s to good health and clear nasal passageways!

* If the problem persists, seek help of a health professional.

Disclaimer: The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-03-27 / Last Modified: 2021-10-11