There are a lot of people who suffer from the problem of sinus infection. The sinus infection triggers allergies, cold and headache in people. Sinus infection can make breathing and sleeping difficult for you by causing congestion in your nose. The symptoms of sinus infections are runny nose, headache, nasal congestion and facial pain. The conditions which lead to sinuses are the common cold, swelling of the lining of the nose, nasal polyps, deviated septum, etc. There are different types of sinuses that a person can face such as-
- Healthy sinuses, which occur when the nasal cavity is filled with air.
- Acute sinuses, which generally start with cold-like symptoms and filled with fluid, germs.
- Acute Sinuses can last for more 2-4 weeks.
- Subacute sinuses are inflammation that lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic Sinuses that has inflammation symptoms and last 12 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year to any person.
Why Sinuses Occur?
Almost every person on this earth has experienced the problem of acute sinus once in a year. Sinus occurs when viruses, bacteria or fungi infect the sinus cavity, causing inflammation. You are more likely to experience the problem of sinus when you have –
- Swelling inside your nose
- Common Cold for more than 4 weeks
- Blocked drainage ducts
- Nasal polyps
- Weak immune system
- Fungal infection in the nose
- Smoke
- Enlarged ridges on the nasal septum
- Nasal allergies
Exposure to an environment that has allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can cause sinus.
Symptoms of Sinus
You may experience a lot of symptoms due to sinus including –
- Cough or congestion
- A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
- Facial pain/dental pain or pressure
- Loss of smell
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- “Stuffed-up” nose
- Bad breath
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nasal obstruction or nasal blockage
If you experience any of these symptoms then you have sinus. Symptoms like discoloured postnasal drainage, congestion, nasal obstruction, etc. occur when you have severe/chronic sinus infection and it needs to get treated properly. If you experience minor symptoms like stuffed nose, runny nose, headache, etc. you can follow some basic home remedies and treat your sinus. There are some natural oils that can help you get rid of the problem of sinus. Let’s discuss a list of these essential oils.
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Best essential oils for sinus infection
1. Peppermint oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of the best essential oils for fungal sinus infection, as it can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus like congestion and headaches. This oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which will help you get rid of sinus after a frequent application. Peppermint essential oil has menthol that provides you relief from inflammation during sinus. Apply peppermint oil on your nose for instant relief. You can add peppermint oil into warm water and gargle for 10 minutes. You can also take the steam of water that is mixed with peppermint essential oil. Repeat this process and see a positive difference in your sinus. It will definitely provide you relief after 2-3 processes.
2. Tea Tree Oil
It is one of the best essential oils for sinus infection, as it provides you relief from nasal congestion, sore throat, cold and cough. Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. It has antiseptic properties that eliminated the micro bacteria causing the symptoms of flu and colds. You can apply it on or under your nose for long-lasting results. If you have excess mucus congestion in your nasal cavity, then add 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil into warm water and take steam for 10-15 minutes. Steam moisturizes sinus passageways and soothes the symptoms. After trying this remedy you’ll definitely feel better.
3. Eucalyptus oil
Extracted from Eucalyptus plant Eucalyptus oil is an amazing alternative remedy for the treatment of sinus. It is termed as one of the best essential oils for sinus infection because it has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help you get rid of sinus symptoms. There are certain rubbing gels that contain eucalyptus oil. It is very beneficial to treat common cold and cough including sinus congestion and stuffiness. Application of Eucalyptus oil can reduce nose and throat congestion, headaches and open up the blocked nose. Application of Eucalyptus oil can also control the production of mucus in your nasal cavity. For best results, rub it on your chest, nose and forehead.
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4. Thyme oil
Thyme essential oil, also known as Thymus vulgaris is member of the mint family. It was originally used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans in different forms to cure multiple problems. To produce a small amount of essential oil, a lot of dried thyme is needed. Essential thyme oil is extracted from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant by means of the steam distillation process. The production process is prolonged and an extremely large amount of plant materials is needed to produce small quantities of essential oil. Thyme essential oil is one of the best essential oils for fungal sinus infection as it has antiseptic, anti-bacterial and expectorant properties. Its properties make it a perfect remedy to treat sinus symptoms.
5. Lavender oil
The lavender essential oils for sinus infection come from the English lavender plant known as the Augustifolia of Lavandula. While it is called a lighter or less strong essential oil, it still has many good qualities, for the mind and the body. Lavender oil helps in the treatment of stress and anxiety. It is also a good treatment for sinusitis. Lavender oil helps to reduce sinuous effects spontaneously through it anti-viral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Lavender oil improves your immune system and when you have the problem of the sinus it relieves you from nasal congestion by breaking mucous membranes. You can attain the benefits of lavender oil by inhaling its aroma directly, steaming or apply on the affected area.
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6. Lemon oil
Lemon oil is termed as one of the most powerful and highly effective essential oils for sinus infection. It has antibacterial properties that support respiratory functions. If there is congestion due to mucus in your nose, then applying lemon oil directly on your nose will provide you instant benefits. It also strengthens your immune system and prevents you from nasal infections. It is completely safe and effective for use. It can be ingested without dilution. Repeat the application of lemon oil on your nose multiple times a day for the best results.
This is the tried and tested list of the best essential oils for sinus infection. As oils are natural, they are completely safe and effective. People have been using essential oils since ages for the treatment of various skin and health problems. Essential oils are alternative therapies. If you’ve been facing a lot of troubles due to sinus, then we recommend you to visit a doctor for medical help. Avoid following home remedies, as they can take time to cure your problem of sinus. Get professional help!