There are several ways that you can get a sinus infection, some of them include having a cold or a virus or an accumulation of fungi and bacteria. When you get sinusitis, you will have trouble treating it using traditional methods. If you are looking for something different, you may want to give essential oils a try to get rid of your sinus infection.

Essential Oils for Sinus Infection

1. Lavender

Lavender oil provides a lot of relief while treating a sinus infection. It fights the infection by clearing the sinuses while it fights to get rid of the bacteria that are responsible for the infection as well as by reducing the inflammation.

2. Peppermint

One of the best ways to use peppermint essential oil is with steam inhalation therapy. This essential oil has vital properties that are effective in fighting off sinus infections. Peppermint oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

3. Chamomile

Besides being a strong antiseptic, chamomile essential oil eases the areas around the sinuses to provide a little relief. It has anti allergic, antiseptic, and sedative properties that help when you massage the nose all the way to the temples.

4. Tea Tree

One of the most effective essential oils for sinus infection is tea tree. It is best used by adding a few drops in a pot of boiling water, removing it from the stove, draping a towel over your head and inhaling it so that it can loosen the phlegm in the sinuses.

5. Clove

Clove oil can treat a number of respiratory problems including a sinus infection. It has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties that make it an effective treatment. But it also has a soothing effect because it has a nice cool effect on your nasal passages. Treatment is by adding a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser for up to 20 minutes. You can also massage the oil right onto the nose and sinuses to help open up the passageways.

6. Oregano

Oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant and has proven antibacterial properties. Because it is a natural remedy it is safe yet effective. The best way to use it to cure sinusitis is similar to the method for tea tree oils– inhaling it from a steaming pot of water that has a few drops of the oil in it.

7. Sweet Basil

Sweet basil can help to ease the headaches that usually accompany sinusitis. The oil acts as an antispasmodic, analgesic, and antidepressant. If you put about 10 drops in a vaporizer, you could expect relief in about 10 minutes.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary is a stimulant as well as an antimicrobial and analgesic, making it one of the best essential oils for sinus infection. Using the steam method, this essential oil will not only open the nasal passages but it will get rid of any blockage and treat the inflammation that may be in the sinuses.

9. Geranium

Geranium essential oil is an anti-inflammatory and is effective in helping to ease headaches that may accompany a sinus infection. It will work the best if you apply drops of the oil at the temples on each side of your face as well as right under the nose.

10. Thyme

Thyme essential oil works on sinus infections by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages and helping them to not become blocked. It also helps to relieve the pressure that could build up in the walls of your sinus.

11. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is an antimicrobial and is effective in resolving sinusitis issues. You can use the tented steam treatment and inhale the lemon oil to relieve your sinuses or you could just rub it on each side of your nose and around your sinuses.

12. Pine

Pine essential oil helps to clear up the phlegm and mucus that you may experience with a sinus infection. You can apply it directly to your nose and nasal passages and its clean cool smell will begin to open up your passageways.

13. Eucalyptus and Menthol

Eucalyptus and menthol are two aromatic essential oils that can help to relieve your sinusitis by putting them in a humidifier to help your nasal passageways open up. You can also use the steam inhalation process as well.

Ways to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Infection

• Steam inhalation: The best way to do this is to use tap water or distilled water and heat it in a bowl. Add your essential oils – around 7 or 8 drops – and stir. Put a towel over your head as you lean over the bowl and breathe in the steam through your nose and mouth. You can reheat the water when it cools down.
• Humidifier: This is an easier way to get the best of your essential oils. Put 25 to 30 drops of your preferred essential oils in the humidifier and keep it on in the room where you spend the most time.
• Diffuser: A diffuser takes about a half cup of water and about 4 to 6 drops of essential oils. Try to sit as close as you can to the diffuser to get the most benefit and breathe deeply.
• Bath: A nice hot bath is not only relaxing, it can help break up the mucus and phlegm from your sinusitis. Put from 8 to 10 drops of the essential oil you prefer on a sponge and let it sit in the bath while you bathe.
• Massage: Massaging certain essential oils right on your nose and around the sinuses can help to relieve your sinusitis. You can also rub the oils on the pressure points to help relieve headaches or any pain you may be experiencing.
• Oral consumption: If you have a bad cough you can take 1 or 2 drops of fennel oil that is therapeutic grade with a tablespoon of honey. It is safe for consumption according to the FDA.
• Neti pot: In order to benefit from the neti pot, you need to have your head turned to one side. Put the solution you are using into one nostril so you can drain it from the other one.