Co-authored with Dr. Syeda Farzana Bibi, PhD, MSc, MEd.
 
When one enters into the world of aromatherapy, it is the nose that knows best. It  is the compass that indicates (particularly to afficionados) the quality of an oil. Some can even detect adulteration from one whiff! So one may ask: if you have a stuffy nose, and can't breathe how in the world can essential oils help? Let's take a look at this more clearly. Let us rewind to those times when we were little. 

I remember this scene in my younger years:

Mom boils some water, tosses some eucalyptus oil or other menthol ointment into the pot, places a towel over my head, gently guides my head down toward the pot that is now steaming with the aroma and says: "Breathe the steam in deeply, this’ll help and make you feel better.” It's a bittersweet memory now that Mom is gone, but it certainly did the trick! 

For those of you new to the use of essential oils as a natural medicinals here’s a recap and a great dose of useful information when it comes to sinus infections.

[Note: the following information below was researched and authored by *Dr. Syeda Farzana Bibi, PhD and MSc, Botany & MEd.]

What are essential oils and how do they work therapeutically for sinus infections?

Let’s first remember that essential oils are extracted directly from plants through careful distillation to preserve the essential chemical compounds of the plant in liquefied form. 

It is these essential chemical compounds that contain the beneficial medicinal components that give the oils therapeutic qualities. Essential oils in this form of the plant are well known and documented for their stress and infection-reducing qualities [1].  Essential oils are considered a natural treatment source for a variety of common ailments like: various infections, skin diseases, body stress, and to help regulate sleep. 

Studies also reveal essential oils can significantly help improve sinus infections. The most commonly reported congestion issues in the sinus area could occur for multiple reasons: the common cold, sinus infections, flu, or inflammation of the sinus region [2].

Some oils considered natural solutions to relieve sinus congestion and ease the pressure in the sinus area are:

• Peppermint oil 
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Tea Tree Essential Oil

Some research indicates that essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory qualities and tendency to fight bacteria. In these cases, they help relieve pain and discomfort. 

While it is said that essential oils don’t cure the infection itself, they can help relieve the symptoms of congestion or nose blockage, and ease the flow of drainage through the nose. Because of this, the sinus area is relieved of pressure, and ultimately, one feels better [3].

Peppermint oil

Essential oil made of peppermint is the most commonly used remedy to fight a sinus infection. Inhaling peppermint essential oil helps relieve sinus congestion due to its cooling sensation and anti-inflammatory properties. This cooling sensation comes from the chemical menthol present in peppermint essential oil. Menthol is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Since the congestion is said to be due to bacteria, the inhalation of peppermint oil helps relieve the pain and congestion. [4].

Eucalyptus Oil

Another commonly used essential oil for sinus infections is eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus is a tree historically known for its medicinal properties.  It is widely used for making essential oils, medicines, and other pharmaceutical products. Many anti-congestion balms and rubs contain eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil contains cineole. Cineole is beneficial for sinus issues like runny nose, congestion, and nasal blockage. It also helps relieve the pressure built up in the sinus area and ease the flow [5].

Lavender Oil

Essential oil made from lavender plants found in the Mediterranean region is known for its anti-swelling properties. Lavender oil  is said to reduce pain and works wonderfully as a relaxant. This is due to the presence of analgesics. This component of the oil works as a pain-reliever or pain-killer and relaxes the body. One study shows consuming lavender oil for sinus infection reduces congestion and discomfort by reducing swelling and pain in the sinus area [6].

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil has both anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Bacteria and viruses are both causes of sinus infections, and tea tree oil directly fights the bacterial and viral bodies in the sinus region and helps relieve them. It is due to the Alpha-Sabine chemical component present in tea tree oil that helps reduce inflammation due to its antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal characteristics. [7]

How essential oils are used for sinus infection

There are multiple ways essential oils can be used to deal with sinus congestion. Common ways are to inhale the oil directly or add the essential oil to hot water and inhale the steam. Many people like to inhale peppermint oil on its own. The cooling sensation helps relieve the nose and clear the blockage, which helps with the sinus infection. The steam helps absorb all the vital components of the oil, reacts instantly to the blocked nose, and relieves congestion. 

Other ways are to put the essential oils in steam baths or mix them with warm water. The body absorbs the essential oils during the bath, and the aroma is inhaled through the nose. It helps clear sinus congestion and improves breathing. It helps relieve stress and pain. The person feels relaxed and light. [8]

As always before plunging into an aromatherapy bath, it is wise to do a skin test of the oil to avert any skin irritation. Try a few drop in the bath, and add the oils after the bathtub is full. Better yet it to submerge a face cloth into the water, place a drop onto it, fold the fabric and then gently inhale. Diffusing any of these oils is always easy and effective too. 

References

1. Dosoky, N. S., & Setzer, W. N. (2018). Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of Curcuma species. Nutrients, 10(9), 1196.
2. Karaca, N., Demirci, B., & Demirci, F. (2018). Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. subsp. stoechas L., Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata L. essential oils and their main components against sinusitis pathogens. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, 73(9-10), 353-360.
3. Türe, N., Yıldırım, C., Pınarbaşlı, Ö., Özüdoğru, E., Cingi, C., Demirci, F., & Karaca, N. (2021). An Investigation Into the Degree of Sinus Mucosal Delivery of Inhaled Black Cumin Volatile and Peppermint Essential Oils. Journal of Medicinal Food, 24(11), 1206-1212.
4. Türe, N., Yıldırım, C., Pınarbaşlı, Ö., Özüdoğru, E., Cingi, C., Demirci, F., & Karaca, N. (2021). An Investigation Into the Degree of Sinus Mucosal Delivery of Inhaled Black Cumin Volatile and Peppermint Essential Oils. Journal of Medicinal Food, 24(11), 1206-1212.
5. ALNAJI, Z. M., & ALI, A. K. (2021). Histological and hematological study of eucalyptus oil in the respiratory tract of mice. Iranian Journal of Ichthyology, 8, 397-411.
6. Lodhia, M. H., Bhatt, K. R., & Thaker, V. S. (2009). Antibacterial activity of essential oils from palmarosa, evening primrose, lavender and tuberose. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 71(2), 134.
7. de Groot, A. C., & Schmidt, E. (2016). Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. Contact dermatitis, 75(3), 129-143.
8. Lodhia, M. H., Bhatt, K. R., & Thaker, V. S. (2009). Antibacterial activity of essential oils from palmarosa, evening primrose, lavender and tuberose. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 71(2), 134.
9. Aziz, Z. A., Ahmad, A., Setapar, S. H. M., Karakucuk, A., Azim, M. M., Lokhat, D., ... & Ashraf, G. M. (2018). Essential oils: extraction techniques, pharmaceutical and therapeutic potential-a review. Current drug metabolism, 19(13), 1100-1110.

*Syeda Farzana Bibi, PhD, MSc, Botany & MEd - Since 2003, Bibi has dedicated her studies and energy to exploring the pharmacognosy and pharmacology of natural resources, particularly medicinal plants, for health benefits; Preparing powder drugs and extracts and evaluating the biological efficacy of bioactives, employing both in-vitro and in-vivo models and analyzing their mode of action; Drug discovery, molecular and biochemical studies.