Looking for essential oils for sinus headache? You have come to the right page.
In this article, you’ll read about some of the best essential oils for sinus headache that are evidence-based and considered safe to use.
Read: Essential Oils for Allergic Rhinitis
Contents
The Best Essential Oils for Sinus Headache
Here are some of the best essential oils:
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint contains menthol, which may help relieve sinus congestion and promote easier breathing.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help improve symptoms of sinus headaches such as pressure and fullness in the cheeks, stuffy nose, and achy feeling in the upper teeth.
Scientists believe that menthol affects the mucus receptors in the nose thus opening the airways and clearing the mucus.
An additional study published in 2012 found that methyl salicylate found in peppermint oil exhibited antispasmodic effects, which could help alleviate sinus headache symptoms, cramps, anxiety, and flatulence which are all resultant effects of sinus headache.
Read: Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits for Hair
2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is another amazing essential oil for sinusitis and congestion. It contains compounds such as cineole that possess decongestant and expectorant properties.
A small-scale study published in 2009 supports the claims that cineole is an effective treatment for congestion and sinus headache. The study found that effective intake of cineole can improve related symptoms such as nasal obstruction, headache, runny nose, and pressure.
Additionally, another study claims that eucalyptus essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help to reduce pain and sinus cavities.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Although there is limited evidence that lavender oil can help alienate sinus and its symptoms, there’s growing evidence that lavender oil can help treat several disorders including sinus headache.
Several recent studies show that it can help reduce pain and swelling as it is well-known for its calming and soothing effects.
While not directly studied for sinus headaches, lavender oil may help alleviate associated symptoms such as stress and tension, which can exacerbate headache discomfort.
Additional meta-analysis studies and systematic review shows that the use of Lavender oil can reduce pain associated with sinus and congestion.
Read: Lavender Essential Oil Benefit for Skin
4. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is one of the most studied essential oils with different studies showing that it can improve symptoms of sinus headaches.
It possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which may help fight sinus infections that can contribute to headaches.
Studies show that tea tree oil contains a compound known as alpha-sabine that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Frequent usage can therefore fight different bacteria that cause sinusitis and congestion.
Additionally, it contains anti-inflammatory properties that greatly help reduce sinus swelling. According to researchers, reduced swelling can relieve sinus symptoms such as stuffy and runny nose, pain, and pressure.
5. Rosemary Essential Oil
This is another very effective essential oil for infections in the upper respiratory system which may cause sinus headaches.
It contains alpha-pinene, camphor, and eucalyptol compounds. These compounds are very beneficial in treating infections, swelling, pain, and other related symptoms of sinus infections.
Studies show that the effective use of rosemary oil is beneficial for the respiratory system.
Additional research shows that rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce infection and relieve inflamed nasal passages.
6. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil has been effectively studied and proven to help reduce respiratory infections and conditions such as sinusitis.
It contains carvacrol which has antibacterial properties and stops bacteria from growing which causes sinusitis.
Additionally, studies show that oregano oil contains thymol, a compound that helps reduce sinus infection symptoms including swelling, pain, headache, and pressure.
Precautions!
- Do a patch test before the application
- Dilute essential oils before use
- Do not use for children under 5 years of age
- Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects
- Allergic reaction
- Sun sensitivity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How to Use Essential Oils for Sinus Headache?
Following are a few ways you can use these essential oils:
1. Steam Inhalation
Essential oils can easily be inhaled in steam to help with nasal congestion, relieving colds, and sinus headaches.
Pour a few drops of any essential oil of your choice into the hot tub and lean over the tub to inhale the steaming vapors.
You can repeat this 2-3 times a day for a few minutes until the issue improves.
2. Dilution/Massage
The dilution method is proven to be convenient in treating sinus and related symptoms.
Take an equal amount of both carrier oil and essential oil, and apply the mixture topically to the head, throat, and chest.
Repeat it daily 2-3 times until you see improvement.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the most common ways of using essential oils. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil and add it to a diffuser or humidifier.
The Bottom Line!
The above-mentioned essential oils for sinus headache are some of the best and safest essential oils that you can use.
Although they are safe to use, some people may experience discomfort with their use. In such as case, stop the use and consult with your physician if necessary.
The content present on this page has not been evaluated by any medical authorities e.g. FDA. All the information present is solely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for the medical advice provided by your physician. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or illness.
I am a medical student (MD) and a professional blogger. My aim is to help and educate people about essential oils and how they can be beneficial in improving overall health if used in a proper way.
