Get Natural Sinus Relief with Essential Oils

Here at ERCA, our two favorite essential oils for sinus pain and congestion are peppermint and eucalyptus.

Peppermint oil contains menthol which affects the mucus receptors in the nose, helping to open the airways and clear mucus. Lab studies show that peppermint oil may fight bacteria, one of the triggers of sinus congestion.

Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called cineole. Several over-the-counter decongestant products, such as chest rubs, contain eucalyptus oil. A small-scale 2009 study found cineole to be a safe and effective treatment for sinus issues and can be used interchangeably with peppermint oil for these purposes.

To use essential oils for sinus congestion relief, it is best to dilute them, then breathe in the scent. Do not swallow or ingest essential oils.

There are four main ways to inhale essential oils:

1. Inhaling directly: Add a few drops of essential oil to a tissue and gently breathe in, holding the tissue near the face. Be careful not to get essential oil directly on the skin, as it can cause irritation.
2. Inhaling steam: Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam. Placing a towel over the head can create a steam chamber.
3. Using a diffuser: Essential oil diffusers disperse the oil into the air. This is a gentle way to inhale essential oils continuously while at home.
4. Adding to a bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to a bath and gently inhale while soaking.
5. To apply essential oil to the skin, dilute it in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. The usual recipe is 3–5 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil.