How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Sinus Infection

The constant feeling of a runny nose, sometimes accompanied by pain, can leave you running around in search of a decongestant. Sinusitis is undoubtedly tiring in the long run. However, you will be surprised to know that this condition can be managed at home with essential oils.

Read on to find out how some potent essential oils work for sinus infections.

Note: There is limited evidence to show that essential oils may improve all the symptoms of sinus infections.

What Is A Sinus Infection?

The sinus is a cavity within the bones or tissues that make up your face or skull. These cavities are usually filled with air. When the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, microbes can grow and cause infection, leading to inflammation of the tissues lining your sinus. This condition is also known as sinusitis.

Sinus infections are classified into different types based on how long the infection lasts.

Types Of Sinus Infection

Acute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection usually lasts for 2-4 weeks and is often accompanied by a runny nose and facial pain.
Subacute sinusitis: This lasts for about 4-12 weeks.
Chronic sinus infection: This takes 12 weeks or longer to heal.
Recurrent sinusitis: This infection occurs several times throughout the year.

In the next section, we have discussed the causes behind the development of a sinus infection.

Causes Of Sinus Infection

Any infection in your upper respiratory tract can cause an acute sinus infection. Allergens, pollutants, viruses, and bacteria are the main culprits. The viruses damage the lining of the sinus, leading to inflammation and obstruction of the nasal passage that connects the sinuses. This obstruction allows the bacteria to multiply within the sinus and causes an infection. Allergens and pollutants also show a similar effect.
Fungi are the major cause of a chronic sinus infection. Individuals with weak immunity are more susceptible to such infections.
Pre-existing medical conditions, such as the common cold and nasal polyps, can also cause sinus blockage.

When you have sinusitis, you experience a range of signs and symptoms. The most common ones discussed below.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection

The signs and symptoms that accompany a chronic sinus infection are the same as that of acute sinusitis. However, the symptoms last much longer and are more severe. The common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Congestion of the nasal passage
A sore throat that is often accompanied by post-nasal drip
Facial pain
Aching ears
Headaches
Bouts of coughing that cause pain
Fever
Face becomes swollen
Dizziness

Sinus infection, especially the chronic kind, can cause issues and hamper your daily life. One of the best ways to treat a sinus infection naturally is using essential oils. Read on to find some of the best essential oils that can be used in the treatment of sinusitis and its symptoms.

How To Treat Sinus Infections With Essential Oils

Essential Oils For Sinus Infections

Some of these essential oils are safe to apply inside your nose along with a carrier oil. However, do a patch test if you are allergic to any of the essential oils listed below.

1. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is beneficial in treating sinus infections. Eucalyptol is one of the most significant compounds in this oil that has a minty fragrance and is widely used in cough syrups and throat drops. It is extremely effective in clearing blocked passages (1). It also possesses antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties, which can help relax the overworked chest muscles and fight infections (2). This oil is also relatively safe to use on toddlers (3 years and older) in moderation.

You Will Need

3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil
1 bowl of hot water

What You Have To Do

Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water.
Cover your head with a bed sheet or blanket and close your eyes and bend over the bowl.
Inhale the hot steam.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this whenever you want to get relief from congestion.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is quite popular for its wide range of medicinal uses. It contains menthol that exhibits decongestant properties (3). Peppermint oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties, all of which can help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis (4).

You Will Need

3-4 drops of peppermint oil
Diffuser

What You Have To Do

Add four drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser.
Inhale the air dispersed from the diffuser.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

3. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is one of the best essential oils for sinus infections. This oil is extracted from the lemon rind and exhibits amazing antibacterial and decongestant properties (5). These properties can help manage sinus infections and improve your immunity by fighting other bacteria that may try to invade your body.

You Will Need

25-30 drops of lemon essential oil
Humidifier/Vaporizer

What You Have To Do

Add 25-30 drops of lemon essential oil to a humidifier and place it in your room.

Note: Lemon essential oil contains limonene, which can degrade certain plastics. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the unit is compatible with essential oils.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily, preferably before bedtime.

4. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has a pleasant fragrance and exhibits natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and analgesic properties (6). It can also be used as a decongestant to clear the blocked nasal passages and relieve sinus infection.

You Will Need

8-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Epsom salt
Water

What You Have To Do

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and Epsom salt to your bathwater.
Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least 3 times a week.

5. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has high phenol content and is often used for its distinct flavor. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (7). These properties can help treat sinus infection and its symptoms.

You Will Need

1-2 drops of oregano oil
1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Mix a drop of oregano oil with a teaspoon of any carrier oil.
Massage this mixture onto your nose and chest.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least 1 to 2 times daily.

6. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil contains eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, and camphor, which are all beneficial for the respiratory system (8). It also has anti-inflammatory properties (9). This can help reduce the sinus infection and relieve the inflamed nasal passages.

You Will Need

2-3 drops of rosemary oil
1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Take a few drops of rosemary essential oil on your fingers and rub softly across your forehead.
You can also dilute this essential oil with any carrier oil and apply it to your nose and chest.

How Often You Should Do This

Follow this procedure whenever you experience sinus congestion or irritation.

7. Chamomile Oil

You Will Need

3-4 drops of chamomile oil
1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Mix chamomile oil with any carrier oil.
Gently massage this mixture on your chest and nose.
You can also use this oil in a diffuser.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this multiple times a day.

Why This Works

Chamomile oil is widely used for its wide range of benefits. It exhibits powerful antiseptic properties, which can help treat the infection-causing your sinuses to flare up. It also has anti-allergic and sedative properties (10). These properties can provide relief around the sinuses and improve sleep.

8. Tea Tree Oil

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it one of the best essential oils for sinus infections (11). It also acts as a decongestant and can help clear blocked nasal passages. Also, nasal saline irrigation using a neti pot is a proven remedy against sinus infections (12).

You Will Need

1 drop of tea tree oil
1 cup of warm water
1 tablespoon of sea salt
A neti pot

What You Have To Do

Add a drop of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of sea salt.
Add this mixture to a cup of warm water and mix well until it dissolves completely.
Bend over a sink and pour the solution into the upper nostril.
Keeping your head stationary, drain this solution out of the other nostril.
Make sure that you are breathing via your mouth throughout this procedure.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily. You can use it three times weekly once the acute symptoms are resolved.

9. Clove Oil

Clove oil is widely used to treat a variety of ailments, including sinus infections. It exhibits antiseptic and antifungal properties (13). These properties can help in reducing inflammation and preventing infection in the sinuses.

You Will Need

2-3 drops of clove oil
A diffuser

What You Have To Do

Add a couple of drops of clove oil to a diffuser.
Inhale the dispersed air.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

10. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties (14). It can provide relief from sinus infections by breaking up the phlegm in your respiratory tracts and relaxing the muscles of your lungs.

You Will Need

1-2 drops of frankincense oil
1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

Add two drops of frankincense oil to a tablespoon of honey.
Consume this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least once daily.

Caution: Make sure you talk to a doctor before trying this remedy.

Although essential oils can be helpful in treating a sinus infection, you need to take some precautions to reduce unintended effects.

Precautions While Using Essential Oils

Never use undiluted essential oils directly on your skin.
Do a patch test before applying an essential oil topically. This is because some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain oils.
If you are pregnant or have asthma, use any essential oil only after consulting your doctor and making sure it is safe for you.
Use essential oils only in the prescribed amounts.
All essential oils cannot be used for aromatherapy.
Keep essential oils out of children's reach.
You should ingest essential oils only after consulting a qualified practitioner.

Essential oils can be a safe alternative to over-the-counter nasal decongestants. Some of these oils also have therapeutic and aromatic properties that can relieve sinus congestion.

Although there is no direct scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of essential oils in treating sinus infections, they can help reduce the severity of the condition.

Never forget that moderation is the key while using these oils. Stick to the recommended quantity, and do not overuse them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for babies?

Some of these essential oils are safe for older children. However, consult a healthcare provider before using them on babies.

What is the best essential oil to use for clearing sinuses so that you can sleep better?

Essential oils like chamomile, lavender, and frankincense have sedative properties and can help clear your sinuses while also improving your sleep.

Can swimming cause a sinus infection?

Any viruses, bacteria, or fungi in the pool water can cause inflammation and worsen the symptoms of the sinus infection. Hence, affected individuals are advised to reduce the duration of their swims.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.

Effect of nebulized eucalyptus on contamination of microbial plaque of endotracheal tube in ventilated patients, Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4815372/
Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609378/
A Review On Peppermint Oil, Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237842903_A_REVIEW_ON_PEPPERMINT_OIL
Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China, Public Library of Science One, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4262447/
In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693916/
Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil, Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26247152
[The antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil (Origanum heracleoticum L.) against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa], Med Dosw Mikrobiol, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23484421
Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent, Journal of Biomedical Science.
https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8
Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in experimental animal models, Journal of Medicinal Food, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19053868
Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future, Molecular Medicine Reports, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
Melaleuca alternifolia(Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties, Clinical Microbiology Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, Canadian Medical Association Journal, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026511/
Microbicide activity of clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata), Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769004/
Frankincense–therapeutic properties, Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27117114