How to Clear Your Sinuses Naturally
You know the feeling. You can’t breathe through your nose, your head is aching so intensely it feels like it is going to explode and nothing seems to be able to give you any relief.
Time to call in the aromatherapy big guns for sinus relief – Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils
Both these oils will help to
reduce the inflammation of the mucous membranes,
liquefy the mucous within the sinuses (sounds disgusting doesn’t it … but as we say its better out than in!)
calm the mucous membranes so that they produce less mucous
open up the airways to allow for easier breathing
How to Soothe Your Sinuses
Here are 3 very effective ways to use these essential oils to soothe your sinuses:
Essential Oil Infused Warm Compress on the Face
Steaming Hot Shower with Essential Oils
Sinus Steam Bath
Essential Oil Infused Warm Facial Compress
This method is one of the easiest ways to help clear a block sinus.
You need:
Clean Washcloth
1 drop only Eucalyptus oil
Your Bathroom Sink
What to do:
Half fill your bathroom basin with hot water from the tap. Make sure it is not too hot…you want to be able to comfortably put your hands in the water.
Place the Eucalyptus essential oil in the water and swish around
Soak the washcloth in the hot water and wring out. Make sure that the cloth isn’t too hot for your skin
Lay down on on a couch or bed and place the WARM (not hot) washcloth over your nose and mouth (you can cover your face as long as the washcloth is fairly dry and you keep your eyes closed.
Breathe through the washcloth until it cools
Repeat as required.
Have tissues at the ready!
Steaming Hot Shower with Essential Oils
At the first sign of a head cold I head for the shower! Do this for an easy, effective way to clear your sinuses.
You need:
3 drops Eucalyptus Oil
3 drops Peppermint Oil
Shower with plenty of hot water
What to do:
Turn on the shower and step in.
Make the shower as hot as you you are comfortable with
Get a good steam up in the shower
Place the essential oils on the base of the shower away from the drain – you don’t want them washing away immediately!
Breathe in the steam as it mixes with the essential oils.
To increase the effectiveness of this method make sure you close the bathroom door, any windows and don’t turn on the extractor fan. We want as much steam as possible!
The Steam Bath – Aromatherapy Sinus Relief Big Guns
If all else has failed then a good facial steaming will often clear stubborn, blocked sinuses.
A word of caution though. This method involves boiling water, strong essential oil vapors and lots of steam. So great care is needed.
I wouldn’t recommend using this method with children or those with low blood pressure.
You need:
Wash Basin
Boiling Water
1 drop Eucalyptus Oil
1 drop Peppermint Oil
1 drop Tea Tree Oil
Large Towel
Glass of water
What to do:
Find a stable table where you can sit at comfortably with your head over the basin
Place the basin on the table and fill with about 2 litres of freshly boiled water
Add the essential oils to the water
Carefully position your face over the rising steam at least 30 cm (12 inches)above the basin.Make sure that the steam is not too hot and please do close your eyes as you don’t want to expose them to the essential oil vapours.
For added effectiveness and only if the steam isn’t too hot for you drape the towel over your head and basin like a tent.
Breathe in the vapours for as long as it is comfortable.
Take a breath of fresh air as and when you need it.
Stop the treatment immediately if you feel light headed or faint.
Immediately after the steam bath drink a glass of water to help re-hydrate and regulate the body.
Make It Yourself Chest Rub
Easy-to-make chest rub using Moon Haven Essential Oils
Check out our Make It Yourself Chest Rub recipe. Its easy to make especially if you already have our Aromatherapy Starter Pack.
This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject.
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Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist
While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan.
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Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
