Nasal congestion is something that everyone experiences from time to time, but stuffy sinuses can be uncomfortable and irritating. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can help relieve sinus congestion, but some people don’t like the way these medications make them feel. Those looking for a natural alternative may be interested in learning about essential oil diffusers and how they may be able to help your sinuses.

What causes nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation, or swollen blood vessels, in the nasal passages. Inflammation in the nasal passages may be attributed to different triggers such as allergies (allergic rhinitis) or upper respiratory infections.

Allergies occur when the immune system mounts a defensive response against a substance that would not normally be considered dangerous, also known as an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, dander from pets, mold, and dust mites. A person with known allergies may experience a reaction after being exposed to an allergen. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more. Nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Another reason why people experience nasal congestion is an upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections refer broadly to any infection that affects the upper respiratory system, which includes the nasal passages, nose, throat, larynx, bronchial passages, and pharynx. Upper respiratory infections can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, and they are very common. Common upper respiratory infections include the common cold, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are derived from substances that are extracted from different types of plants through a number of different methods. These substances contain the scent and flavor of the plant, known as the plant’s “essence,” which is why they are referred to as pure essential oils. Each plant contains a unique combination of chemicals that give it its unique fragrance.

In order to extract the essential oils, the plants are distilled or pressed to release the compounds. It’s important to note that compounds that are derived by chemical means are not considered to be essential oils, as the compound has been altered by the chemicals. After these compounds are separated from the bulk of the plant, they are combined with an oil known as a carrier oil that allows them to be used either alone or in essential oil blends for a number of different purposes, such as massage therapy, aromatherapy, and sanitization.

Many people also use aroma diffusers to help influence their mood — for example, citrus notes like orange flower and lemongrass are commonly recognized for providing energizing effects, while jasmine and lavender are recognized for their soothing and relaxing effects.

Can an oil diffuser help your sinuses?

Essential oils have long been used as a natural medicinal treatment in order to provide relief for certain symptoms. One of the most common uses of essential oils is for the relief of sinus congestion, promotion of sinus drainage, and relief from a stuffy nose.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated the use of essential oils and their effectiveness. Therefore, essential oils are not considered medicine.

However, there are some studies that have been conducted that indicate that essential oils may be able to help relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. The majority of these studies have examined how essential oils work in animals or a lab setting, but there is some promise for their use in humans.

In general, the studies indicate that some essential oils may be able to:

• Help relieve pain
• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Support the immune system in fighting bacterial infections

While these qualities do not directly treat sinus congestion, their effects may provide relief for some symptoms of sinus congestion and help you feel better.

What types of essential oils can be used to help your sinuses?

There are several essential oils that may be able to help your sinuses feel better and help you breathe more easily. Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil may all help support sinus health.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils used for sinus congestion relief. There are two major reasons why peppermint oil may be useful for this purpose: menthol and potential antibacterial properties.

The primary compound in peppermint oil, which gives it its characteristic smell, is menthol. Menthol is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter products, such as vapor rubs, nasal inhalers, and throat lozenges.

The evidence is mixed regarding whether or not menthol actually helps to reduce congestion in the sinuses and nasal passages; however, it does provide a cooling effect that can make people feel better and breathe more easily. Some research shows that menthol may act on the mucus receptors in the nasal passages, helping to relieve congestion. Still, more studies are needed.

Peppermint oil has also been shown to have antibacterial properties in some laboratory studies. The compounds in peppermint oil have also been found to reduce inflammation in animal studies. However, no studies on the effectiveness of peppermint oil for the treatment of nasal congestion in humans have been conducted.

Tea Tree Oil

One type of essential oil that has been found in several studies to improve sinus congestion istea tree oil. Derived from the melaleuca tree, also known as the tea tree, tea tree oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.

Increased inflammation in the sinuses is known to contribute to nasal congestion and cause extra production of mucus. Diffused tea tree oil may help reduce inflammation in the sinuses, which can reduce congestion, and can in turn help to reduce the chances of infection caused by inflammation.

As a result of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, tea tree oil can also be used as a disinfectant and cleanser.

Eucalyptus Oil

Research also supports the use ofeucalyptus oil in providing relief for sinus congestion. The primary compound found in eucalyptus oil, known as cineole, has been found to have antibacterial properties. The compound may also act as a natural cough suppressant.

Eucalyptus oil is a common ingredient in several over-the-counter products that are designed to reduce congestion, such as vapor rubs. Studies found that eucalyptus oil was effective in a pill form for the treatment of sinus congestion. However, eucalyptus oil can also be used in a steam bath or placed in a diffuser. A study conducted in 2009 found thateucalyptus oil could help relieve symptoms associated with a runny nose, nasal congestion, and headaches that may result from sinus congestion.

Oregano Oil

Anecdotal evidence indicates that oregano oil may also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that could help support the immune system fight against bacterial sinusitis. It is believed that carvacrol, a primary compound found in oregano, may help slow or stop the growth of bacteria.

However, no published studies have been published that prove that oregano oil is completely effective for relieving sinus congestion.

Lavender Oil

Some people also use lavender oil to help relieve congestion. Unlike the other essential oils mentioned, lavender oil does not have any antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral properties. Instead, this oil has been shown inanimal studies to possibly have pain-relieving effects and may also help to reduce inflammation. No human studies exist to support the use of lavender oil for sinus congestion in humans, but anecdotal evidence suggests that some people do find relief.

Rosemary Oil

The final essential oil that is sometimes used for sinus congestion is rosemary oil. Like some of the other essential oils mentioned, rosemary oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help to reduce inflammation in the sinuses when diffused. Reduced nasal inflammation can help relieve nasal congestion, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce pressure in the sinuses.

Summary

Essential oils offer a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications that are designed to reduce nasal congestion.

While essential oils have not been scientifically proven to have a decongestant effect, their anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties may help support your immune system and help you feel better when added to a humidifier or ultrasonic diffuser, which can alone naturally help relieve symptoms thanks to the moisture they add to the air.

Essential oils that are commonly used for sinus congestion include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and lavender oil.