A flair up of the sinuses can leave you feeling awful. The symptoms associated with sinusitis vary from blockage in the nostrils to pressure felt around the eyes, face and head. Although sinusitis can make you miserable, there are some natural ways to treat it that involve aromatherapy and other holistic techniques.
Aromatherapy
The essential oils suggested for treating sinus problems include eucalyptus, peppermint and bergamont. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It purifies the air by destroying bacteria and germs. This oil is an essential for physical health and environmental. Peppermint oil contains a significant amount of menthol that clears the respiratory tract. This element makes peppermint oil an effective relief for sinusitis and nasal congestion. Certain components of bergamont essential oil neutralize germs, virus and fungi, making it another defense against sinusitis.
Add several drops of any three of these essential oils to a bowl of hot water and inhale for up to 10 minutes. A World of Aromatherapy recommends not using this method if you suffer from asthma.
You can create an oil mixture using a few drops of an essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba. Massage the oil around the base of your head. Then start your massage from the inside of the eyebrows and move the massage toward the temples.
Another technique, using the eucalyptus essential oil, is to create a steam facial. Fill a medium- to large-size bowl with steaming hot water with four to six drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Place a towel over the head like a tent. Place your face over the bowl and inhale the steam. The towel should help prevent much of the steam from escaping. Inhale for five to 10 minutes.
Holistic
A holistic approach to treat sinus problems can provide a clear solution. New Medicine and Alternative Health Journal provide a method that involves pouring warm, salt water solution through your nose for a nasal cleanse. You'll need salt, 7 oz water and a Neti pot. Pour 7 oz warm water into a neti pot or use a small watering pot with a tapered spout. Add a pinch of salt or just enough salt until the water tastes like tears. While standing over a sink, tilt your head to one side until your ear is parallel to the floor. Begin pouring the salt-water solution into the upper nostril and allow it to drain through the lower nostril. Then repeat the same steps pouring the solution through the other nostril. Do this two to three times daily. New Medicine suggests using the nasal cleanse four times a day when you're experiencing bouts of sinusitis.
If you suffer from frequent or chronic sinusitis, see a doctor.
Tags: essential oils, eucalyptus essential, nasal cleanse, salt water, sinus problems, solution through, suffer from