Contents:
- Medical Video: Aromatherapy : Aromatherapy Sinus Recipe
- Overview of sinuses
- Various essential oils for treating sinusitis
- 1. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
- 2. Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus Globulus and Radiata)
- 3. Mint leaf oil (Mentha piperita)
- 4. Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis ct. Verbenon)
- How to use essential oils for treatment
Medical Video: Aromatherapy : Aromatherapy Sinus Recipe
Infection of the sinuses usually causes blockages and makes it difficult to breathe or sleep. This condition also usually causes painful pressure behind the eyes. Certain essential oils can be natural sinusitis drugs to relieve and eliminate the infection.
Overview of sinuses
Sinus is a sac or cavity in any organ or tissue in the body. However, the term sinus is most often used to refer to the paranasal sinuses, namely the air cavity in the skull (skull), especially those around the nose.
The nose and sinuses produce about one liter of mucus and secretions every day. This mucus passes through the nose, washing and cleaning the membranes from dust particles, bacteria, and air pollutants. Sinus also greatly affects the tone and sound quality. However, its main function is to produce mucus that cleanses and moisturizes the inside of your nose.
This one organ is indeed prone to inflammation or infection. Well, inflammation or infection of the sinuses is known as sinusitis (but the mention is often shortened to sinus).
Various essential oils for treating sinusitis
Some studies show that there are certain essential oils that can relieve symptoms of sinusitis. Here are some essential oils that can be used as natural sinusitis drugs:
1. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
A study in 2006 found that tea tree oil or tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Because inflammation and bacteria in the sinus tissue are often the cause of blockages, this oil is considered capable of relieving symptoms.
The aroma of oil made through the distillation and evaporation of plants from Australia will feel fresh, warm and slightly stinging. Therefore, this oil can be used as a medicine for natural sinusitis.
2. Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus Globulus and Radiata)
Eucalyptus oil is known as a good decongestant drug (reliever nasal congestion and upper respiratory distress) because of its strong antibacterial and antiviral content. Usually this oil is used as aromatherapy because the aroma is sweet, fresh and long lasting.
A 2009 study found that cineole, which is the main component of this oil, is an effective and safe treatment for sinusitis that does not contain antibiotics.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), 1.8 cineole helps cleanse the air of bacteria and other microbes. It can also help cleanse the slimy airway and become a natural cough suppressant. In fact, many drugs that contain eucalyptus because the content in it is very useful.
This oil can help prevent and eliminate flu symptoms, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties effectively relieve swelling in the interior of life and treat respiratory problems.
3. Mint leaf oil (Mentha piperita)
The main compound of mint leaf oil is menthol. Menthol produces a cold sensation and helps relieve breath. This oil from American plants has a fresh and minty aroma that is quite sharp. The decongestant properties make this oil an option to relieve respiratory blockages, including the sinuses.
However, because of the strong sensation of coldness, this oil is not recommended for use in children under the age of three.
4. Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis ct. Verbenon)
Rosemary oil is an oil that has the highest hydrogen content of all essential oils which makes it very warm. This oil is used as a stimulant for the body's immunity. Its strong, fresh and warm aroma makes it function to relieve respiratory problems such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and flu.
Its mucolytic, decongestant and expectorant properties make this oil able to relieve excess mucus. For those of you who are pregnant and have hypertension (high blood pressure) or seizure disorders, avoid using this oil because it has the potential to have undesirable effects.
How to use essential oils for treatment
The best way to use essential oils to relieve a blockage due to a sinus infection is to breathe it. You can breathe oil in several ways, including:
- Inhale steam by dripping essential oils into hot water. This method is highly recommended to get maximum benefits. NAHA recommends adding three to seven drops of essential oil to boiling water in a large pan or 1-3 drops if using a small bowl. Use a towel to cover your head, and try to breathe through your nose for a maximum of two minutes. Be sure to close your eyes when doing this procedure so that aromatic vapors from essential oils do not enter your eyes which can cause irritation.
- Inhale essential oil directly from the bottle. You can also add a drop of oil to a handkerchief, cotton or tube inhaler to be inhaled.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your bathtub if you plan to use it as aromatherapy.
- For aromatherapy massage, add a few drops of essential oil on lotion or your favorite massage oil.
Keep in mind, essential oils as natural sinusitis drugs should not be applied directly to your skin. You have to melt it with other ingredients such as olive oil, joboba oil, water or lotion. Using it directly on the skin can cause burns, rashes, and itching.
Essential oils are safe when inhaled in low doses and short periods. If you breathe in high doses and for a long time, you may experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea. In addition, essential oils should not be swallowed because they contain strong compounds that can cause toxic side effects. Preferably, first consult the use of essential oils as a natural sinusitis medication for your doctor or therapist.
