Lavender oil -- an all-natural remedy for sinus relief

Learn how you can use lavender oil for sinus relief.

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Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : October 14, 2015 9:34 AM IST

Are your nasal passages blocked or do you have a nagging headache? Well, you may be suffering from sinusitis. When the lining of your sinuses (the area just above your eyebrows, the inner part of your eyes and cheekbones) gets infected and inflamed, it leads to pain and discomfort. You may have tried antibiotics for sinus relief, but this approach can help you get instant relief naturally. Lavender essential oil has potent antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic (painkilling) and expectorant properties that can give you relief.

How does it work?

  • Being antibacterial in nature, the oil helps fight germs and bacteria that cause the infection[1].
  • Lavender oil clears your sinuses by reducing the inflammation[2].
  • Lavender oil has analgesic properties that help with sinus related headache [3].
  • Inhaling the essential oil eases breathing when the sinuses and lungs get choked with phlegm[4].

Steps to use

  • Bring two cups of water to boil and pour the boiling water into a deep bowl.
  • Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bowl.
  • Cover your head with a towel and breathe the steam in from the bowl.

Follow this routine two times a day. The steam will thin out the mucus and decongest the airways. It will also open the clogged sinuses and promote draining [5].

Alternatively, you can add 10-15 drops of oil to your hot water bath and soak in it for 10-15 minutes. The water will relax your muscles and the medicinal properties of the oil will work on your senses, helping you breathe comfortably [6].

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References:

[1] and [2] Lodhia, M. H., Bhatt, K. R., & Thaker, V. S. (2009). Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, Evening Primrose, Lavender and Tuberose.Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 71(2), 134 136.

[3] Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A, Sharif B. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Nov;89(1):67-71. PubMed PMID: 14522434.

[4] Sayorwan W, Siripornpanich V, Piriyapunyaporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Ruangrungsi N. The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012 Apr;95(4):598-606. PubMed PMID: 22612017.

[5] and [6] Paricia Davis, Aromatherapy An A-Z: The most comprehensive guide to aromatherapy, 1988, 177-Page

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