The sinuses in your head are air-filled cavities that contain pillowy glands that produce mucus. In addition to making your head lighter and easier to move, sinuses help you tilt and turn your head. Sinuses filter, warm, and moisturize the air that you breathe and can shape the sound of your voice. They also act like airbags, protecting the brain and other important tissues if you experience facial trauma.
A stuffy nose is a common nuisance that can occur any time of year, whether or not you have allergies. During the fall and spring, however, people seem to experience more sniffling because of the changing temperature, smells, and colors. There is a lot of pollen in the air during fall and school is newly back in session. The combination of HVAC systems and yearly viruses circulating the office and classrooms can do a real number on your sinuses. If you have allergies, they cause inflammation of the mucus membranes in the sinuses, which can cause itchiness, congestion, or sneezing.
When your nose is stuffed, your sinuses cannot properly filter, warm, and moisturize the air you breathe. Sinuses cannot drain as they should to keep the body healthy, and mucus remains inside them, which can increase the risk of bacterial or viral growth. That’s why you need to help unclog them as quickly as you can, and one way you can do that is by using a sinus relief balm. It contains powerful essential oils that are comparable to over-the-counter decongestants! Learn more about them below.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Get ready to breathe easier with eucalyptus essential oil in your life. You can typically find it in chest rubs and over-the-counter decongestant products because it is a common remedy for congestion or sinusitis. Eucalyptus essential oil contains cineole, a compound that may be a safe and effective treatment for sinus issues, according to a 2009 study. Research also found that cineole may help relieve symptoms associated with congestion, including headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is very popular in DIY beauty products, especially ones for hair care. This is because rosemary may promote hair growth by nourishing hair follicles. In regards to your sinuses, though, a 2016 review observed rosemary essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. The oil may help to relieve swollen sinuses and the antioxidants may work to manage metabolic syndrome, but more research is needed in that field.
Lavender Essential Oil
Not only does lavender essential oil help promote a sense of calm and better sleep, but it also may relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. It works to curb headaches and may ease seasonal aggravations that can cause congestion. According to an animal 2015 study, lavender essential oil exhibited analgesic and pain-relieving effects, which may reduce inflammation. Researchers cannot confirm if the oil has the same effect on humans, though, as it needs more testing. Given that lavender essential oil can promote sleep, it is beneficial to use when you’re congested.
Lemon Essential Oil
The decongestant effects of lemon essential oil may be comparable to those of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. Extracted from lemon rinds, lemon essential oil exhibits powerful decongestant and antibacterial properties. These properties may enhance immune function and manage sinus infections by fighting bacteria, which may exist in your sinuses.
DIY Sinus Relief Body Balm
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces beeswax pastilles
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 12 drops rosemary essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops lemon essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- To begin, fill the bottom half of your double boiler pot with water until it is about halfway full. Place it over medium-high heat and then add the beeswax pastilles to the top portion of the double boiler.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the beeswax breaks up properly. Once the beeswax starts to melt, pour the coconut oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl with the beeswax. Stir until completely melted and then turn off the heat.
- Add all of the essential oils to the mixture and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into balm containers and set the containers on the counter to cool at room temperature.
- Once the balms cool to a solid, screw on the lids and you’re good to go!
- When ready to use, place a small pea-sized amount of balm on your fingertips and rub it onto your chest and neck, or lightly dab under your nose. This will help open up your sinuses and promote decongestion. Make sure you rub the balm in well and apply to the back of the neck if you have head congestion.
