Typically caused by a virus such as a cold or flu, sinus infections can lead to uncomfortable and often painful symptoms such as headaches, coughing, and congestion that lasts for an extended period of time.
Thankfully, quick and natural relief from a sinus infection may be possible at home. Read on to learn about the best essential oils for sinus infection and other natural remedies.
Can essential oils help with sinus infection?
Natural remedies have helped people with sinus infection for thousands of years—and likely for much longer. Today, conventional and allopathic options such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, anti-inflammatories, etc. are considered “safer and more effective” approaches to sinus infection by doctors and health professionals. Thus, they are used more often and more “reliably” owing to certain scientific studies on these options.
Natural and home remedies, however, were once relied on as the main support for sinus infection long before these modern options existed, even if today they are considered not as effective by the medical community. Furthermore, these same natural remedies have been kept around in mainstream medicine for supporting symptoms of sinus infection in the form of natural cough syrups, lozenges, cough drops, vapors, chest rubs, and the like.
Many herbs also have mild antimicrobial or antibiotic properties which may help the body combat the infection directly, though these are not shown to be as (or more) effective than prescription antibiotics.
Essential oils are today considered some of the most effective, well-researched, and potent versions of the natural remedies once used as the main remedy for sinus infection. Many are still also used today to help these above symptoms. Some essential oils for sinus infection (or their compounds) are even still utilized as ingredients in some over-the-counter medicines for additional symptom support in major name brand health products.
With all this in hand, there is no doubt that essential oils help with sinus infection—if the right ones are used and if they are used safely and correctly as well. Research supports this, too.
Best essential oils for sinus infection
The below essential oils for sinus infection can be used in essential oil diffusers and even some humidifiers according to product directions. Breathe them in regularly to experience relief from cough, sore throat, congestion, and more.
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Cayenne
If you’ve ever eaten spicy food, then you’ll know very well the benefits that “heat” can bring to sinus symptoms. Cayenne, which can sometimes be found in essential oil form, is the most common and standard hot pepper you’re likely to find in the world of herbalism and herbal products.
Cayenne and other hot peppers contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for its spiciness. Studies indeed confirm that this compound can help with relief for idiopathic rhinitis symptoms and congestion.1 Capsaicin can have a decongestant and sinus-clearing effect. Plus, the right amounts in essential oil (or other) form is not painful! Though there can be a risk of eye or skin discomfort. Be cautious and conservative with use.
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Chamomile & feverfew
Chamomile and its close relative feverfew—the former more commonly found in essential oil form—may help with the inflammation around sinus infections. This in turn could support decongestant relief. Chamomile is also widely used by herbalists for supporting itchiness and allergy issues, which can plague the sinuses during infection as well.
One study also showed that inhalations of chamomile oil significantly helped with pain, inflammation, and many other symptoms dealing with respiratory viral infection, including obstructed breathing.2
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Eucalyptus
The leaves of this Australian tree contain oils popular today for natural respiratory therapy and support. One such natural remedy: gathering fresh eucalyptus leaves to hang as a bouquet under one’s showerhead, and then inhaling the steam for relief while you wash.
If you don’t have fresh eucalyptus, eucalyptus essential oil will do. Research and empirical use of the herb suggest eucalyptus may help most with sinus infection by opening up airways and lending some mild antimicrobial support to limit the infection. One study on use of eucalyptus oil therapy for upper respiratory problems showed that it also helped reduce inflammation throughout the body during illness, while also having a helpful anti-bacterial effect against sinus infection.3
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Garlic
This bulb vegetable and pottage herb is considered one of the most famous “herbal antibiotics.” It’s also antibacterial and generally antimicrobial, while its spicy nature can have a supportive sinus clearing effect as well.
Garlic essential oil is widely available and a top home remedy choice for sinus infection. Research shows that, thanks to its spicy active compound allicin, garlic is effective for helping the body combat bacteria and other infections that could lead to sinus infection.4
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Ginger
Much like garlic, ginger is one of the choice essential oils for sinus infection. It has anti-inflammatory benefits, antimicrobial compounds, and a hot / spicy profile that can help with sinus congestion relief. It is also one of the more common kinds of essential oils you can buy.
There is also plenty of research connecting ginger essential oil with sinus infection support and relief. One study shows that ginger may fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria, especially bacteria that can cause respiratory infections.5
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Mint (peppermint, spearmint, etc.)
Many equate the cooling sensation of mint with sinus support and relief—and there is something to this. It’s no coincidence that many cough drops, lozenges, and vapor rub products include the cooling vapors of menthol to help with opening airways and supporting congestion.
This makes mint essential oils (either spearmint, peppermint, or other types of mint) great candidates for helping sinus infections and relieving minor symptoms. One study shows that intranasal contact with mint vapors provided significant relief for nasal congestion, while another study suggested that mint essential oils may have antimicrobial activity to help directly combat the infection itself.7 8
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Oregano
Oregano essential oil has become a mainstay for natural cold and flu support over recent years. This makes it a good choice for at-home sinus infection support, and this may be due to its strong antimicrobial properties. It also contains some thymol, a natural ingredient in over-the-counter respiratory symptom products for helping congestion.
One study also shows that intranasal contact with oregano oil helped with inflammation related to chronic rhinosinusitis in patients—working almost like a nasal spray.9 This may suggest that it can have the same benefits for people with sinus infection and the same symptoms.
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Thyme
Thyme is a common and popular essential oil. And yet, it still often gets overlooked for home use. It has much in common with ginger when it comes to its potential home therapy benefits: including helping with symptoms of inflammation, infection, and even digestive disturbance.
Thyme is very high in the compound thymol (also found in oregano) which provides a natural ingredient for decongestant support in many over-the-counter sinus products. Research also strongly suggests that thyme is broadly antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving to further help with sinus infection issues at home.10
Using the above oils for sinus infection facial steam: Dilute oils with water, about 1 cup water to every 2-3 drops oils. Use only 1 drop cayenne essential oil per cup of water though caution is generally advised using cayenne at all for this approach. Burning or eye discomfort may result, though it will be effective for sinus clearing!
Place dilution in a clean stovetop pot and turn heat up to medium. Do NOT bring to boil or simmer—only a heating point that gives off strong steam. Place face over the pot and breathe in steam with deep breaths through nose and mouth until relief is experienced.
Using the above oils for quick homemade vapor rub: Blend oils with a carrier oil or a lotion, salve, or balm of your choice: 1-2 drops oil with every large dollar-sized dollop of one of the above mixed very thoroughly. Use only 1 drop with cayenne essential oil, and again, caution is advised!
Apply your homemade vapor rub mixture to chest or upper lip right below nasal cavity for ongoing relief throughout the day as you breathe.
Best essential oil blends for sinus infection
Multiple herbs or essential oils together with shared benefits are often better than one. For home support of sinus infections, here are some of the best blends you can put together for helping symptoms and finding relief.
Infection-fighting blend
Combine garlic and oregano when using the above methods with essential oils for sinus infection. The facial steam approach above is most effective for supporting infections.
Extreme decongestant blend
Combine mint, thyme, eucalyptus, and cayenne essential oils together when using the above methods with essential oils for sinus infection. Facial steam and chest rub are both applicable.
Pain and inflammation blend
Combine chamomile and ginger essential oils together when using the above methods with essential oils for sinus infection. The facial steam approach above is most effective for supporting pain or inflammation.
Other natural and home remedies for sinus infection
In addition to using essential oils for sinus infection, the following natural and home approaches may also help support the body’s fight against the infection—or, simply help with symptom relief for most people on a holistic level.
Some of these, like the facial steam and chest rub, can directly incorporate essential oils as instructed earlier in this article. Still, be sure to explore these and other approaches to sinus infection support at home in order to get the most relief and resolution for your pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
- Facial steam
- Chest rub
- Dehumidifier
- Nasal irrigation
- Hot shower
Sinus infections typically aren’t major health issues. They can be easily supported and possibly remedied at home. However, promptly contact your doctor and talk about prescription or other options for sinus infection if symptoms persist, worsen, or if you develop a high fever, a possible sign the infection could be getting worse, not better.
About Adrian White
Adrian White is a certified herbalist, organic farmer, and health, food, and agriculture freelance writer—and upcoming author. She is a past contributor to Healthline with bylines in The Guardian, Civil Eats, and Good Housekeeping. Adrian is also the co-owner and operator of Jupiter Ridge LLC, an organic farm growing diverse vegetables, mushrooms and herbs.
Sources:
1. Fokkens, W., P. Hellings, & C. Segboer. “Capsaicin for Rhinitis.” Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 16, no. 60 (2016).
2. Reva, T., E. Shorikov, & D. Shorikova. “Influence of Short-Term Inhalations of High-Concentrated Oxygen Adding of Chamomile Oil to the State of Local Immunity at Sore Throat in Adults.” South Asian Research Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 1, no. 2 (2020): 33-39.
3. Soleimani, G., E.S. Shahri, et. al. “Effectiveness of the Eucalyptus Inhalation on the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections of 5-15 Years Old Children.” Internal Medicine Today 27, no. 4 (2021): 566-575.
4. Shahid, M., I. Naureen, et. al. “Biofilm Inhibition and Antibacterial Potential of Different Varieties of Garlic (Allium sativum) Against Sinusitis Isolates.” Dose-Response: An International Journal 19, no. 4 (2021): 1-7.
5. Jemikalajah, J.D., F.O. Enwa, et al. “Antibacterial Potential of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract against Bacterial Isolates of Pulmonary Infections.” Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Science Research 8, no. 2 (2019): 62-66.
7. Parvin, B., S.A. Madani, B.M. Aliabadi, et. al. “Effect of Mentha Longifolia Nasal Spray 1.5% on Clinical Manifestations of 10 Patients with Nasal Polyposis, Case Series Study.” Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences 10, no. 6S (2018): 1873-1883.
8. Karaca, N., B. Demirci, F. Demirci. “Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. Subsp. stoechas L., Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata L. essential oils and their main components against sinusitis pathogens.” Zeitschrift für Naturforschung 73, no. 9-10 (2018): 353-360.
9. Qaraaty, M., S.A. Kamaneh, M. Tabarrai, et. al. “Effect of oregano oil (Origanum Vulgare L.) on chronic rhinosinusitis: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial.” Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 19, no. 2 (2019): 341-349.
10. Jain, B. V., S.R. Pawar, et al. “Utilization of Menthe, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Other Volatile Oils In Quick Remedies for Nasal Congestion.” Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery 27, No. 1 (2023): 1290-1296.