6 Essential Oils For Treating Nasal Polyps

This post is about 6 essential oils for treating nasal polyps, some benefits from treating nasal polyps with essential oils include relief from blocked nasal and sinus passages by easing congestion and opening the airways.

Some essential oils are known for promoting drainage of the sinuses which leads to relieving a blocked nose and sinus stuffiness.

Which Essential Oils Can Help Relieve Blocked Sinuses?

Six essential oils, although not scientifically proven, have shown benefits with helping to relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps and sinus infections.

These include Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, Rosemary, Lavender and Oregano oils. Some of the characteristics of these oils help by reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria due to their antiseptic qualities.

Before trying any of these essential oils, consult your medical practitioner for advice relating to using them in your situation.

6 Essential Oils For Treating Nasal Polyps

Tea Tree Oil

According to a study, the tea tree itself possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, antimicrobial and immune stimulant properties which can all help to relieve the symptoms associated with sinus and nasal infections.

Tea Tree oil can help to reduce the swelling associated with nasal polyps and sinus infections thus allowing the airways to open, helping you to breathe more easily.

Tea tree oil can be used in a number of ways including diffusers or adding some to a pot of hot water then inhaling the steam. You can learn more here.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has been used widely for its decongestion and anti-viral properties as a cold and flu aid helping to relieve the associated symptoms of congestion and stuffiness.

A compound found in Eucalyptus Oil called cineole has been found to help relieve sinus and nasal symptoms such as runny nose, headaches and blocked sinus passages.

Application is much the same as Tea Tree Oil, ideally in a steam bath or diffuser.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol and this gives the user a natural cooling sensation which provides relief from inflammation. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the effects of nasal and sinus congestion.

Peppermint oil is used in much the same way as methods for Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils.

Rosemary Oil

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Rosemary Oil have been used as a food preservative for many years and is now being realized for additional health benefits.

It may help to relieve swollen nasal and sinus passages and therefore benefit breathing freely.

Typical method for using rosemary oil is like most other essential oils of using a steam bath, basically a couple of cups of boiling water with a few drops of oil added then place a towel over your head and inhale the stream.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has long been a favourite essential oil used for stress relief and as a relaxant to help calm you down. In addition, if used at night will help to give you a good, deep sleep which is essential for healing.

Lavender oil also has antibacterial agents which used correctly may help to relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps and sinus infections.

It does this by helping to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection and the anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and sinus pressure associated with these symptoms.

Diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) it can be applied topically to the chest, neck and back to help relieve symptoms or added to a humidifier at night to relieve stuffiness.

You can add a few drops to a steam bath and breathe the steam in for a few minutes before bedtime as well. Using it at night before bed helps promote a good night’s sleep and soften any phlegm.

Oregano Oil

Oregano has a component called Carvacrol which may help to fight off bacteria. The antimicrobial nature of oregano oil may slow the growth of bacteria which can be found in nasal polyp sufferers or patients with sinusitis.

How To Use Essential Oils For Treating Nasal Polyps

Essential oils can be used in a few ways to help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis and nasal polyps. These can include using topically, steam bath, a diffuser or humidifier.

Applying Topically

The best way to apply any essential oil is to add it too a carrier oil. There are quite a few you can choose from and the reason is so that they dilute the essential oil to make them safe to be applied to the skin without any side effects.

Some common carrier oils include coconut, almond, grapeseed and jojoba oil. The most common ratio of essential oil to carrier is around 15 – 20 drops of oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.

The reason for using a carrier oil is because essential oils are distilled from the leaves and other parts of the plant making them highly potent and if applied directly to the skin can cause a reaction.

Reactions can include redness, burning and irritation so therefore they need to be applied with a more soothing oil which are usually cold pressed oils.

Steam Bath

A steam bath is an ideal way to use essential oils as you are breathing in the vapour that is produced directly into the sinuses.

The best way is to boil a couple of cups of water and add around 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to it in a medium sized basin. Place a towel over your head with your head around 12 inches / 300mm away from the bowl and breathe the vapour in.

Do this for a few minutes at a time or until it starts to feel a bit stuffy. Have a break for a minute or so then repeat. Be sure to close your eyes as the vapour from the stream bath can irritate your eyes.

Another thing to be careful of is that you are using boiling water and should not use this method around children as it may cause serious burns.

You may prefer to add a couple of drops to a tissue or handkerchief and hold it near your face and very gently breathe in the vapour.

Diffuser

An oil diffuser is a great way to inhale the vapour through the day which is a rather gentle way of inhaling essential oils. Just add a few drops to the diffuser and let it do the work while you relax.

Humidifier

Adding a few drops of essential oils to a humidifier is another great way to get the effects while you sleep or go about your daily routine.

The humidifier will benefit most people that suffer from any kind of sinus condition making it easier to breathe so why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone and add a couple of drops of your favourite oil.

Some Precautions When Using Essential Oils

Ideally you shouldn’t use essential oils around babies or young children as their young bodies are not able to cope with many of the properties of essential oils.

Some people may have an allergic reaction or trigger their asthma when using or around essential oils. You should check with your doctor before using an essential oil and also keep away from children and pets.

You should NEVER ingest any essential oil.

Summary

Essential oils have been used as alternative remedies for many hundreds of years for their antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities.

The 6 essential oils for treating nasal polyps can be used to gain relief from your nasal and sinus symptoms if used cautiously.

Although there are no formal guidelines for their use, caution should be taken when using them and they should be used as an alternative and complimentary therapy.

While they are not formally recognised as a treatment per say, many patients have been found to get relief from many symptoms using them.

As always, check with your healthcare provider or physician prior to using any alternative treatments especially ones with essential oils.