Finding Sinus Relief in the Springtime

For some, the arrival of spring—goodbye, slush, black ice, and unexpected school snow days—also means the onset of the inevitable signs of allergies, including sneezing, watery eyes, and sinus congestion.

Though many individuals turn to over-the-counter allergy medicines, these sometimes cause grogginess that can make going about a busy increasingly difficult. The good news is that nature has its very own remedy for many of the symptoms caused by seasonal allergies.

Highlighted below are some of the best essential oils for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, and for sinus relief in particular. However, if you’re looking for a great all-around remedy that includes a blend of many of the essential oils highlighted below, try out Relieve MONQ.

Essential Oils for Spring

Bergamot Essential Oil

In a 2009 study, bergamot and wild orange were blended, and the combination of the two citrus essential oils helped fight bacteria, suggesting that citrus essential oils are well-suited to kill the bacteria that cause sinus infections in some cases.¹

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for sinus issues. A 2009 study that appeared in the Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources found that black pepper has antibacterial benefits, which makes it an excellent option for sinus woes. ²

Copaiba Essential Oil

A product of the Amazon rainforest harvest, copaiba has long been used to treat inflammation, which is the primary cause for spring sinus problems. It also acts as an expectorant, which helps clear sinuses.

A 2016 study found that the antibacterial benefits of copaiba are primarily created by the caryophyllene it contains. Meanwhile, a 2013 study from researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine found that the way caryophyllene reacts with receptors in the body promotes healthy immune system function.³

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil helps strengthen the immune system, according to a 2003 study.⁴

Geranium Essential Oil

An anti-inflammatory and analgesic, geranium oil can open closed airways, making breathing is easier. In 2014, Taiwanese researchers found that the compounds in geranium oil, especially geraniol, demonstrated antimicrobial activity that helped kill bacteria, including the bacteria that causes sinus issues.⁵

Lavender Essential Oil

A 2014 study that appeared in the European Journal of Dentistry found that lavender oil helped suppress the symptoms of sinus infections by keeping inflammation in check.⁶ Another 2015 study found that lavender oil helped ease the headaches associated with sinus congestion.⁷

Nerolina Essential Oil

Nerolina essential oil, an essential oil most common in Australia, contains cineole, a compound that is similar in aroma to eucalyptus and camphor and is an excellent natural expectorant to ease the congestion associated with allergies.

Ravensara Essential Oil

This exotic oil from Madagascar helps ease allergy symptoms due to its high levels of caryophyllene and cineole, which gives it a scent similar to eucalyptus, which opens up airways.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile is one of the most potent and versatile essential oils, so it’s no surprise that it can also play a role in helping ease allergy symptoms, especially hay fever. In 1897, William Thomas Fernie said chamomile was one of the most effective essential oils available on Earth, and nothing much has changed since then.

Conclusion

The onset of allergy season can make the arrival of spring feel bleak instead of bright. By tackling your allergy symptoms—especially sinus congestion—with essential oils, you can relieve your symptoms while still staying vibrant and active throughout the day. Try one of the essential oils mentioned above—or mix a few together for an allergy-busting blend—and prepare to reap the benefits they provide.

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