a community of practitioners

Sinus/allergy problems

There are times in my practice that I deal with sinus/allergy problems and I would like to add some aromatherapy to this work. Would it be advisable and if yes, what blends would be recommended for this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Edwards on July 26, 2009 at 2:44pm

Have you tried peppermint? If you are open to Young Living Essential Oils, go to www.oil-testimonials.com/11232 and do a 'Search' on allergies....you will be amazed! Let me know how it works!

Permalink Reply by Jackie McLaughlin, LMT, MTI on July 26, 2009 at 8:25pm

Hi, Heather. For allergies, I have used Lavender - but it must be therapeutic grade - not the stuff you purchase at the health food store. I like Young Living the best. Other good oils for sinus issues are eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus globulus. Also, a little peppermint works pretty good in clearing a stuffy nose. Good luck!
www.youngliving.com/489107

Permalink Reply by David J. Razo on August 20, 2009 at 3:57pm

Hello, Lavender smells wonderful and is a versatile EO. I haven't used it for sinus/allergy problems but frequently i place a few drops on my pillows when i go to bed. It has a nice calming affect. As far as the use of peppermint EO for sinus/allergy problems.....what application (diffuse, on skin, etc..) has the best therapeutic response? What is your experience with this? Thanks!

Jackie McLaughlin, LMT, MTI said:

Hi, Heather. For allergies, I have used Lavender - but it must be therapeutic grade - not the stuff you purchase at the health food store. I like Young Living the best. Other good oils for sinus issues are eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus globulus. Also, a little peppermint works pretty good in clearing a stuffy nose. Good luck!
www.youngliving.com/489107

Permalink Reply by Mae Onosaki on October 6, 2009 at 2:38pm

I like rosemary and eucalyptus globulus. Add tea tree if my sinus problem is becoming a sinus infection. I make a steam tent by putting a few drops in near boiling water and leaning over it with a towel draped over my head. A diffuser works well too.
One of the LMP's I trade with puts a drop or two on a cotton ball under her face cradle to help keep supine client's sinuses clear. I do notice a difference.
If you or your clients use a neti pot to rinse their sinuses, I have heard a drop of tea tree added to the saline keeps infections at bay. I haven't tried this personally, though. But I'm sure I will before winter is over.

Permalink Reply by Gerry Bunnell on October 7, 2009 at 5:15am

Chamomile is good for alleviating allergic reactions and very soothing. Mae, you may want to try including that along with the tea tree in the neti pot.

A mix of peppermint and lavender is wonderful for sinus pressure headaches. I like to apply the oils to the posterior cervical region up to the sub-occipitals and also on the forehead and base of the nose on each side. Take care not to get close to the eyes, the peppermint can be very irritating to sensitive tissues.

I agree with Mai, rosemary and eucalyptus are great for opening the sinuses.

Peace

Permalink Reply by Katharine Koeppen on November 14, 2009 at 2:26pm

There are many different essential oils that are useful for sinus oongestion/allergies, including eucalyptus radiata, sweet myrtle, bay laurel, basil ct. methyl chavicol, rosemary (any chemotype, although cineole is preferred), hyssop decumbens or peppermint. Try 2 or 3 of these in combination. I see that many people are recommending lavender here, but it's not going to help sinus problems or pollen allergies. Lavender has a mildly immunostimulant effect on the body, but is not indicated for upper or lower respiratory issues, unless you are using Lavandula stoechas, which is not recommended for beginners due to neurotoxicity.

-Kath Koeppen, registered clinical aromatherapist
www.aromaceuticals.com