Essential Oils for Sinus + Simple DIY Recipes

Sinus season is upon us. Whether it’s allergies or a spring cold—our respiratory system is feelin’ it. To kick congestion to the curb while boosting immunity and lowering inflammation, get your essential oils arsenal ready. 

Here are the best essential oils for sinus infections, stuffy noses, congestion, and how to use them. 

Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infections 

Frankincense 

Frankincense is one of the best essential oils for strengthening immunity and lowering inflammation. This is a go-to oil for sinus infection prevention. One of frankincense’s main chemical compounds is boswellic acid. A study showed that Boswellia acids increase white blood cell count—the cells that fight infection and speed up immune response. 

Tea Tree 

Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for killing germs. Its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties can help when nasal passages are swollen, blocked, and inflamed. The main reason why nasal passages get like this is due to pathogens, which is where tea tree oil comes in. Inhaling tea tree will help kill bacteria causing sinus infections. 

Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus oil is the best oil to use as a natural expectorant, meaning it breaks up congestion from the chest and nose. Because of its powerful compound, cineole, eucalyptus oil will also help relieve sinus pressure, reduce inflammation, and help clear up painful pressure. Further, eucalyptus has potent natural antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help reduce recovery time. 

Oregano  

Also known as nature’s antibiotic, oregano oil is one of the best essential oils for breaking up sinus congestion. As an expectorant and anti-inflammatory, oregano oil is a must-have natural remedy for decongesting and promoting antibacterial and antiviral effects. 

doTERRA Breathe 

DoTERRA Breathe is a fabulous proprietary blend of respiratory essential oils, including eucalyptus and tea tree, that can work to kill bacteria and viruses that cause sinus infections, headaches, colds, and flu. When you’re feeling stuffed up, diffusing Breathe or inhaling directly from the bottle will help open up airways. 

doTERRA OnGuard 

OnGuard is another powerful blend that can help strengthen immunity and protect the respiratory system from infection. The combo of these powerful oils (wild orange, eucalyptus, and more!) can be used topically or aromatically to purify and disinfect the air, surfaces, and the skin, especially during the beginning of allergy season. 

Essential Oil Recipes for Sinus

Diffuser Blend for Stuffy Nose 

• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
• 2 drops oregano essential oil 

Diffuser Blend for Sinus Infections 

• 2 drops of frankincense essential oil 
• 2 drops of tea tree essential oil 

Diffuser Recipe for Sinus Headache 

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil 
• 2 drops eucalyptus oil 
• 1 drop thyme or rosemary essential oil 

Nature’s Antibiotic Oil Remedy 

• 1 drop oregano essential oil 
• Veggie cap 
• Food grade oil

Instructions: Place one drop of oregano oil in a veggie capsule and fill the rest with a food-grade oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Take morning and evening for no more than 2-3 days. 

Sinus Relief Hot Compress 

• Damp, hot towel 
• 2 drops eucalyptus oil or doTERRA breathe 

Instructions: Place 2 drops of oil onto a damp, hot towel. Place on forehead or chest. 

Sinus Steam 

• Small boiling pot of water 
• 3 drops of essential oil (doTERRA Breathe/OnGuard, Eucalyptus
• Small Towel 

Instructions: boil a small pot of water. Add essential oils of choice. Place towel over head and inhale steam. 

To help beat a sinus infection before you get it, check out our Immunity Greens supplement. It’s packed with greens, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals necessary for strengthening your immune system.