Easy Way on How to Use Coconut Oil for Sinus Treatment
Would you hate a seasonal shift because it still causes an assault on the sinusitis? Do you fear those few days of extreme discomfort when your nose seems to launch a World War III attack on your body? Well, this article is here to guide you in what you need to do.
When it comes to treating the debilitating effects of sinus infections, most individuals are willing to try just about anything. With such an array of treatment products available, however, it can be difficult to decide where to start or what option to choose.
Whether a sinus infection has just begun or has been hanging on for days (or even weeks), coconut oil is one of the safest, most effective natural remedies available.
About Sinus
Sinus congestion is one of the most common chronic health conditions people face today. Up to 40 percent of the world’s population suffers from some form of allergic rhinitis, which refers to persistent inflammation of the nasal membranes.
Symptoms of this malady include:
- Nasal discharge
- A stuffy or a runny nose
- An impaired sense of smell
- Facial pain and headaches
- Severe congestion
- The inability to breathe through one’s nose
Why Do We Get Sinus Infections?
Sinusitis is a condition where the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. It occurs when the mucous membranes in your nose get irritated by a cold, allergy, pollutants or exposure to dry or cold air.
This irritation causes membranes to become inflamed and stimulate mucous glands to secrete more mucous than the usual. Thus, mucus gets trapped in your sinuses and its accumulation can easily become infected.
How to Use Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is rich in something called lauric acid. This compound has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. To relieve congestion you can try this DIY “oil pulling” technique.
You can use coconut oil for sinus problems in a variety of ways:
1. Eat coconut oil
You can add consume it in your tea or coffee. Coconut oil contains lauric acid and monolaurin, which kills harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Thus, eliminating the cause of sinus infection.
Read: Can Coconut Oil Treat Jock Itch? Why it Benefits in Jock Itch
2. Coconut oil sinus rinse
To use coconut oil as a nasal rinse, add coconut oil to purified water and baking soda or salt. Use this mixture as nasal rinse using a dropper.
3. Coconut Oil Pulling For Sinuses
You Will Need
1 tablespoon coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Melt the coconut oil and swish it around your mouth like mouthwash.
- Keep swishing for at least five minutes. You can continue swishing for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day untill your sinuses clear out.
Why This Works
Oil pulling has been used in Ayurveda to draw out the toxins from the oral cavity. This process also increases the flow of lymph in your sinuses and clears the congestion and mucus build-up
Other Home Remedies For Sinus Pain and Infection
1. Essential Oils For Sinus
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops eucalyptus oil
- 3-4 drops lavender oil
- Add 3-4 drops of lemon essential oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the oils and pour a drop or two of this mixture on your fingertips.
- Massage it on your face, forehead, temples, and back of the neck with your fingers.
- Breathe deeply to inhale the vapors of these oils.
How Often You Should Do This
Reapply every few hours for maximum benefit.
Why This Works
Essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon help reduce pressure headaches and act as natural decongestants agents. Eucalyptus oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, while lavender oil is soothing for the mind and body. Lemon oil is an antifungal agent and also an analgesic.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Sinusitis
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 ounces lukewarm water
What You Have To Do
Mix the ACV in the water and drink this. You can also gargle with this mixture for added benefits.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink twice a day.
Why This Works
The vitamins and minerals present in ACV minimize the symptoms of allergy. It balances the pH in the nasal sinuses and clears out the excess mucus that has built up. It antibacterial and antifungal properties treat the infection that is causing the sinusitis.
3. Detox Bath For Sinus Infection
You Will Need
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 6-8 drops Tea tree oil
- Warm water
- A bath tub
What You Have To Do
- Add all the ingredients to the warm water in the bathtub. Give it a stir or two.
- Soak in this relaxing bath for 15 to 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Soak once every day for a calming and detoxifying experience.
Why This Works
Epsom salt pulls out all the toxins from your body and relaxes your muscles. Baking soda, being an antibacterial agent, will kill infection-causing microbes on your skin.
Tea tree oil is also an effective antimicrobial agent that will help clear out the infection in your sinuses as you are inhaling the steam from your bath.
Top Ways to Avoid Getting Sinus Infection
- Avoid sugar and grains: In order to avoid fungus and keep it in control, it is advised to avoid sugar and grains as fungus feed on them.
- Consume fish or cod liver oil every day: Both fish and cod liver oil are rich in omega-3 fats, DHA and EPA which is essential for improving the immune system.
- Have proper sleep: Lack of sleep affects the immune system. When you get good sleep, you become less prone to catching a cold and flu. Being a night owl may hamper the immune system and make you vulnerable.
- Physical exercise
Final Word
Many common treatments of sinus infections can actually lead to worsening of the condition. Coconut oil, however, naturally eliminates the infection, soothing the sinuses, and relieving inflammation as it does so.
Tried this coconut oil remedy? Did it work? Please send us your review!