Sinusitis Treatment Using Oregano Oil

Sinusitis is a condition where the air cavities within the passages of the nose are inflamed. The inflammation may be caused by an infection, or other problems such as allergies and irritation of the sinuses by pollutants or chemicals. The infection occurs when harmful microbes, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses, grow within a sinus and cause irregular blockage of the passage.

There are different types of sinusitis. They as follows:

• Acute sinusitis, which usually lasts up to 4 weeks.
• Subacute, which lasts more than 4 weeks and can go up to 12 weeks.
• Chronic, which lasts for more than 12 weeks. There are times when it can continue for months or even years.
• Recurrent, characterized by several attacks within a year.

This disease is quite common, based on the data released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that there were about 31 million adults diagnosed with sinusitis in 2009.

Sinusitis Symptoms
You may have sinusitis if you manifest two or more of the following symptoms.

• Blocked nasal passage
• Pain and pressure in the face
• Uncontrolled nasal discharge
• Cough
• Congestion
• Weakened sense of smell
• High body temperature
• Tiredness
• Halitosis

Typical Treatments for Sinusitis
Home remedies are used to give relief to mild case of sinusitis. These home remedies include steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, warm compresses and sleeping with the head raised higher than usual. Painkillers are also given to relieve headaches. Decongestant tablets and sprays are also given to encourage mucus discharge and reduce the swelling.

If these home remedies are not effective, the patient is advised to seek the help of a medical professional. Depending on the doctor’s diagnosis, he may be given antibiotics, anti-viral or anti-fungal medications. But this condition is difficult to treat because it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the infection. The cause of the inflammation can either be viral, fungal or bacterial. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are about 40 different molds residing inside the sinus cavities of those who are suffering from this condition.

Oregano Oil – Better Treatment for Sinusitis
With oregano oil, it doesn’t matter whether the infection is caused by a virus, a fungus or a bacterium. This essential oil can stop all of these pathogens, effectively. It has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies and experiments around the world, with the final verdict that it can stop the growth of all types of harmful microorganisms.

This oil is derived from the Mediterranean wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. The plant has been used for thousands of years, starting with the early Greeks, for treating common sicknesses such as colds, coughs, fever, respiratory problems, digestive disorders and skin diseases. We now use the essential oil extracted from the leaves of this plant for medicinal uses.

What Makes Oregano Oil a Powerful Germ Killer
Chemical analysis of oregano oil shows that it contains powerful phytochemicals, flavonoids and phenols. Its two main active agents are carvacrol and thymol. Together with the other substances, they all act synergistically to fight off the pathogens. There are hundreds of studies and tests that have adequately proven this fact.

Aside from its germ killing abilities, carvacrol, the main agent of oregano oil, also has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it was found that it also has significant painkilling abilities. This is the main reason why some medical authorities have used this oil for the treatment of arthritis – to reduce the inflammation and to relieve the joint pains. With this ability of oregano oil, it can be effectively used to stop and control sinusitis problems.

Using Oregano Oil for Treating Sinusitis
Treating sinusitis by using oregano oil is very simple, but very effective. Here are the steps on how this is done.

• Mix 1 to 5 drops of oregano oil in a glass of water or your favorite juice and drink it. Repeat this 2 or 3 times a day. An alternate way is to place 1 to 5 drops of the oil under your tongue, if you are able to stand its strong essence. Start small and increase the dose only when your body is able to adjust to it.
• Rub 2 or 3 drops of this oil, diluted with water, on the outside of your nose and also your cheeks. Let the oil stay there for a while. This will induce the opening of your nasal passages and relieve your clogged sinuses.

Additional Considerations
Oregano oil has a very powerful essence, due to its potent chemical substances. It is perfectly safe to use since it is 100% natural. This oil has no known side effects. But because of its potency, you may need to dilute the concentrated oil with virgin olive oil in order soften its effects on your skin and your system.