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Eucalyptus for Sinus Allergy Relief

More than 40 million people in the United States are affected by allergic diseases, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. One of the most common side effects of allergies is sinus congestion, sneezing and nasal drainage. Some people use medications, but for those who prefer natural remedies, eucalyptus is one of the most effective herbs in treating sinus issues related to allergies. The website exitallergy.com says that eucalyptus helps calm coughs, relieves congestion and loosens mucus.

  1. Eucalyptus as a Rub

    • Use eucalyptus as a chest rub to alleviate sinus congestion. Purchase petroleum jelly from a pharmacy and eucalyptus oil from a health food store. Place ¼ cup of the petroleum jelly in a container. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and mix well. Apply a liberal amount to the upper chest, just below the neck, and breathe in the vapors to loosen mucus and open the sinus cavity. Apply two to three times a day for a maximum of seven days.

    Eucalyptus as a Vapor

    • Use eucalyptus as a vapor in steam for severe congestion. The combination of hot steam and the aroma of eucalyptus oil will soothe and calm the inflamed sinus cavity. Boil a pot of water on the stove. Add five drops of eucalyptus oil and let it boil for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat under the pot. Put a towel over your head and lean over the pot, breathing in the steam. Breathe in deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Keep your head under the towel for five minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.

    Make a Saline Wash

    • Make a nasal saline wash with eucalyptus to moisturize and reduce swelling in the nasal cavity. Purchase a neti pot from a pharmacy. Mix a cup of warm water with a ½ teaspoon of sea salt and stir it until the salt is dissolved. Add three drops of eucalyptus oil to the mixture. Pour the solution into the neti pot and then into a nostril, allowing it to come out the other nostril. Repeat as often as necessary. If sinus issues do not go away in 14 days, consult a doctor.

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