The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Denise (California) on 10/06/2022
My experience with using coconut oil in the nose and sinuses was Extremely difficult! I'm glad it helped some people but I would not do it again. It was like entering into a battle without knowing it!
I read a number of very encouraging posts about coconut oil in the nose & sinuses to clear up a sinus condition. I first tried it very gingerly by breaking a Q-tip in half and putting a little in each nostril, but not up beyond where the nose starts narrowing at the bridge. The next day my breathing was a little better. Then I did the same thing the next day but went up higher carefully with the Q-tip. The next day my breathing was even little better. The next day I melted some coconut oil and let it cool to warm, laid on my back and with my husband's help, driped maybe 1/8 tsp into the nose on each side, and turned my head side to side so the coconut oil could flow into the sinuses on the sides. The next day I was blowing my nose some and had a little sneezing. I thought, good it's cleaning some of that stuff out. I did the same thing a few days in a row but it didn't seem to make much difference. Then I used 2 or 3 times more and I hung my head upside-down so the oil could go into all sinuses, including on the forehead.
A couple days later I was blowing nose and sneezing like crazy. I had to constantly stuff kleenex up my nose and blow nose very often. The amount of sneezing and congestion was tiring, inescapable, miserable. But it got even worse, a couple days later I had thrush, a candida infection in the throat. I started gargling every day and painting the throat with a paste of baking soda and a bit of water. A few days after that both eyes especially one, had conjunctivitis and eyelids could not open very well. I kept one eye closed all the time because it was easier. I used various methods to treat the eyes. Salt water at times and boric acid other times, three or four times a day. Both were somewhat helpful, but the eyes took at least 3-4 months to mostly clear up. After a month or so I was only using the boric acid and salted water once or twice a day. One eyelid still did not open fully until about 9 months later. Sinus congestion, runny nose & sneezing went on in a Torrential way for about 3 weeks. Basically all I was doing was nursing all of my symptoms, sometimes looking on the internet for possible relief, Nothing else. After about 3 weeks it started easing up slowly but was still severe for several weeks more.
I now believe that I had a candida overgrowth in the sinuses (possibly especially bad in sinuses of the forehead). After using coconut oil I think that as candida was getting drained out of the sinuses some of it landed on my tongue and throat and created a thrush infection, and some traveled into the eye sockets creating eye infection.
Currently I am using a product called Xlear, spritzing 1 spray up each side of the nose twice a day. I think it's keeping the candida under control, but not diminishing it.
Denise
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jay (Vero Beach FL) on 03/19/2022
Hi Peter & Sara, sorry for your suffering. I can relate to what you went thru; I got rid of a severe fungal sinus infection back in 2018 by putting coconut oil in my sinus rinse. Coconut oil is both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Just add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of unrefined virgin coconut oil to your 8 ounce nasal rinse. Also, there is a product called Sinus-Serum that sells medical grade coconut oil for your sinus rinse that I use now and it works great. I like it because it was designed by medical people so I know it's safe & sterile. You can just google Sinus-Serum.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sara (Saskatchewan) on 01/16/2022
Please explain how you used the coconut oil. I have been dealing with a sinus infection fo 3 weeks now too. Thank you.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Laura (Ohio) on 01/14/2022
I put a speck of the solid oil right in my nostril. When laying down it melts on in quickly.
Coconut Oil
Posted by peter (chicago) on 01/04/2022
Can you clarify how to use coconut oil in your neti pot? do you actually put the oil along with the saline water? how much do you put in?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Joe (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 01/02/2022
★★★★★
I had covid last week, rather mild, but my sinuses took a beating. I have always struggled with dry and inflamed sinuses and will usually get an infection yearly. Well I tried getting into the local clinics to get an antibiotic. No luck. For 4 days I tried and they are so overwhelmed that the wait is 4-5 hrs if you can even get registered. So sitting in the parking lot this morning I came across your website. I went to the store and bought some coconut oil and went home and started applying it in my nostrils and using it in my neti pot. It is evening now and I am in bed and I feel wonderful. I have no pain. I have no congestion. And best of all, I can smell and taste my food again. I am amazed that this happened in less than 12 hrs and I dont need and antibiotic or prednisone. I am going to continue using the oil daily in hopes of not needing the Afrin any longer. Thank you so much! Feel free to use this as a review.
Coconut Oil
Posted by sshz (annapolis, md) on 12/28/2021
★★★★★
I've been dealing with allergies and poor sinuses since 2005. The nasal dryness was as bad as it gets, I was miserable day in and out. I've seen numerous doctors, allergy specialists, ENT doctors and on and on. I was constantly sick..........my latest MRI of my sinus cavities showed an infection deep down at the bottom of the sinuses, which was worse at night and while laying down.
About a week ago I was reading about the benefits of coconut oil and decided to take a few drops and put it deep into my nostrils. I also mix a bit in my netti pot with warm water.
So, I'm using steam, coconut oil drops and the netti pot with warm water and some oil. The improvement has been nothing short of amazing. I even cancelled a doctor appointment I had scheduled for tomorrow.
I'm a new guy of late, my mood is a lot better, and I'm not obsessing over my nasal issues any more. I strongly recommend everyone try this remedy, it's been nothing short of amazing.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 05/14/2018
It's very easy to melt coconut oil. Just fill a saucepan with HOT tap water. Place the entire glass jar of coconut oil in the water. The coconut oil will start to melt and after @10 minutes will become mostly liquid. Then you can either pour the melted coconut oil straight from the jar, or dip a spoon into it to get the amount you need.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Ric (London) on 05/12/2018
I don't think you should microwave the coconut oil, better to boil water and let the container holding the coconut oil sit in a hot water bowl/cup till it liquifies.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jenna (Nc) on 06/01/2017
★★★★★
Was skeptical but hopeful coconut oil would help my severe sinus infection I've had for a few days now. I put about a tablespoon of Coconut oil with salt solution in my neti pot bottle. I kept shaking it b/c naturally oil goes to the top. In minutes I felt like a new person where my right nostril had been very clogged all day, I even debated staying home form work. I feel amazing now, I don't know how long it will last but I will be trying the q-tip with coconut oil swabbed in my nose if I need to throughout the day!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Eric (San Juan Capistrano, Ca) on 04/17/2017
★★★★★
Coconut oil worked for me! I have a terrible dry sinus infection. I tried everything but it only got more dry and painful. Out of desperation I got a baby dropper syringe and squirted a decent amount of coconut oil up my nose, as it dripped down into my maxillary sinus I could feel the relief and the dry pain went away. Not sure how long the relief will last but for now I'm pain free and not dry. It's amazing... I suffered for 6 weeks with dry bleeding sinuses and right now they are nice and comfortable. I will also be adding coconut oil to my sinus squeeze bottle rinse like others suggested, I agree the saline solution leaves the sinuses dry after a rinse.
Thanks everyone for the conversation and tips. Hope we all feel better soon!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Leanna (Lafayette, La) on 03/30/2017
I suffer with chronic rhinitis that often leads to sinus infections, which I am currently dealing with. I do not have insurance to go to the doctor and it is getting worse. Will the coconut oil cure the severe infection?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Plumington (Yorkshire) on 03/23/2017
★★★★★
Coconut oil for relief from sinus problems.
I put a teaspoon of coconut oil in my morning cup of peppermint tea and gargle with it. Make sure that it goes right to the back of the throats and if possible above the upper pallet.
I also oil pull with it every morning and take a teaspoon before every meal.
I had suffered sinus problems for years and all of the above have provided me with a new lease of life, especially gargling or any method of getting the CO onto the upper palle.
ACV is also v good mixed 50 / 50 with water (1/2 a cup of each) and inhaled as steam.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jwrife (Walnut Creek, Ca) on 03/05/2017
★★★★★
Trick for including coconut oil in sinus rinse bottles.
I have two saline rinse squeeze bottles, and decided to modify one to make it better at delivering coconut oil with the saline rinse. Oil naturally rises to the top when mixed with water, which means no matter how much you shake the bottle, you'll get almost only water out until the mix is almost all gone, since the inlet to the deliver tube is at the bottom of the bottle. So, I took a tiny drill bit (you could use a hot pin or needle too) to put a 2 tiny holes in the plastic tube right up near the top. So when you squeeze water comes up from the bottom but some of the oil floating on the surface is mixed in through the tiny holes. In this way you are bathing your sinuses with the oil/saltwater mix with every squeeze, start to finish.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Vanda (Ca) on 02/28/2017
Yeah, you don't need to melt it. Just a q tip and it melts as soon as it hits the heat inside the nose.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Juanita (Kansas City, Ks.) on 01/28/2017
I am so excited about this remedy.. I suffer with sinus infections year round. I really suffer at night. I have plenty of coconut oil. Thank You Jesus!
Blessings
Coconut Oil
Posted by Barb (Santa Clarita, Ca) on 01/14/2017
★★★★★
Sinus infection treatment:
I put organic coconut oil on a q-tip and suaved one nostril and tossed that q-tip in the trash, used a clean q-tip and started this process for the second nostril.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dee269 (Las Vegas, Nv) on 01/05/2017
★★★★★
THANK YOU! I've had a sinus headache for 2 days! Grabbed my neti pot /salt/ and the organic virgin coconut oil we use in the kitchen. mixed it all up - Relief!! Instant. I can still feel that there is an infection but omg this is wonderful. An hour later it is even better! I usually heat my water a bit since I don't like cold neti, so it easily melted the oil.
Coconut Oil
Posted by C (London U.k. ) on 12/16/2016
Thanks - Just tried it too after days of feeling awful - Went to Doc who said to try Sudafed nasal spray. Which worked for while, but did not solve my issue. So in desperation I found this conversation. I already had coconut oil which I use regularly but not for sinusitis, so gave it a go, and my gosh after 5 mins all the gunk is gone and I can breath so much easier! Thumbs up to you.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mike H (London) on 11/25/2016
Day 3 Update - My nose feels better than it has for more than 10 years. Along with it, all of my other feelings of viral infection (heavy head, aching, fatigue) have now also lifted as a result of the coconut oil. I'm sinus rinsing with it 3 times a day and also drinking a tsp dissolved in hot water (I don't drink coffee), as well as 'oil pulling' with it. All bases covered and I'm feeling so good! Thank you to whoever in the world found this miracle solution and thanks all for sharing it!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mike H (London) on 11/23/2016
★★★★★
I'm totally with you! I feel almost euphoric that I might finally have found the solution to this debilitating issue. I've tried everything from rinses, anti-histamines, steroids, sprays, steam baths, decongestants, kimchii and even surgery - nothing has worked. And one go with the coconut oil in the netipot and it is feeling so much better. No dry, irritated feeling that usually accompanies it! How many times a day would people suggest doing the coconut oil in neti pot rinses?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Kristin (Seattle, Wa) on 09/17/2016
★★★★★
Also along with my sinus issue I got a post nasal drip sore throat and cough...when my throat was super dry and I was having a hard time sleeping due to coughing/dry irritation in my throat just popping about a 1/4-1/2 tsp of coconut oil in my mouth and letting it melt and then swallowing coated my throat enough to allow me to sleep. Wanted to mention since it's another way to use this stuff that I buy in bulk and use in SO many ways.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Ann (Tucson, Az) on 06/12/2016
★★★★★
I have been on a strong course of prednisone for yet another sinus infection without any relief. My daughter sent me a link to this page and I immediately made a neti pot with 1 tbsp coconut oil and salt solution. It opened my passages and has given me the relief I needed within minutes. Then I did a coconut oil pull for the mouth, again more relief. If only I had this information years ago I would have not suffered - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Coconut Oil
Posted by Loni (Nevada) on 05/09/2016
After you do your oil pulling at night before bed, sprinkle some probiotic from a capsule in your mouth also. It works really good for sore throats, infected ears. etc. Just let it sit in there throughout the night so it can set up it's garden of good bacteria while you sleep. You'll be amazed of the power it has.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Marcia (Seattle) on 04/23/2016
With all due respect, you clearly put it in the microwave for too long so it became too hot.
If one either puts it in for 5-10 seconds or sets the microwave to a lower temp and puts it in for 20-30 seconds -- and then tests it with their finger to make sure it's not too hot -- then putting it in the microwave should be perfectly safe.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Denise (Vermont) on 03/25/2016 25 posts
Simply half fill a porcelain cup with warm water, or microwave it warm and then put the coconut oil in a container and immerse that container in the warmed water. Doing this rather than letting the tap run for a long time needn't use too much water. Good to see people who are conscious of water!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Chisky (Chi Town) on 01/29/2016
I put it in my nose when it is solid, it is melting on my fingers as soon as they touch it.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Joshua James (Detroit) on 12/10/2015
Try leaving it out on a warm room. Also you could use a syringe. You can get them at a drug store. Many time they give them out free. Haven't tried this yet. But I am going to. I have also heard that many sinus problems are caused by fungus. From what I have read; antibiotics have cause fungus to run rapid.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Starhawk (Houston Tx) on 12/05/2015
Please do not ever liquefy coconut oil in the microwave, I burned my mouth horribly (I warmed it up to do oil pulling) this way and my whole mouth turned white with burns; it was a very painful and scary experience and I had to take pain killers etc.
I will add another additional note: I also put just a slight amount (what seemed like a few drops but could have been one short squirt from the bottle) of grapefruit seed extract in liquid form added to a tablespoon of coconut oil for oil pulling. It could have been the grapefruit seed extract that burned me or the warm coconut oil but I burned my mouth badly, so please be careful what you add to coconut oil and also never liquefy it in a microwave, please be safe.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 11/16/2015
Linda, have you tried oil pulling with coconut oil instead of applying it inside? I have found oil pulling to help PULL out whatever is up those sinuses.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Linda (Rochdale) on 11/16/2015
Hi, how many drops of coconut oil in my nostrils? I hope it works. My problem is the bridge of my nose inside plus inflamed inside my left nostril, my nose on the left blocks as soon as I get in bed, my ears are congested, I can't use anything in my nose that would aggravate it. Thanks
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jade (Ojai, Ca) on 07/30/2015
Just a gentle reminder to everyone, especially in CA; you can put solidified coconut oil in the microwave for just a couple of seconds to liquify it. Try to avoid running the faucet unnecessarily whenever possible, drinking water is a limited resource, thank you-
Coconut Oil
Posted by Bonni (Richmond, Va) on 03/19/2015
★★★★★
OMG I just used a little extra virgin coconut oil with sea salt and warm water in a neti pot. My sinus is opening up, it was so soothing to my nose and the back of my throat. I held a nostril closed and sucked it till it hit the back of my throat and came out my mouth. I put some warm coconut oil in my ears too. I'm going to brush my teeth and do some coconut oil pulling also. Coconut kills mono and strep throat germs. I've had tooth aches and stopped them by swishing the coconut in my mouth for 20 minutes. Its been over 10 minutes and I don't feel like I have a sinus infection at all. My left inner ear is a little sore. My sinus's were so bad I didn't know my ear was hurting. I don't know how often I should use this but I will start out using it every 3 hours. I didn't even use a 1/2 teaspoon. I will use a tablespoon next time.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lisa (Austin, Tx) on 01/21/2015
★★★★★
I was thinking it was my imagination, but happy to see others experience the same results. It's cedar season in central Texas and I am highly allergic. I've been sniffing and sneezing all week, constantly congested. Tonight I made some biscuits using coconut oil ... the coconut oil really came through in the biscuits, for me too strong (I'm not a fan of coconut), however 10 minutes after eating the biscuits I noticed that I could breathe again! I kid you not! Hello coconut oil, my new friend - I'll be adding you to my coffee in the morning!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Iona (Devon) on 01/14/2015
★★★★★
Just tried neti pot with warm salt water and a teaspoon of coconut oil for my sinusitus and has cleared my passages fantastically. First time in a week I have been able to breath properly. Magic! Thank you.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Autum (NH, US) on 12/22/2014
★★★★★
It's about 9:57 am and I had just finished a slice of bread with half a tsp of coconut oil. My sinus activity seemed to have settled down and my nose isn't as runny and am not coughing as much. Can feel an improvement though it's only been a few minutes. Also throat is feeling less itchy.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Meera (Trinidad And Tobago) on 12/18/2014
I have used coconut oil for external purposes and oil pulling sometimes, but never up the nose! I do suffer at times with sinus so I will definitely try this! How often is it recommended to be done? Thanks
