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Unleash Oregano Oil Benefits for Sinus Infection Relief

| Modified on Nov 15, 2024
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Oil of Oregano for Sinus Infections

You're not alone if a sinus infection has ever bogged you down. Countless individuals across the globe suffer from sinusitis annually. There's an age-old, natural solution to this ailment: oregano oil. This humble essential oil, derived from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant, is a potent agent that could provide relief from sinus infections.

Oregano Oil: A Natural Powerhouse for Health

Oregano oil is rich in phenols, specifically carvacrol, and thymol. These compounds are renowned for their antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help fight off harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes oregano oil ideal for addressing the bacterial cause behind many sinus infections.

The Science Behind Oregano Oil for Sinus Infections

Research evidence has increasingly endorsed the effectiveness of oregano oil in combatting respiratory tract infections. According to one study, oregano oil, among other essential oils, showed substantial inhibitory effects on several bacterial strains, including ones often implicated in respiratory infections.1

Adding to the evidence is another comprehensive review published in Molecules in 2017. The review highlights that oregano essential oil exhibits biological activities beyond its antimicrobial properties, including anti-inflammatory benefits.2

When it comes to sinus infections, a common symptom is inflammation within the sinus cavity. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of oregano oil, particularly due to its key components carvacrol and thymol, might aid in mitigating this inflammation, subsequently alleviating sinus congestion and discomfort.

Using Oregano Oil for Sinus Relief

One common method of using oregano oil for sinus infections involves diffusion. Place a few drops of this powerful oil in a diffuser or in a pot of steaming water and inhale the steam. This method allows the beneficial compounds in the oil to reach your sinuses directly, promoting clear breathing and potentially reducing sinus congestion.

Alternatively, oregano oil can be taken orally in capsule form. This method allows the oil's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds to be distributed throughout your body, potentially providing additional benefits beyond sinus relief.

Safety Considerations

While oregano oil is a natural remedy, it is potent, and safety measures should be taken. It's recommended to dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil if applied topically to avoid skin irritation. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid using oregano oil unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always follow the recommended dosage to ensure safe use.

Conclusion

The power of oregano oil for sinus infections lies in its unique chemical composition, which provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether you choose to inhale it through diffusion or take it orally, oregano oil could offer natural, supportive therapy for those enduring sinus infections.

Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have tried Oregano Oil for their sinus infections, and let us know your experience!

Resources

  1. Manohar V, Ingram C, Gray J, Talpur NA, Echard BW, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans. Mol Cell Biochem. 2001 Dec;228(1-2):111-7. doi: 10.1023/a:1013311632207. PMID: 11855736.
  2. Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties. Molecules. 2017 Jun 14;22(6):989. doi: 10.3390/molecules22060989. PMID: 28613267; PMCID: PMC6152729.

Related Links:

Find Relief from Sinus Infections Naturally
Oregano Herbal Remedies
Oregano Oil Health Benefits
Quick Sinus Relief: Natural Remedies for Congestion

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.
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Posted by Michelle (CT) on 08/28/2023
 ★★★★★

Oregano oil from Swanson 10/1 5 caps x3 daily. for 10 days. This will also kill a UTI in 24 hours. Oregano oil can lower iron, so I take some extra while taking this. My history with sinus issues is epic. Starting at 15 [ I am now 63 ] Years non stop antibiotics. I developed a cyst in my left cavity the size of a grape that needed to be surgically removed. I was told I had be flat on my back for 10 days. Just not happening. Got a recommendation for another doctor. Diagnosed a congenital deformation in my left sinus that prevented it from draining completely. Surgery would have been a waste. He put me on claritin x 2 daily - Sudafed x 2 daily and simple amoxicillin. for 30 days. Day 28, after increasing pain and many assurances from the doc to just be patient, I hear a loud snap in my head and suddenly it felt like a fan just got turned on inside my brain. All I needed was to dry it out. The doc told me if I took one Sudafed every morning, I would never get another infection again. That was 27 years ago. Since I have serious allergies, I doubted his assertion. I've only had 4 and now I take the oregano oil at the 1st sign. Oregano oil is being studied for Lyme disease. It's amazing.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Sakkwa (Bedford, Virginia ) on 07/31/2022
 ★★★★★

I had heard of this b4 but never tried it. To make a long tale short, went camping, came home with sinus infection. Been suffering for a couple days stumbled upon this article. Being a Native person, we have some herbs. Happened to have the Oregano Oil. So I gave it a try. Within minutes, I cleared stuff out and began to breath so much better. I will most definitely continue use. Thank the Lord above and you for posting this article. I pray he blesses you for helping others with this info. Bezon!

Oregano Oil
Posted by Robert S. (USA) on 06/22/2022
 ★★★★★

Oil of oregano is one of the most potent anti pathogens available. It kills everything including the good bacteria in your gut so taking it longer than 10 days is not recommended. You can make it yourself by soaking it in olive oil for a while to extract the active ingredients.

For simple ease of use, I just buy the oil in supplement form & use it as needed. You could also try to wash your nasal passages using a regular nasal saline squeeze bottle, no need for Nettie pots or wasting money on them, the standard nasal saline bottle works better, you can control the Flo better so no pain or discomfort & can be used to just rinse out the nose with plain water.

Replied by Marsha G.
(GA)
06/26/2022

I've found that using a facial mister (abt $9 at Amazon) is really a great way to get the mixture where it needs 2 go - I use one daily with HP 3% saline + distilled water.

Replied by Mitch
(Illinois)
10/10/2022

Just don't rinse out your sinuses with plain water from the tap. People have gotten the brain eating amoeba doing that.

Replied by Jane
(Morgantown, WV)
02/11/2023
★★★★★

Many trusted sources report that Oregano oil does not kill healthy gut bacteria. A neti pot will also work better than a saline spray bottle if your upper sinuses are infected, so if there is pain in radiating to the forehead, cheek bones and/or jaw, try a neti pot. Using plain water will often produce a burning sensation so use saline. Be cautious if sinuses are extremely plugged. Water from the neti should flow freely. Oregano essential oil is extremely hot so I wouldn't recommend it in a neti pot and always dilute it with an oil like coconut or sweet almond, even when taking in a capsule. It can also be mixed in a liquid and swallowed. Three drops twice a day is usually effective.

Lisa
(VA USA)
09/08/2023

Thank you for the dosage information. I've searched for the last hour!

Oregano Oil
Posted by UnDoctor (South Carolina) on 06/18/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Prior to using oregano oil blend (OOB), whenever I felt a cold coming on, I would gargle and/or use a qtip with 50/50 Hydrogen Peroxide and water to swab the inside of my nose. This worked well to hold off most infections, but there were times that swabbing the nose was not enough to reach the deepest regions of the sinus cavity.

I had been googling the topic and stumbled across people inhaling or using the neti pot to solve the problem. Since I wasn't interested in using a neti pot, it seemed logical to me to somehow get the OOB vapors into my nose and throat. The good news is that it was VERY EASY, and quick. All I had to do was microwave half a cup of water in a mug for 2 min and put 2 drops of OOB in it. Once it was ready, I would take 20 to 30 deep breaths (working my way up to it, since the first few inhalations sting) over the next couple of minutes (with eyes closed, otherwise it will sting your eyes). The great thing about OOB is that it has multiple traits. It's anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. But the thing that really surprised me is that it's also an anesthetic/analgesic.

So, while the first 10 sniffs stung, after a while the stinging went away and OOB's analgesic property kicked in. Any pain or discomfort in my sinuses or throat was pretty much eliminated, and that lasted many hours. If the pain lingered I would do another round. That alone (the pain relief) would be enough to recommend the regimen, but it also hits the viruses and bacteria causing the problem. Wow! And to cap it all off, each “treatment” costs about 3 cents.

To be clear, if your pain is in your sinuses, inhale via your nose. If it's in the throat, inhale through your mouth. With throat pain, I would also do the water/peroxide gargle to hit it from both sides.

Without any doubt, this is the MOST powerful thing in my arsenal to fight colds and viruses. It's truly amazing. And I'm shocked that there's not been more written on the Internet about this. Most people recommend putting a few drops of OOB under the tongue, but I've tried that, and it doesn't compare to the immediate benefits of inhaling it. I hope you try this out and reap the benefits. God Bless you all!

Replied by JedEyEmEyEnd
(Los angeles california)
07/31/2022

Right. and I have wild oregano oil. So heres the deeper issue....It's in the deeper parts of my sinuses cavities guys. Like the top/back of my head...If you've ever done snuff guys...and you feel that tingling in the top of your head... that's where the infection really is...deep in there. I do a borax/salt navage last night...and it helped for sure...i felt a war going on in my head...top topback of it...wondering if there are any ideas on how to remove the biofilms using a navage to deliver it to the back of my head. Any ideas?

Laurie
(Plano, TX)
01/01/2023

I use a water pik. You can buy a “nasal irrigation attachment” for the waterpik,, this way it delivers the salt, baking a soda, warm water saline mixture deep into the sinuses to flush them. Goes in one nostril and comes out the other often dragging out mucus buildup with it. I can remove large volumes of mucus goop this way.

Replied by Cass k
(USA)
11/08/2022

Have you had an MRI to see if you have sphenoid sinus disease (look it up)? I do and I have that top of head pain. I'm going to start dropping colloidal silver in my nose (upside down so that the CS gets into my back sphenoid sinus).

Oregano Oil
Posted by Pay It Forward (PNW) on 01/23/2022 59 posts
 ★★★★★

Oregano Oil for a Sinus Infection

Ingest once a day. It's very powerful. You can also steam inhale. Post nasal drip is thought to be caused either a fungus or mold that's got into the sinus. Get a lrg bath towel, a small saucepan pot of hot water, and wild oregano oil. We like Oreganol (no affiliation, just like it). Place 5-6 drops wild oregano oil in the pot, cover your head and pot with the towel, close your eyes, and breath in deeply through your nose. You can do this am & pm.

Oregano Oil
Posted by TwinkyToze (Burlington, ON) on 01/27/2020
 ★★★★★

I read about oregano JUICE for sinus infection here years ago. I got an infection that simply wouldn't budge. Very distressing. Thick obstructive post nasal drainage discharge pressing on my swallowing mechanism, waking in the middle of the night gasping with completely blocked airways. I am a huge proponent of oregano for infections and viruses but this thing wasn't moving an inch with all the capsules and oil I was throwing at it.

Then I remembered about the JUICE option and thought well hell, if it doesn't work then I'll just have to knuckle under and go the antibiotic route. I ordered a couple of bottles of juice, and last night they arrived. I diluted 4 capfuls in 250ml distilled water and ran it through my sinuses with a neti pot.

Within an hour – ONE HOUR – I noticed there was no more pressure on my swallowing mechanism. I went to sleep normally and was not disturbed once overnight. In the morning, back of my throat still clear and “dry”. i'm clearing a rhinovirus right now and there was some disturbance later in the AM but I ran the oregano juice through again at noon, and as I type this, my sinuses feel clearer and lighter than they have in many many weeks. I also use the juice in dilution in my waterpik to gently disinfect my gumline. This stuff is truly God's gift. Now with the first two cases of confirmed 2019NCoV only twenty minutes from where I live, I am armed to the teeth with oregano.

Stay well, friends.

Replied by NM
(Florida)
04/25/2020

Where to you get oregano juice?

Replied by Bill
(Boston, Ma)
09/23/2021

I have a 60 day Sinus infection that is still plaguing me. I take oregano capsules just twice daily. I just started 2 days ago. I have no blockage nor anything coming from my mouth or nose, just pain in the sinuses for 60 days!

I am trying different things. I haver the nasal wash machine I use salts and iodine and sometime s a little Hydrogen peroxide. Does not seem like the nasal flush gets in to the sinuses but only the nostrils. Very frustrating.

Elsa
(New Zealand)
09/24/2021

try to poultice clay on both cheeks, make a paste of green French clay and spread in paper towel. Do it bedtime and avoid all dairy.

Love Elsa

Kristy
(Ontario)
10/31/2023

Could be nasal polyps. I have had 3 surgeries to remove them. The constant pressure headaches and post nasal drip were the main symptoms. They got much worse when I had a sinus cold or infections as they would block the drainage. Might be worth talking with an ENT

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
09/24/2021

Hi Bill, you know what worked for me? Coconut oil! I applied it topically... A few times a day I applied a liberal amount on my face and temple area. The sinus pain and pressure resolved very quickly after having suffered for over a week or 2. I had previously tried neti pot rinses and other herbs (can't quite remember now), but was pleasantly surprised when the coconut oil finally knocked the infection out. I may have rinsed / oil pulled with coconut oil too. (Again, not sure since it was several years ago) If I were to get another infection I would also rinse / oil pull for 5 minutes once or twice daily until resolved.

Oregano Oil
Posted by TwinkyToze (Burlington ON) on 01/27/2020
 ★★★★★

I read about oregano JUICE for sinus infection here years ago. I got an infection that simply wouldn't budge. Very distressing. Thick obstructive post nasal drainage discharge pressing on my swallowing mechanism, waking in the middle of the night gasping with completely blocked airways. I am a huge proponent of oregano for infections and viruses but this thing wasn't moving an inch with all the capsules and oil I was throwing at it.

Then I remembered about the JUICE option and thought well hell, if it doesn't work then I'll just have to knuckle under and go the antibiotic route. I ordered a couple of bottles of juice, and last night they arrived. I diluted 4 capfuls in 250ml distilled water and ran it through my sinuses with a neti pot.

Within an hour – ONE HOUR – I noticed there was no more pressure on my swallowing mechanism. I went to sleep normally and was not disturbed once overnight. In the morning, back of my throat still clear and “dry”. i'm clearing a rhinovirus right now and there was some disturbance later in the AM but I ran the oregano juice through again at noon, and as I type this, my sinuses feel clearer and lighter than they have in many many weeks. I also use the juice in dilution in my waterpik to gently disinfect my gumline. This stuff is truly God's gift. Now with the first two cases of confirmed 2019NCoV only twenty minutes from where I live, I am armed to the teeth with oregano. Stay well, friends.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Kim (Belleville Illinois ) on 01/14/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had sinus infections for 8yrs straight!! Like clock work had to go to doctors for antibiotics. The problem with that is it was causing Year infections due to killing all good bacteria in my body as well. Finally I went to the health food store in dire straights, all stuffed up and asked the naturalist what to do? She said put 3 drops of oregano oil in a shot glass of warm water and in 3 days you will feel a ton better and won't need that antibiotic! Sooooo thankful! I also use to be on Zyrtec every day of my life because I suffered with postnasal and vertigo. Ever since I have been taking oregano oil, I am medication free. If I start to feel any symptoms, I may take a shot or two a day and it takes away all symptoms. During cold and flu season, I take one shot every day or every other day! Amazing stuff!!

Replied by Sylbill
(Oh)
02/13/2017

I could not take one sip of oregano oil & warm water, too strong, burnt my mouth. I spit it out.

Replied by Kayla
(Houston)
03/02/2017

SAME here - the oil is STRONG and it burns very bad to go down my throat :(

Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
03/03/2017

Re-read the above about "How to use oregano oil". NOTE: However, as one reader warns, oregano oil must be diluted with another oil like coconut or olive before being placed under the tongue to avoid burning your mouth. (Anyone who finds the taste objectionable can put the oil into an empty gel capsule.)

Oregano Oil
Posted by Elizabeth (Phoenix, Az) on 06/06/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I take the time to write this review in hopes it will help someone like me. Oregano Oil sounded hokey to me, but I was DESPERATE, dealing with chronic sinus disease for almost 2 years, extreme pain, pressure in my head on a daily basis that would turn into severe migraines from all the pressure in my head. Dizzy constantly, not able to work & look at my computer w/o getting a migraine. Finally had sinus surgery in hopes it would cure me, but it didn't. Taking daily notes & diaries to log every food, allergy med, etc. I was taking & googling every possible remedy I could think of, I came across Oregano Oil. Started 3 drops with apple & lemon juice, twice a day. I noticed changes right away but didn't want to get my hopes up. After about a week or so, I had NO symptoms!!!! I was thinking it was a fluke & for sure would come right back. NOPE, I got my life back!!!! I still have recurrent infections I can feel coming up, if that happens I make sure to start another Oregano Oil routine (having one right now :( But I recommend it to anyone I know & I tell everyone. Including my doctors who laugh it off.

Replied by Marilyn
(California)
06/21/2016

How much lemon juice for your mixture?

Replied by Claire
(Seaham)
07/04/2016

Can I ask do u just add the drops to your drink? And are u taking this daily without fail or just when u feel infection coming on I'm unsure what to use the oil or capsules. Thanks

Replied by Rlbennett
(Danville Pa)
11/20/2016

Will a oregano oil pill also work? I just started taking them. Chiropractor said it should help kill the bad bacteria in my belly.

Replied by Vfloerke
(Omaha, Ne)
01/10/2018

Yes, the pills work fine. Read online reviews on Amazon, there are different strengths and qualities - but for those who hate the taste or the burning sensation, pills are the way to go. I use them for myself all the time, and even my kids sometimes (at a lower dose) when they have ear aches or sinus infections.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Adele (Florida) on 03/27/2016
 ★★★★★

I have sinus infections all the time. My sister told me about oil of oregano. I took 2 capsules each day...one in the morning and 1 at night. I did this for 7 days and my infection went away.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Anonymous (Southeast) on 09/07/2015
 ★★★★★

I've had profound good luck with Oil of Oregano helping to prevent sinus infections. I was getting the sinus infections very often. I take the 00 tablets whenever I'm around young children, fly in an airplane or any other situation I formally would get a sinus infection.

Since doing this, I have not gotten a sinus infection. I think it is an excellent preventative and MIGHT work for a mild sinus infection. Of course, one must see a doctor for any serious infection.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Ann (Southeast, United States) on 07/31/2015
 ★★★★★

I too have had good fortune with Oil of Oregano. I've had many sinus infections over the last three years. I would get them very easily...especially when around children. I probably got one every three months. I now take two O of O tablets a day when I'm around children, flying or if I have even the tiniest symptom. And, so far, so good. I've also observed it like a miracle stop a cold in it's tracks with friends and relatives. I believe it is a blessing.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Sam ( Miami) on 04/14/2015
 ★★★★★

Best Way to Take Oregano Oil

Just take in an empty capsule. Read my post about clove oil. Greater quantity of oil is required when swallowed than when simply held in the mouth. Inhalation puts oil molecules directly into the blood stream through the alveoli of the lungs, as well directly to the brain through the olfactory nerves which connect to the central brain. French school of aromatherapy says the best way to optimize the benefits of EO is to be open to administering them by any and all pathways, by nose, skin, mouth, intestines (suppositories), rectum, and or vagina, depending on the situation. Either way you apply it will immediately reach your blood due to small size of its molecules. Try to apply on the soles of your feet or a throat, you will immediately taste it in your mouth. Read about safety measures in my post about clove oil. Oils are smarter than antibiotics. They have homeostatic intelligence. Myrtle oil for example can stimulate an increase or decrease in thyroid activity depending on person's condition.

Oregano Oil
Posted by Sam (Miami, Florida) on 12/11/2014
 ★★★★★

Best Way to Take Oregano Oil

Get Inhaler Maholda, a clear glass inhaler and inhale oils. It has an attachment to inhale through nose. This cheap medical device is worth million times more than it cost. Different oils for differrent purposes. Oils cross blood brain barrier and can be used for neurological or any kind of health issues. Get free book on butterflyexpress oils for guidance. The inhaler is very cheap, don't overpay. It is invented by a german scientist and maybe found in russian/ukranian shops. It cost 29 grivna in Ukraine. About $2-3

Replied by Sam
(Miami, FL)
12/13/2014

I would also add Quercetin and take it for not less than 6 months. NOW brand with bromelain is a good one. Address guts health where body immunity begins. Read Patient heals thyself book, which on a surface has nothing to do with your problem. But only on a surface. "Garden of life " digestive health supplements are excellent. You will know what to take after reading this book. Meantime Use inhaler Mahold. Essential oils are God sent miracles.. or God's love manifest in molecules ( as david stewart named his book)

Oregano Oil
Posted by Erick (New York, US) on 10/22/2014
 ★★★★★

I don't usually write posts on websites but for this, I NEED to.

For many years, I've had terrible sinus infections -- like clock work! : in-between Sep-Oct, Dec-Jan, Mar-Apr. With out fail! For whatever reason, when there is a change of temperature or season, my nasal passages decide to fill with green mucus and cause my body to think it has a fever...not fun!

So las December my girlfriend introduced me to oil of oregano pills, recommended by one of her friends...it was life altering.

I started taking these pills a week or two before the known months of sinus issues and bam!!!!!! Problem solved!! It has eliminated, no, eradicated my sinus issues completely along with my allergies. And get this, any time I feel my asthma creeping up, instead of taking the inhaler, I drink one of the pills and 3 hours laters I start coughing up white mucus and asthma gone!!!!

I only take the pills 4-7 days straight out of the month and it has helped my tremendously.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you suffer from sinus pain/congestion, give it a try, at least for a week...you will thank yourself!!


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