Can Essential Oils Relieve Sinus Congestion?

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus and spike lavender, might help ease congestion symptoms like a blocked nose and sinus pressure.

Sinus congestion can make breathing and sleeping uncomfortable or difficult. It may also bring on additional symptoms, including:

• pressure behind the eyes
• runny nose
• cough
• postnasal drip

Alongside over-the-counter and prescription options, some herbal remedies that utilize essential oils could help relieve these common cold complaints.

Keep reading to discover which essential oils may assist with congestion, how to use them, and important safety considerations.

Essential oils disclaimer

Although studies indicate potential health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee or regulate the purity and quality of essential oils. It’s wise to consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils and to investigate the quality of a brand’s offerings. Always perform a patch test before trying a new oil to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Use only oils free of synthetic fragrances and buy from reputable sources.

Read product labels carefully and watch for added ingredients that could be allergens.

Talk with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying medical conditions. Avoid using essential oils around young children.

Many essential oils are toxic to pets, particularly cats. Verify an oil’s toxicity before using it near animals.

Which essential oils may help with congestion?

A 2022 review examining aromatic ointments for congestion indicates some herbal ointments may ease symptoms, especially those containing:

• menthol (a primary component of peppermint oil)
• eucalyptus
• camphor

Examples include products applied to the chest or throat to allow inhalation of vapors, like Vicks VapoRub.

A 2025 review of essential oils for sinus infections suggests that certain herbal formulas in capsule form may relieve symptoms. These include:

• eucalyptol and its main constituent 1,8-cineole
• GeloMyrtol, derived from eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle, and lemon oils
• Sinupret, containing verbena, common sorrel, elder flower, primula flower, and gentian root
• Tavipec, formulated from spike lavender oil

These products are commonly available online or at health stores.

Essential oil safety

Do not ingest essential oils intended for diffusion.

Even herbal supplements marketed for internal use can have harmful effects. Discuss with a healthcare provider to determine whether these products are appropriate for you.

Herbal components can interact with medications and cause adverse effects, including:

• nausea
• vomiting
• toxicity
• liver injury

Benefits of essential oils for sinus congestion

For generations, people have used herbal preparations as a natural approach to support emotional and physical wellness. Essential oils may serve as an alternative for sinus congestion that arises from:

• allergies
• bacterial infections
• viral respiratory infections like the flu or common cold

Certain oils may help relieve symptoms such as:

• nasal congestion and pressure
• inflammation
• cough
• postnasal drip

Are essential oils effective for sinus congestion?

High-quality research on essential oils for sinus congestion is limited. Some studies indicate inhaling particular oils may ease symptoms. These often include:

• eucalyptus
• peppermint
• oregano
• camphor

A 2022 review suggests ointments with menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil can be a safe option for sinusitis without antibiotics. These products might help improve sleep, which supports the immune system’s response to infection. The authors note they may be particularly useful for individuals who cannot take stronger cold medications.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), 1,8-cineole—the primary component of eucalyptus oil—may help clear airborne bacteria and other microbes. It can also loosen mucus and act as a natural cough suppressant.

Menthol, dominant in peppermint oil, is an ingredient in several OTC products like vapor rubs, lozenges, and nasal inhalers.

Oregano oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it could theoretically aid sinus congestion, though published clinical trials are lacking and evidence remains anecdotal.

A 2021 review identified antiviral properties in several essential oils—such as oregano, eucalyptus, and menthol—that might be effective against respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19. More research is needed.

A 2023 review recommends against inhaling tea tree oil as its safety for that use has not been established.

How to use essential oils to relieve congestion

Inhalation is the preferred way to use essential oils for a blocked nose. Several inhalation methods are available.

Steam inhalation combines essential oils with hot water to produce therapeutic steam.

NAHA advises adding three to seven drops of essential oil to boiling water in a large pot or heatproof bowl. Drape a towel over your head and breathe through your nose for no more than two minutes at a time. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation.

Direct inhalation means smelling the oil straight from the bottle. You can also place a drop on a handkerchief, cotton ball, or inhaler tube and breathe it in.

Diffused inhalation employs a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air, allowing them to dilute before inhalation. This is a milder method.

For an aromatherapy bath, add a few drops of diluted essential oil to bathwater.

For an aromatherapy massage, mix a few drops of essential oil into your preferred massage lotion or oil.

You can also use commercially prepared ointments containing essential oils, such as Vicks VapoRub.

If you have these oils available, try steam inhalation several times a day with:

• eucalyptus
• peppermint
• oregano

When possible, consult a trained aromatherapist to learn safe and effective blends for sinus congestion relief.

Essential oil risks and warnings

Never apply essential oils to skin undiluted.

Always dilute them with a carrier oil, water, or lotion. Common carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, and olive oil. Applying undiluted oils directly to skin can cause:

• burns
• irritation
• rashes
• itchiness

Perform a patch test before using a new oil.

Essential oils are concentrated. Most are generally safe when inhaled in small amounts for short durations, but long or high-dose inhalation may produce dizziness, headaches, or nausea.

Do not ingest essential oils. They contain potent compounds that can cause toxic reactions. Some effects may not appear immediately.

Essential oils can interact with prescription and OTC medicines, so consult a healthcare professional before use.

Talk to a healthcare provider before using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid using them around young children.

Some essential oils can be harmful to pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, potentially affecting the central nervous system and causing toxicity.

Other treatments for sinus congestion

Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants can treat sinus congestion.

Keep in mind that some OTC decongestants may interact with prescription meds and may not be suitable for people with conditions such as pregnancy or high blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

• drowsiness
• headaches
• restlessness
• elevated blood pressure
• fast heart rate

Beyond essential oils and decongestants, other helpful measures include:

• drinking plenty of fluids to thin nasal mucus
• using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air
• taking a steam shower or using saline nasal spray to thin mucus
• performing nasal irrigation to flush mucus
• applying a warm compress to the forehead and nose to reduce inflammation
• taking allergy medication if congestion is allergy-related
• using nasal strips to help open nasal passages

If chronic sinus congestion results from nasal polyps or narrow nasal passages, surgical intervention might be required.

The bottom line

Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint may help ease congestion when inhaled.

To enhance breathing and sleep, consider diffusing essential oils, applying them to skin when diluted in a carrier oil, or using them during an aromatherapy massage.

Ointments and rubs containing herbal components are also available.

These herbal approaches can complement conventional remedies such as OTC decongestants and general immune-supporting practices like eating a balanced diet and staying well hydrated.