From the Guidelines
Essential Oils for Sinusitis
The most beneficial combination of essential oils for sinusitis is likely to include Myrtol, as it has been shown to have a significant impact on symptoms of acute post-viral rhinosinusitis without significant adverse events 1.
- The evidence suggests that Myrtol, which is an essential oil, can be used to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.
- Other herbal medicines like BNO1016 tablets and Pelargonium sidoides drops have also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of acute post-viral rhinosinusitis 1.
- However, it is essential to note that the quality of evidence for these herbal medicines, including essential oils, is generally low, and more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
- Nonetheless, based on the available evidence, Myrtol and other essential oils may be a useful adjunct to other treatments for sinusitis, such as nasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation, which have also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms 1.
From the Research
Essential Oils for Sinusitis
- The combination of essential oils that is beneficial for sinusitis includes Myrtol standardized, eucalyptus oil, and orange oil 2, 3, 4.
- Myrtol standardized has been shown to be effective in treating acute and chronic bronchitis and sinusitis, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and muco-secretolytic effects 2, 3.
- A distillate of rectified essential oils, including eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle, and lemon, has been shown to stimulate chloride efflux and ciliary beat frequency, increasing airway surface liquid height and accelerating mucociliary transport velocity 4.
- Eucalyptus oil and orange oil have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, reducing cytokine release and reactive oxygen species production in alveolar macrophages 3.
- Nigella sativa seed fixed oil has also been shown to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of sinusitis, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, immune-modulator, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects 5.
Specific Combinations
- A combination of Myrtol standardized and other essential oils has been shown to be significantly superior to placebo in treating acute sinusitis 2.
- A distillate of rectified essential oils, including eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle, and lemon, has been shown to be effective in treating respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and rhinosinusitis 4.
Mechanisms of Action
- The essential oils may work by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving mucociliary clearance, and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that can cause sinusitis 5, 2, 3, 4.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oils may be due to their ability to reduce cytokine release and reactive oxygen species production in alveolar macrophages 3.