Before you reach for that Z-Pak… you’ll want to read this.
When we get a sinus infection, most of us don’t think twice before getting a prescription for antibiotics…
But did you know that the majority of sinus infections don’t actually require antibiotics?
It’s true — and according to recent research, nearly 70% of people with sinus infections recover without the use of antibiotics.
You see, antibiotics are intended to treat bacterial infections — not viruses.
And when you take an antibiotic to treat a virus, you’re actually attacking good bacteria…
Which can cause your body to develop an antimicrobial resistance over time — and it can make the antibiotics completely ineffective.
And here’s the thing — most sinus infections are indeed viral, not bacterial.
So chances are — if you have a sinus infection, you probably don’t need an antibiotic after all.
Of course… that’s easier said than done.
Sinus infections can be incredibly painful… and when you have a pounding headache and your entire face feels congested…
The last thing you want to do is wait for your body to heal itself.
But here’s the good news…
There is a way to relieve sinus congestion without the use of antibiotics — in fact, without the use of any drugs at all.
And if you suffer from mild to moderate sinus infections… a blend of essential oils is a great place to start.
You see, essential oils are a completely natural way to relieve sinus pressure, clear up nasal passages, and ease congestion.
For centuries, these oils have been used to treat a number of ailments, including:
Sinus infection, cold, cough, stuffiness and congestion, allergies, flu, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, nausea, pneumonia, lung infection…
And they do this without the use of any drugs at all.
See for yourself…
In 2009, the journal Laryngoscope decided to do a little research on this subject.
Researchers examined the effectiveness of 1,8 cineole (the main component of eucalyptus oil) on sinus infections.
They found that this compound is a safe and effective and treatment for sinus infections that doesn’t include antibiotics.
In fact, the study also found that 1,8 cineole effectively removed bacteria and other microbes from the body — and this was without the use of any antibiotics whatsoever.
And it’s not just eucalyptus — in fact, there is a long list of essential oils that can relieve your symptoms.
So which oils work best?
When it comes to concocting your own essential oil blend, the combinations are literally endless.
Essential oils are a personalized healing experience — so feel free to experiment and discover which combinations work best for you.
Here are a few healing oil blends to help you get started…
Rosemary + Eucalyptus
Good for: Bronchitis, sinus infections, allergies
Geranium + Lavender
Good for: Congestion, anxiety, insomnia
Peppermint + Rosemary
Good for: Headaches, sinus congestion
Lavender + Clary Sage
Good for: Antibacterial, congestion
Eucalyptus + Lemongrass
Good for: Respiratory issues, sinus infections, colds
Once you’ve found your favorite oil blend, there are a few healing methods you can use:
1) Inhaling: Pour a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth and inhale deeply. Repeat often to clear your nasal passages.
2) Topical Treatment: Dilute essential oil with water, then massage a few drops behind your ears and onto your neck. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
3) Oil Diffuser: Combine water with a few drops of essential oil, then pour into a diffuser to fill the air with the oil scent. This is a great overnight method — so you can clear your sinuses as your sleep.
So keep this in mind…
The next time you have a sinus infection… do your research.
Find out if your infection is just a virus, and avoid taking any unnecessary antibiotics.
Your sinuses (and your health) will thank you.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/sinuses.htm
http://www.everydayhealth.com/sinus-health-guide/natural-remedies-for-sinus-pain.aspx
http://www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/sinusitis
https://medlineplus.gov/sinusitis.html
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1097/00005537-200404000-00027/abstract
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/antibiotics#1
http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sinus-infection-symptoms?m=0#overview1
http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/use-essential-oils-to-relieve-sinus-congestion/
http://www.wheretobuyessentialaromatherapyoils.com/essential-oil-combinations/
https://draxe.com/essential-oils-guide/
https://doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-breathe-touch-essential-oil-blend
Brittany Artwohl has been professionally writing health, fitness and wellness-related copy since 2009. Her work has appeared in publications including NaturalNews.com, and MountainWeeklyNews.com. Brittany holds a bachelors degree in Advertising and English from Northern Arizona University and has been a certified fitness instructor since 1997.