All Stuffed Up - Aromatherapy for Sinus Conditions

Colds, influenza, infection and allergy can all be a pain in the face. The source of this pain is the increased pressure from a build up of mucous and trapped air in you sinus cavities of the facial bones.  

Your sinuses are hollow chambers filled with air. They form an irregular, honeycomb structure between paper-thin bones in your face. When they're functioning properly, your sinuses regularly circulate air ,generate and drain mucus, which lubricates your nose and keeps it free of dust and bacteria. But this drainage system can shut down when an underlying dilemma, such as colds, allergies, or an obstruction, causes blockages.

Sinus Headaches: Sinus headaches are often experienced when your sinuses become blocked.  Pain occurs in the affected region - the result of the air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (often disguised as a headache or toothache). A good way to tell if you have a sinus headaches is to bend forward with your head down. If the pain gets worse, then it’s a good bet that your sinuses are affected.

Acute vs Chronic: Acute sinus inflammation (sinusitis)  is defined as  a single, short-term case of sinusitis.  Amazingly this single  episode can last up to 14 days and still be considered acute. Colds, flu and other viruses are responsible for most acute infections. 

Chronic sinusitis usually lasts 4 or more weeks and in some cases can be ongoing for months or even years. Sufferers of chronic sinusitis often experience repeated bouts over a period of months. 

Asthma and allergies can be connected to frequent episodes of chronic sinusitis. Damp weather and pollutants in the air can also affect chronic sinusitis sufferers.

What can you do?: There are a number of self-help measures you can take if you are hit with a bout of sinusitis. Of course a simple aromatherapy approach to dealing with your sinus condition may be all that is needed. Regularly applying a drop of Moon-Haven’s Breathe Easy essential oil blend to each side of the scalp just above the ear in your hair line can be very effective.  Other helpful hints include:

· avoiding  dry atmospheres,

· inhale hot steam with a few drops of Breathe Easy added;

·  increase the amount of fluids you drink;

· blow your nose very gently, one nostril at a time.

· take frequent walks in the open air, helps the sinuses open up.

· for pain try lightly rubbing or tapping  your sinus, and apply a warm wheat pack to the area

· taking Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex, zinc and iron have been said to be helpful.