How to Use Oil of Oregano for Sinus Infections

There are several herbs in nature that can be used as medicines. These natural medicines are more useful than the costly allopathic medications. On top of that allopathic medications are not always good for the body since, micro-organisms can become immune to them as time passes and you have to shift to the higher generation medications which are even more costly. Constant use of antibiotics kills useful bacteria too, in the human body which makes the person more susceptible to infections. So, use of medicinal herbs like tulsi, oregano and others can give higher health benefits without a high price. Following paragraphs deal with how oregano oil can be used to treat various health problems.

What is Oregano and Uses of Oil of Oregano?

Oregano is a medicinal herb that grows most profusely in the Mediterranean region. The two main compounds found in oregano are carvacrol, a type of phenol (phenols are great antiseptics) and thymol. Oregano is a perennial plant when grows in warm climates, but is an annual plant when grown in harsh climates. Oregano leaves also offer health benefits if they are used immediately after cutting because dried oregano leaves lose medicinal value. On the contrary its oil can be used for a long time. Oil of oregano is extracted by crushing the leaves and the stem of the plant. These are then, processed by a steam distillation method where the active ingredients are minimally altered. Conventionally, oregano oil is used for treating various health problems like stomach ache, respiratory problems, intestinal infections and problems, common cold, irregular menstruation in women and sinus infection. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and it is antispasmodic. Some of its specific benefits are fighting off infections, reducing pain and inflammation and beefing up the immune system. It has anti-venom action which can reduce the venom of scorpion, bees and spider. Against micro-organisms it can be used as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. So it is useful in treating toothache, sports injuries, animal bites, asthma, tuberculosis, food poisoning, bladder infections, pneumonia, sore throat and wounds. Furthermore, it can very well treat sinusitis and that is being discussed in the following part.

Use of Oil of Oregano for Sinusitis

Sinusitis, in medical terms, is the inflammation of sinuses (the moist, air-filled spaces within the cheek bones of the face around the nose) usually caused due to viral, bacterial or fungal infections. The sinuses where sinusitis occurs are: frontal sinuses- an area near the eyebrows, maxillary sinuses- located in the cheek bones, ethmoid sinuses- an area between the eyes and sphenoid sinuses- located behind the ethmoid sinuses. Generally, in a healthy person the sinuses are filled with air, making the facial bones lighter in weight which is not the case with a person suffering from sinusitis. A person having cold, usually suffers from sinusitis. It is termed as viral sinusitis. Sometimes allergy to dust mite, mold, or fungi can also cause sinusitis. When there is nasal stuffiness because of cold or any allergy, sinuses cannot drain properly which traps the bacteria inside the sinuses leading to bacterial sinusitis. One can use oil of oregano to treat it, since it is a natural and an effective remedy. It fights off the viruses and boosts the immune system. This oil must not be confused with the edible oregano oil because they are extracted from two different plants.

Methods of Using Oil of Oregano

Proper method while consuming medicines helps faster recovery without any complications and side effects. Here are such methods to be used while consuming oil of oregano in treating sinusitis.

• Tablets are useful to treat sinus infections. But, those who face difficulty in consuming tablets can always use oil of oregano.
• Oil of oregano is very strong to use directly, hence, it needs to be diluted with olive oil while applying on the skin, or it can burn a sensitive skin.
• One can consume it for sore throat or sinus infection by mixing 2-3 drops of oil with juice, water or a tsp. of honey. With the help of a medicine dropper, keep 2-3 drops of oil of oregano, diluted with water, underneath your tongue.
• You can mix a few drops of oil of oregano with olive oil and apply to the skin over the sinuses to help open nasal passages.
• Use of oregano oil in vapor form is one of the best options to cure sinusitis. Mix 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil with half a cup of boiling water. Cover your head and cup with a towel to trap the steam and breathe to inhale it. This will help to clear the nasal passages.

Take the dosages as prescribed by the doctor, exceeding it may cause one to experience its side effects. It can lower your body's ability to absorb iron and if abused, it can be toxic because of the liver's inability to process too much amount of it at once. Consuming it two to three times a day is generally recommended. Results can be seen within 6-7 days, however, if the improvement is not seen, stop using it and consult the doctor. When you are purchasing oregano oil, it is important to look for the concentration of ingredients, manufacturing date and the level of purity.

Warning: If you are nursing a baby or are pregnant, avoid using oil of oregano in any form for whatever is ailing you.

Using oil of oregano for children needs some precautions. The health care provider should be consulted because herbal medicines vary in potency and can be toxic. Start the usage with small dosages which will help you in identifying, if you are allergic to it or such health issues. Use of oil of oregano can give you good results, if it is used with the guidelines given above as well as those you can find with the product itself.