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Tea Tree Oil for Sinus Infection: Advantages and Dangers

tea tree oil for sinus infection

People successfully use tea tree oil for sinus infection treatment. When your sinuses (cavities located behind the bones of nasal passages, forehead) become infected by viral, bacterial or fungal invaders doctors talk about sinus infection. Its symptoms are headache, nasal blockage, possible fever and fatigue. Sinus infection may require antibiotics and should be never self-treated. Tea tree oil can also help.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Its main compound terpinen-4-ol has been proven to possess antimicrobial functions so tea tree oil can effectively fight with any type of sinuses invaders. 

SEE ALSO: In Detail about Tea Tree Oil Benefits and Effect

How to use tea tree oil for sinus infection

You should consult your doctor before using tea tree oil for sinus infection. Tea tree oil can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and nose so it should be used only as directed. The only way to apply tea tree oil is to add it to water and to steam the nasal passageways with the help of a vaporizer. Tea tree oil helps infuse the sinus cavities with antibacterial and antiviral compounds.

Additional Uses

According to the Mayo Clinic tea tree oil has an antiseptic effect so inhaling tea tree oil can help heal not only sinus infection but also other respiratory infections, including laryngitis, tonsillitis and rhinitis. And don’t forget that you can always apply tea tree oil to cleanse skin wounds and treat skin infections and insect bites. It is possible to use tea tree oil for skin tags.

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Warning

According to the warnings of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine tea tree oil can’t be swallowed. It includes compounds toxic if ingested. The recommended dosage for tree tea oil for sinusitis treatment is not established, as it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Tea tree oil is recommended to be used for no longer than 4 weeks at a time.