Last week I posted a recipe for Elderberry Syrup to try and help folks stave off some of the cold and flu stuff going around. I thought I'd ask my good friend Trinity Ava, an incredible herbalist and teacher, for another recipe good for this time of year. She couldn't wait to share her sinus oil recipe. "Keeping the sinuses well lubricated with a simple sinus oil is the front line of your immune system function as well as keeping your nervous system/mental focus in check," she said. "This is also an ideal practice to use while traveling on long flights when the sinuses get very dry and we are more susceptible to infections."

Trinity suggests that daily lubrication of the sinus cavity can become a lifelong practice because of  its clearing and strengthening benefits. Use a little dab of a simple oil, such as non-roasted organic sesame oil, ghee (clarified butter), or organic olive oil to lubricate the sinus pathway.
 
But should you find yourself dealing with a sinus infection or head-cold congestion, you may need something more powerful. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and are potent antimicrobials, and are useful if you have a sinus infection. (They must be diluted into a carrier oil prior to use.) A nice side effect of oils used for fighting an infection is their uplifting and mood-enhancing benefits at a time when you may feel pretty low.

Sinus Oil Recipe
Needed materials:

•  1 clean 5ml bottle

•  Carrier oil: organic olive or sesame oil

•  Essential oils: lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus radiata, peppermint, rosemary verbenon



Directions

•  Fill empty bottle halfway with carrier oil

•  Add to that 3 drops of each oil (if using all 5), or a total of 15 drops of essential oils per 5ml carrier oil 

•  Top off your bottle with additional carrier oil, close the top, and shake

•  Label your bottle with a creative name, like: Love My Nose or Sinus Clarity

 

 

Application

•  Drop a quarter-size dollop of the oil blend onto a tissue. Insert the tissue into your nose and keep it there for 3-5 minutes. Do this 2-3 times per day or as needed. (Not intended for use longer than 1 week.)

Contraindications: Children under 12, pregnancy, lactation, asthma, epilepsy, hypertension.
It is suggested to not use diluted essential oils in the sinus cavity on a daily basis. Essential oils are potent and are better suited to use on a need-basis for sinus oils. Pure carrier oils such as sesame or olive oil are better suited to daily sinus oil applications. Use caution if you use essential oils in a neti pot or steam. These practices are too intense for many individuals.