Sinus Health for the Winter Months

Sinus Health for the Winter Months

Today on Instagram Live (watch video below), I shared some herbal, Ayurvedic, and aromatherapy remedies for keeping your sinuses healthy through the winter. If you live in place that experiences cold winters, you probably have indoor heating. This can dry out your sinuses quite a bit, which can lead to sinus congestion, sinus pain, nosebleeds, and even ear pressure/congestion/pain.

Allergies can also irritate your sinuses. Mold, dust mites, or animal dander could exacerbate this problem. I invested in a good air purifier a few years back, a suggestion of the allergy doctor I go to. As long as I keep the filters clean and change them when needed, it helps to lessen allergy symptoms. I also diffuser essential oil blends that are beneficial for sinus and immune health...you can read through the list of some of my favorites below.

In Robin Rose Bennett's book The Gift of Healing Herbs, she mentions Elder Flower as an immune strengthener and a help for draining congestion from the sinuses and even the ears. She has recipes for an Elder Flower infusion (tea) and an Elder Flower steam to help clear sinuses. You can watch the video for specifics.

Ayurveda recommends using oil in the nose (and ears) during the cold, dry months. You can purchase a Nasya oil from an Ayurvedic shop like Banyan Botanicals, (US only) but you can also use a plain vegetable oil you have on hand: olive, sunflower, coconut, avocado...All you do is take a little oil on your pinky finger and gently massage it into the inside of your nose.

There are also many essential oils that will support sinus health and keep your breathing open and clear.

My list of favorites includes:

  • Rosemary
  • Spike Lavender
  • Niaouli
  • Scotch Pine (or any pine)
  • Black Spruce, White Spruce
  • Siberian Fir, Silver Fir (any fir)
  • Eucalyptus radiata
  • Cardamom
  • Bay Laurel
  • Helichrysum gymnocephalum

How do I use essential oils this time of year? Mostly, I diffuse them. I have diffusers in my bedroom, on my desk, and in the kitchen. I highly recommend the cool-mist water diffusers, especially during the winter months, because they add some much needed moisture to the air.

But another great way to use essential oils for sinus health is with an inhaler. It looks a bit like a lipstick tube and has a cotton wick inside which you can apply drops of essential oils onto and then breathe it in as often as you'd like. You can also get a cotton ball or cotton pad, apply drops to that, and hold it up to your nose.

In my shop, I offer three diffuser blends that are excellent for sinuses: Forest Song, Winter Wellness, and Breathe Clear. You can purchase them separately or at a discount together in a Winter Sinus Health Bundle.

I will be sharing a video on how to make Elder Flower infusion in Week 2 of  Winter Vitality & Renewal Program. You can sign up and get access to that and so much more! 

If you have questions about the program or content in this blog post, please email me: delicatahouse@gmail.com.

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