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Coconut Oil - The Natural Sinus Infection Treatment

| Modified on Mar 31, 2025
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Coconut Oil for Sinus Infections

When it comes to treating the debilitating effects of sinus infections, most individuals are willing to try just about anything. With such an array of treatment products available, however, it can be difficult to decide where to start or what option to choose. Whether a sinus infection has just begun or has been hanging on for days (or even weeks), coconut oil is one of the safest, most effective natural remedies available.

Are Antibiotics Useful?

While many individuals often turn to common antibiotics to treat all sorts of conditions, the truth is these drugs really aren't that effective for treating sinus infections. The problem with many antibiotics and even over-the-counter decongestants is that they cause an imbalance in the body. This imbalance initiates the drying out of the nasal passages, which prevents effective mucous flow and leads to additional buildup in the nasal cavity. All of this compounds and leads to a worsening effect in the condition rather than a remedying treatment.

Coconut Oil - A Natural Antibiotic

In contrast to typical treatments, coconut oil actually relieves the condition. With its variety of beneficial properties, coconut oil is often considered a natural antibiotic and is an especially effective treatment for sinus infections. Organic virgin coconut oil is the best type of coconut oil to use in this treatment and is readily available in most healthfood stores and over the internet.

How coconut oil works:

Coconut oil is one of the unique foods that can actually be characterized as a "superfood." This food contains a distinctive combination of fatty acids that give it exclusive medicinal properties. When digested, coconut oil forms lauric acid and monolaurin, two compounds that are effective at killing harmful pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As such, coconut oil can eliminate the underlying cause of a sinus infection without harming the natural balance in the body.

How to use coconut oil:

Coconut oil can be used in a variety of ways to treat sinus infections. Adding a tablespoon to tea or coffee and drinking it is one method. Likewise, the oil can be swished in the mouth and spat back out using an oil pulling method. Finally, the oil can also be used as a nasal rinse by using a dropper or neti pot. To use this method, the oil must be in its liquid form. Adding the oil to purified water with salt and/or baking soda is also effective for rinsing the nasal passages.

Many common treatments of sinus infections can actually lead to worsening of the condition. Coconut oil, however, naturally eliminates the infection, soothing the sinuses, and relieving inflammation as it does so. Continue reading below for reviews from Earth Clinic contributors around the world who have tested coconut oil for sinus infections.

Tried this coconut oil remedy? Did it work? Please send us your review!

Related Links:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ
Find Relief from Sinus Infections Naturally
Natural Remedies for Allergies: Effective Relief at Home
Quick Sinus Relief: Natural Remedies for Congestion

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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24 User Reviews

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Posted by Denise (California) on 10/06/2022

My experience with using coconut oil in the nose and sinuses was Extremely difficult! I'm glad it helped some people but I would not do it again. It was like entering into a battle without knowing it!

I read a number of very encouraging posts about coconut oil in the nose & sinuses to clear up a sinus condition. I first tried it very gingerly by breaking a Q-tip in half and putting a little in each nostril, but not up beyond where the nose starts narrowing at the bridge. The next day my breathing was a little better. Then I did the same thing the next day but went up higher carefully with the Q-tip. The next day my breathing was even little better. The next day I melted some coconut oil and let it cool to warm, laid on my back and with my husband's help, driped maybe 1/8 tsp into the nose on each side, and turned my head side to side so the coconut oil could flow into the sinuses on the sides. The next day I was blowing my nose some and had a little sneezing. I thought, good it's cleaning some of that stuff out. I did the same thing a few days in a row but it didn't seem to make much difference. Then I used 2 or 3 times more and I hung my head upside-down so the oil could go into all sinuses, including on the forehead.

A couple days later I was blowing nose and sneezing like crazy. I had to constantly stuff kleenex up my nose and blow nose very often. The amount of sneezing and congestion was tiring, inescapable, miserable. But it got even worse, a couple days later I had thrush, a candida infection in the throat. I started gargling every day and painting the throat with a paste of baking soda and a bit of water. A few days after that both eyes especially one, had conjunctivitis and eyelids could not open very well. I kept one eye closed all the time because it was easier. I used various methods to treat the eyes. Salt water at times and boric acid other times, three or four times a day. Both were somewhat helpful, but the eyes took at least 3-4 months to mostly clear up. After a month or so I was only using the boric acid and salted water once or twice a day. One eyelid still did not open fully until about 9 months later. Sinus congestion, runny nose & sneezing went on in a Torrential way for about 3 weeks. Basically all I was doing was nursing all of my symptoms, sometimes looking on the internet for possible relief, Nothing else. After about 3 weeks it started easing up slowly but was still severe for several weeks more.

I now believe that I had a candida overgrowth in the sinuses (possibly especially bad in sinuses of the forehead). After using coconut oil I think that as candida was getting drained out of the sinuses some of it landed on my tongue and throat and created a thrush infection, and some traveled into the eye sockets creating eye infection.

Currently I am using a product called Xlear, spritzing 1 spray up each side of the nose twice a day. I think it's keeping the candida under control, but not diminishing it.

Denise

Replied by Art
(California)
10/08/2022
2469 posts

Denise,

One reason you might not be getting more benefit from Xlear Nasal Spray (XNS) is because your dose is low compared to dosing recommendations on the box and to the dosing used in the case series of Covid-19 patients who used XNS to good effect to reduce their symptoms and speed their recovery from Covid-19 as discussed here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/xlear-for-covid-recovery.html

And here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7645297/

Here is a relevant quote about dosing form the case series :

' The patient was instructed to spray Xlear nasal spray twice per nostril four times a day every six hours for seven days, which was an adjunct to her self-medication.'

You reported that you are using :

' Currently I am using a product called Xlear, spritzing 1 spray up each side of the nose twice a day. '

That totals 4 sprays per day, a relatively small amount of active ingredients per day.

By comparison, the case series used a total of 16 sprays per day or roughly 4 times the amount of active ingredients that you are using per day. Indeed, Xlear recommends using 2 to 4 pumps in each nostril per use twice a day as a nasal spray alone. So that also totals as much as 16 sprays per day. That dose, of 16 sprays is the same as used in the case series except that the case series does it in 4 doses instead of 2 and I would expect that gives a more even antimicrobial affect compared to using two doses per day. It is also worth mentioning that GSE is beneficial against much more than Candida. It really is a potent antimicrobial and the Xylitol is additive and both help to breakdown biofilms.

Grapefruit Seed Extract and Xylitol are a potent antimicrobial pair against the tested strains of Candida, but it takes a minimum amount of active ingredients in order to have a beneficial effect. You report that you are seeing benefit at your current dose, but insufficient to clear you of the effects of the Candida and the Candida itself, assuming that it is Candida.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212555821000545

Here is a relevant quote from the study :

' GSE demonstrated a fungicidal effect against all tested Candida species, whereas miconazole demonstrated a fungicidal effect against only C. albicans. SEM images showed various cell damage patterns in GSE-treated Candida cells. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that almost all Candida cells were killed by GSE-treated. '

Dose can make the difference with any medicament between effective or not effective.

Art

Replied by Monika
(Surrey BC)
12/29/2022

I am glad I read this comment by Denise. I also tried oil pulling through my nose 2 days ago and now my daughter and I both have eye infections. I am crying with pain and it's breaking my heart to see my daughter in pain because of this.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Joe (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 01/02/2022
 ★★★★★

I had covid last week, rather mild, but my sinuses took a beating. I have always struggled with dry and inflamed sinuses and will usually get an infection yearly. Well I tried getting into the local clinics to get an antibiotic. No luck. For 4 days I tried and they are so overwhelmed that the wait is 4-5 hrs if you can even get registered. So sitting in the parking lot this morning I came across your website. I went to the store and bought some coconut oil and went home and started applying it in my nostrils and using it in my neti pot. It is evening now and I am in bed and I feel wonderful. I have no pain. I have no congestion. And best of all, I can smell and taste my food again. I am amazed that this happened in less than 12 hrs and I dont need and antibiotic or prednisone. I am going to continue using the oil daily in hopes of not needing the Afrin any longer. Thank you so much! Feel free to use this as a review.

Replied by peter
(chicago)
01/04/2022

Can you clarify how to use coconut oil in your neti pot? do you actually put the oil along with the saline water? how much do you put in?

Jay
(Vero Beach FL)
03/19/2022

Hi Peter & Sara, sorry for your suffering. I can relate to what you went thru; I got rid of a severe fungal sinus infection back in 2018 by putting coconut oil in my sinus rinse. Coconut oil is both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Just add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of unrefined virgin coconut oil to your 8 ounce nasal rinse. Also, there is a product called Sinus-Serum that sells medical grade coconut oil for your sinus rinse that I use now and it works great. I like it because it was designed by medical people so I know it's safe & sterile. You can just google Sinus-Serum.

Replied by Sara
(Saskatchewan)
01/16/2022

Please explain how you used the coconut oil. I have been dealing with a sinus infection fo 3 weeks now too. Thank you.

Replied by Rob
(Kentucky)
03/04/2024
★★★★★

I melt one teaspoon coconut oil with1 drop tea tree oil mixed in. Use an eye dropper and install 10 drops deep in the nasal. Do both nasals. Snort hard to get the coconut oil deep into the back sinuses. Do this at least 3 times daily. This is exactly like doing the old nose drops back in the 1930's. Research VA-TROL-NOL by Vicks.

Coconut Oil
Posted by sshz (annapolis, md) on 12/28/2021
 ★★★★★

I've been dealing with allergies and poor sinuses since 2005. The nasal dryness was as bad as it gets, I was miserable day in and out. I've seen numerous doctors, allergy specialists, ENT doctors and on and on. I was constantly sick..........my latest MRI of my sinus cavities showed an infection deep down at the bottom of the sinuses, which was worse at night and while laying down.

About a week ago I was reading about the benefits of coconut oil and decided to take a few drops and put it deep into my nostrils. I also mix a bit in my netti pot with warm water.

So, I'm using steam, coconut oil drops and the netti pot with warm water and some oil. The improvement has been nothing short of amazing. I even cancelled a doctor appointment I had scheduled for tomorrow.

I'm a new guy of late, my mood is a lot better, and I'm not obsessing over my nasal issues any more. I strongly recommend everyone try this remedy, it's been nothing short of amazing.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Jenna (Nc) on 06/01/2017
 ★★★★★

Was skeptical but hopeful coconut oil would help my severe sinus infection I've had for a few days now. I put about a tablespoon of Coconut oil with salt solution in my neti pot bottle. I kept shaking it b/c naturally oil goes to the top. In minutes I felt like a new person where my right nostril had been very clogged all day, I even debated staying home form work. I feel amazing now, I don't know how long it will last but I will be trying the q-tip with coconut oil swabbed in my nose if I need to throughout the day!

Coconut Oil
Posted by Eric (San Juan Capistrano, Ca) on 04/17/2017
 ★★★★★

Coconut oil worked for me! I have a terrible dry sinus infection. I tried everything but it only got more dry and painful. Out of desperation I got a baby dropper syringe and squirted a decent amount of coconut oil up my nose, as it dripped down into my maxillary sinus I could feel the relief and the dry pain went away. Not sure how long the relief will last but for now I'm pain free and not dry. It's amazing... I suffered for 6 weeks with dry bleeding sinuses and right now they are nice and comfortable. I will also be adding coconut oil to my sinus squeeze bottle rinse like others suggested, I agree the saline solution leaves the sinuses dry after a rinse.

Thanks everyone for the conversation and tips. Hope we all feel better soon!

Coconut Oil
Posted by Plumington (Yorkshire) on 03/23/2017
 ★★★★★

Coconut oil for relief from sinus problems.

I put a teaspoon of coconut oil in my morning cup of peppermint tea and gargle with it. Make sure that it goes right to the back of the throats and if possible above the upper pallet.

I also oil pull with it every morning and take a teaspoon before every meal.

I had suffered sinus problems for years and all of the above have provided me with a new lease of life, especially gargling or any method of getting the CO onto the upper palle.

ACV is also v good mixed 50 / 50 with water (1/2 a cup of each) and inhaled as steam.

Replied by Leanna
(Lafayette, La)
03/30/2017

I suffer with chronic rhinitis that often leads to sinus infections, which I am currently dealing with. I do not have insurance to go to the doctor and it is getting worse. Will the coconut oil cure the severe infection?

Coconut Oil
Posted by Jwrife (Walnut Creek, Ca) on 03/05/2017
 ★★★★★

Trick for including coconut oil in sinus rinse bottles.

I have two saline rinse squeeze bottles, and decided to modify one to make it better at delivering coconut oil with the saline rinse. Oil naturally rises to the top when mixed with water, which means no matter how much you shake the bottle, you'll get almost only water out until the mix is almost all gone, since the inlet to the deliver tube is at the bottom of the bottle. So, I took a tiny drill bit (you could use a hot pin or needle too) to put a 2 tiny holes in the plastic tube right up near the top. So when you squeeze water comes up from the bottom but some of the oil floating on the surface is mixed in through the tiny holes. In this way you are bathing your sinuses with the oil/saltwater mix with every squeeze, start to finish.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Barb (Santa Clarita, Ca) on 01/14/2017
 ★★★★★

Sinus infection treatment:

I put organic coconut oil on a q-tip and suaved one nostril and tossed that q-tip in the trash, used a clean q-tip and started this process for the second nostril.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Dee269 (Las Vegas, Nv) on 01/05/2017
 ★★★★★

THANK YOU! I've had a sinus headache for 2 days! Grabbed my neti pot /salt/ and the organic virgin coconut oil we use in the kitchen. mixed it all up - Relief!! Instant. I can still feel that there is an infection but omg this is wonderful. An hour later it is even better! I usually heat my water a bit since I don't like cold neti, so it easily melted the oil.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Kristin (Seattle, Wa) on 09/17/2016
 ★★★★★

Also along with my sinus issue I got a post nasal drip sore throat and cough...when my throat was super dry and I was having a hard time sleeping due to coughing/dry irritation in my throat just popping about a 1/4-1/2 tsp of coconut oil in my mouth and letting it melt and then swallowing coated my throat enough to allow me to sleep. Wanted to mention since it's another way to use this stuff that I buy in bulk and use in SO many ways.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Ann (Tucson, Az) on 06/12/2016
 ★★★★★

I have been on a strong course of prednisone for yet another sinus infection without any relief. My daughter sent me a link to this page and I immediately made a neti pot with 1 tbsp coconut oil and salt solution. It opened my passages and has given me the relief I needed within minutes. Then I did a coconut oil pull for the mouth, again more relief. If only I had this information years ago I would have not suffered - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Replied by Mike H
(London)
11/23/2016
★★★★★

I'm totally with you! I feel almost euphoric that I might finally have found the solution to this debilitating issue. I've tried everything from rinses, anti-histamines, steroids, sprays, steam baths, decongestants, kimchii and even surgery - nothing has worked. And one go with the coconut oil in the netipot and it is feeling so much better. No dry, irritated feeling that usually accompanies it! How many times a day would people suggest doing the coconut oil in neti pot rinses?

Replied by Mike H
(London)
11/25/2016

Day 3 Update - My nose feels better than it has for more than 10 years. Along with it, all of my other feelings of viral infection (heavy head, aching, fatigue) have now also lifted as a result of the coconut oil. I'm sinus rinsing with it 3 times a day and also drinking a tsp dissolved in hot water (I don't drink coffee), as well as 'oil pulling' with it. All bases covered and I'm feeling so good! Thank you to whoever in the world found this miracle solution and thanks all for sharing it!

Replied by C
(London U.k.)
12/16/2016

Thanks - Just tried it too after days of feeling awful - Went to Doc who said to try Sudafed nasal spray. Which worked for while, but did not solve my issue. So in desperation I found this conversation. I already had coconut oil which I use regularly but not for sinusitis, so gave it a go, and my gosh after 5 mins all the gunk is gone and I can breath so much easier! Thumbs up to you.

Replied by Juanita
(Kansas City, Ks.)
01/28/2017

I am so excited about this remedy.. I suffer with sinus infections year round. I really suffer at night. I have plenty of coconut oil. Thank You Jesus!
Blessings

Coconut Oil
Posted by Bonni (Richmond, Va) on 03/19/2015
 ★★★★★

OMG I just used a little extra virgin coconut oil with sea salt and warm water in a neti pot. My sinus is opening up, it was so soothing to my nose and the back of my throat. I held a nostril closed and sucked it till it hit the back of my throat and came out my mouth. I put some warm coconut oil in my ears too. I'm going to brush my teeth and do some coconut oil pulling also. Coconut kills mono and strep throat germs. I've had tooth aches and stopped them by swishing the coconut in my mouth for 20 minutes. Its been over 10 minutes and I don't feel like I have a sinus infection at all. My left inner ear is a little sore. My sinus's were so bad I didn't know my ear was hurting. I don't know how often I should use this but I will start out using it every 3 hours. I didn't even use a 1/2 teaspoon. I will use a tablespoon next time.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Lisa (Austin, Tx) on 01/21/2015
 ★★★★★

I was thinking it was my imagination, but happy to see others experience the same results. It's cedar season in central Texas and I am highly allergic. I've been sniffing and sneezing all week, constantly congested. Tonight I made some biscuits using coconut oil ... the coconut oil really came through in the biscuits, for me too strong (I'm not a fan of coconut), however 10 minutes after eating the biscuits I noticed that I could breathe again! I kid you not! Hello coconut oil, my new friend - I'll be adding you to my coffee in the morning!

Coconut Oil
Posted by Iona (Devon) on 01/14/2015
 ★★★★★

Just tried neti pot with warm salt water and a teaspoon of coconut oil for my sinusitus and has cleared my passages fantastically. First time in a week I have been able to breath properly. Magic! Thank you.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Autum (NH, US) on 12/22/2014
 ★★★★★

It's about 9:57 am and I had just finished a slice of bread with half a tsp of coconut oil. My sinus activity seemed to have settled down and my nose isn't as runny and am not coughing as much. Can feel an improvement though it's only been a few minutes. Also throat is feeling less itchy.


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