Beneficial Terpene Effects Part 3
Terpenes For Sinus Problems
Although it might seem like a minor annoyance to some, sinus issues can put a serious damper on your quality of life. Like so many other issues, scientists are curious about terpenes ability to help patients dealing with sinus or allergy-related disorders.
Primary Terpenes For Sinus Problems
Current research suggests terpineol might be the most potent terpene out there when it comes to relieving sinus pressure. Although you might not have heard of terpineol before, you’ve probably heard of the traditional healing herb marjoram. Well, guess what: terpineol is a primary component in marjoram’s flavor profile. For thousands of years, folk doctors have used marjoram oil to clear sinuses, reduce fever, and improve symptoms of a cough. Now, the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology proves terpineol is superb at relieving sinus pressure when inhaled.
Secondary Terpenes For Sinus Problems
The terpene alpha-pinene, however, tends to gets more press than terpineol in the sinus relief department. This may have a bit to do with the fact that alpha-pinene is one of the most easily accessible terpenes in nature. Just because alpha-pinene is common, however, doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a therapeutic punch.
Perhaps the most impressive study looking at alpha-pinene’s role in sinus health occurred in 2011 in a Beijing hospital. Doctors involved in this trial examined how capsules filled with the terpenes alpha-pinene, limonene, and eucalyptol helped patients who just had rhinosinusitis surgery. Amazingly, the patients who received these capsules showed higher recovery rates in their sinuses than those who did not.
Two additional terpenes that might compliment sinus treatments are ocimene and citral. Korean researchers have shown that ocimene extracted from the Citrus unshiu flower has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Citral, on the other hand, might be useful for its antimicrobial effects. For instance, a study out of Shanxi, China, shows that citral has a powerful effect on the Cronobacter sakzakii bacteria.