If coughs and colds are your constant companions, these Essential Oils For Nasal Congestion can make them go away!
Have you suddenly got a lousy cold and are out of pills? Well, essential oils can save the day! They are increasingly becoming popular for nasal congestion relief. Many of these are great for clearing up your airways and easing sinus symptoms. Here’s which ones you can use and how to use them.
Essential Oils For Nasal Congestion
1. Eucalyptus
Well-known for its crisp, camphor-like aroma, eucalyptus essential oil contains eucalyptol, which helps loosen mucus in your chest and clear your nasal and sinus passages. Eucalyptus oil is beneficial if you are experiencing congestion due to sinus allergies or painful pressure in your sinuses.
The compound is why the oil is often an active ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants like chest rubs. Here’s how to DIY your own!
2. Peppermint
The menthol in peppermint essential oil can do wonders for easing nasal congestion. It lends the oil its anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve sinusitis symptoms, including a stuffy nose.
In fact, menthol is a compound often found in cold relief ointments and cough drops. You can save money by taking up steam with a few drops of peppermint oil instead of medications! You can also rub it on your belly for these benefits.
3. Tea Tree
Melaleuca or tea tree essential oil is an easy favorite for oil connoisseurs because of its antimicrobial properties. Often, bacteria and viruses aggravate sinus pain, allergies, and nasal congestion as they linger around our home and work environment.
If you have nasal congestion due to allergies, using this oil in a diffuser is a great idea. Thanks to the compound alpha-sabinene, it can reduce airborne allergens. Tea tree oil is also great for reducing inflammation, that is, sinus swelling.
4. Lavender
A popular addition to every essential oil collection, lavender oil serves various purposes, including easing nasal congestion!
Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help treat sinus infections while acting as a decongestant to unclog nasal airways. Its amazing, sweet fragrance has relaxing and sedative properties that help soothe the body and mind. It’s also great for wrinkles.
5. Oregano
Though you might associate oregano only with culinary purposes, oregano oil is actually a potent remedy for allergies. With a robust and herb-like scent, oregano oil acts like a natural antihistamine and can help with sinus symptoms and nasal congestion caused by allergies.
It also has antibacterial properties due to the compound carvacrol, which helps fight off and inhibit the growth of sinus-causing bacteria.
6. Sandalwood
Known for its deep, rich, woody fragrance, sandalwood oil is more than just a fine scent. It is a beneficial essential oil for inflammation caused by sinus allergies. The natural compounds of sandalwood oil help soothe irritated mucous membranes in the nose so that you are also relieved of nasal congestion.
Diluted sandalwood oil works great as a gentle rub on the chest or forehead for sinus infections.
7. Chamomile
While most essential oils can be too potent, chamomile essential oil can be the perfect choice for sensitive skin. Its gentle aroma soothes stress and alleviates allergy symptoms like a congested nose.
Applying diluted chamomile essential oil around your nostrils can immediately relieve congestion and other inflammatory symptoms.
8. Frankincense
People have been using frankincense essential oil for centuries to heal inflammatory conditions. This oil is also helpful in treating chronic sinus infections, which are mostly inflammatory.
Thanks to this oil’s natural decongestant compounds, which also give it its fragrance, you can slowly start saying goodbye to nasal congestion as your sinuses clear up!
9. Rosemary
While rosemary might be a kitchen staple, why not add a bottle of the essential oil to your bedside table, too? The fragrance of rosemary oil is excellent for energizing the mind and body.
But that’s not all! This powerful anti-inflammatory oil can also relieve swollen sinuses, thus alleviating the symptoms of a stuffed nose. You can also use it for hair.
How To Use Essential Oils For Nasal Congestion?
The first thing you should remember when using essential oils is to always dilute them without fail with a carrier oil. You must also perform a patch test for at least 24 hours to check for allergic reactions before topical use.
There are plenty of ways to use them. You could add a few drops of diluted essential oil to a tissue, hold it near your face, and gently breathe in. Or you could do it in a bowl of steaming water. Don’t forget to put a towel over your head, lower your face to a few inches of the bowl, and inhale. Creating a steam chamber like this can help relieve your sinuses quite quickly.
There are also other ways if you don’t want to inhale it. Diffusers are a good alternative. Through these, you can inhale your favorite essential oils continuously at home or work! There’s also the option of a warm bath. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a warm bath and gently inhale the steam while you soak and relax.