Are you dealing with congestion, or is your nasal pathway blocked? Coughing and stubborn colds can make breathing quite difficult, and should you start sneezing; the situation may lead to headaches. There are different treatments for stuffy nose and congestion, and one of them that has grown in popularity over the last few years is essential oil for stuffy nose.
For those who suffer from terrible congestion that can keep them down for several days or even weeks, having an essential oil for congestion in your locker is one of the best moves you will ever make. Essential oils have properties that alleviate discomfort and remedy certain allergies.
How are essential oils produced
Essential oils are produced by extracting and distilling oils from plants using the cold pressing method. This method ensures that the natural compounds in the oil do not degrade.
Below, we review some of the best essential oil for congestion.
Peppermint
Many congestion ointments already contain this oil, but not many people are aware of this. Peppermint oil has menthol, which clears mucus and opens up your nasal pathways. Blocked sinuses can be very hard to unblock, but with peppermint oil, the effect is swift because it has a cooling effect.
Peppermint oil is also an effective treatment for terrible sinusitis because it works on the basal receptors. Beyond that, it is also an effective antimicrobial cure to reduce the spread of cold-related bacteria.
There are many ways to use peppermint oil. One way is via a direct application. You can mix it with a carrier oil, then apply it to your nose or rub it on your hands and inhale the fragrance. Another option is to pour a few drops into a bowl of earn water and inhale the mentholated vapor. Filling the air with diffused peppermint oil is another way to go.
If you don’t have access to raw peppermint oil, you can also buy essential oil for stuffy nose that contains peppermint.
Eucalyptus Oil
Another best essential oil for congestion is eucalyptus oil. This oil is sourced from the legendary eucalyptus plant, and in recent years researchers have discovered new uses for it, one of which is to remedy nasal congestion.
Eucalyptus oil can relieve common issues like coughs, sneezing, cold and sinusitis. Just like peppermint oil, you can also add eucalyptus oil to your bath. There is a compound in this oil called cineole which is an organic compound effective for treating sinusitis. But do note that there are side effects to using it like heartburn, skin rash, runny nose, headaches and even nasal obstruction.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has found its way into many homes and beauty products. The oil has a calming effect on the body and particularly sensitive regions like nasal pathways. Tea Tree Oil contains organic compounds that prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. One of the key compounds in this essential oils is alpha-sabine which is known to be an antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial agent.
So if your congestion is caused by a virus, fungi or bacteria, tea tree oil is one of the best remedies there is. Furthermore, it reduces swelling and other nasal symptoms that cause discomfort.
Oregano Oil
Oregano is another popular option that can help clear your pathways in no time. It eliminates bacteria that cause sinusitis using a key agent called carvacrol. If you can not find Oregano in its raw form, you may buy products online that have Oregano as a key ingredient.
Clary Sage
Clary safe contains antimicrobial agents for fighting off bacteria. While it is one of the least popular oils today, it is as effective as any other essential oil that is widely used.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is perhaps the most popular essential oil of them all. It has different uses, and many products contain this ingredient. Lavender reduces sinus pain and swelling. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy, and many who have used it report a reduction in basal pains and chronic sneezing. The best time to use Lavender oil is at night, just before you go to bed. It induces a feeling of calmness and improves sleep.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is best for swollen sinuses. It is rich in anti-oxidants and helps users suffering from metabolic syndrome. If you can’t find rosemary oil in life form to buy, you may go for alternatives or products that contain the oil.
Palmrosa
You probably haven’t heard of Palmrosa before but believe us when we say that it is one of the best essential oil for congestion. The welcoming citrus aroma is a turn on, but beyond that, Palmrosa has immune-boosting agents. All that is required is a few drops into warm water, and as you inhale the steam, your nasal congestion will clear out.
Ravintsara oil
Ravintsara is not very popular in the West but is widely used in the East and Asian countries. This oil has a month fragrance similar to peppermint oil. It decongests sinus passages and flushes out toxins and waste from your lymphatic system.
Cedarwood oil
Cedarwood is common in many products, and many brands use it as a base ingredient. Cedarwood oil fights off germs and calms your nasal region. It also reduces swelling of your sinus.
Thyme Oil
Thyme is a therapeutic agent with immune-boosting capacity. This oil has a positive effect on the respiratory system, and one of the best application methods is to diffuse it onto the atmosphere. A thyme-charged atmosphere is effective since each time you inhale; you draw in the fragrance into your nasal region.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir is not only a nasal relieving oil but also a mood improver. Inhaling balsam fir in moderate doses can clear congestion.
How to use essential oils the right way
When it comes to using essential oils for stuffy nose, you will need to inhale the fragrance. But before you do that, you will have to dilute the oil with a carrier oil and even water if the fragrance is too strong for you. Here are a few days to use essential oils for congestion the right way.
Direct inhalation: The first method is to inhale it directly by adding a few drops into a paper, light cloth or tissue and holding it very close to your face. Make sure the oil doesn’t touch your nose or face and inhale directly. As you do so, the soothing effect will clear your nasal passage.
Through steam: Another method is to use steam. To do so, pour a few drops of the oil onto a bowl of boiling water. Now place a towel over your head to control the steam escape. With your face in position, inhale the steam. This will make you feel uncomfortable but do this for a minute or two before the temperature cools.
Use a diffuser: Another method is to use a diffuser. Diffusers disperse the fragrance into the atmosphere, and as you breathe in, you inhale the oil. For best results, use the oil in an enclosed room.
For bathing: You can also use your essential oil for bathing. Just pour a few drops into your bath and mix with your hand for the water and oil to blend. As you bathe with the water, take deep breaths every once in a while.
Safety precautions to adhere to
Essential oils for stuffy nose may be very effective, but they can also cause nasal irritation. Adhering to safety precautions and using them moderately is of the essence if you want to get the best results. Here are some safety precautions to be mindful of.
Dilute with a carrier oil: It is always safe to dilute the oil with a carrier oil especially oils with minty fragrances like peppermint oil. Dilution reduces the impact of the fragrance, which can be injurious to your health.
Avoid ingestion: Do not ingest essential oils by any means. Doing so may trigger allergic reactions, cause stomach upset or make you feel sick.
Avoid contact with eyes: Keep all essential oils away from your eyes. Due to their sticky nature, they may be difficult to wash off with water leading to eyes irritation and redness.
Not ideal for pregnant women: Pregnant women and lactating mothers shoulder avoid the use of essential oils if they must use it; they should consult their doctor first.
