If you’re suffering from a stuffy nose, chances are you’ll do just about anything to get some relief. From over-the-counter medications to home remedies, there are numerous ways to clear congestion. However, one method you may not have considered is aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. When it comes to congestion, there are several essential oils that can help clear the airways and provide relief.
What Can I Diffuse for Congestion?
There are a number of essential oils that can help to clear congestion and promote easy breathing. Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular options, as it has a refreshing menthol scent that can help to open up the sinuses. Peppermint oil is another good choice, as it can help to soothe respiratory muscles and relieve feelings of tightness in the chest.
Other essential oils that may be helpful for congestion include rosemary, lemon, and sage.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils for congestion relief. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect on the body and can help open up the airways.
Simply add a few drops of peppermint oil to your diffuser or inhale it directly from the bottle. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is another excellent choice for clearing congestion. Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties and can help loosen mucus in the chest and sinuses.
Simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser or add it to a massage oil and apply to chest and back. Here in our Lime and Eucalyptus Chest Rub recipe.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is another great option for congestion relief. In addition to its soothing scent, lavender oil can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. It has a calming effect on the body and mind, and can be helpful in relieving stress and anxiety. Lavender oil is also believed to improve circulation and relieve pain.
How to Use Essential Oils for Congestion and Colds
To use essential oils for congestion, add a few drops to a diffuser or inhaler and breathe in deeply. You can also add a few drops to a hot shower, or apply diluted oils directly to the chest.
You can also add a few drops of any one of these essential oils to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors for additional relief. Or, apply a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser bracelet or necklace and inhale the aroma throughout the day.
Best Essential Oil Combinations for Congestion
Essential oils are wonderful and they can become stronger when blended with other oils. Here are some easy essential oil combinations for chest and sinus congestion.
1. Eucalyptus and Peppermint Oil
One of the most popular essential oil combinations for congestion is eucalyptus and peppermint oil. This combination has been proven to be an effective remedy for clearing the sinuses and helping to reduce congestion.
Eucalyptus oil has a strong, medicinal aroma and is known to help break up mucus. Peppermint oil is a cooling oil that helps to invigorate the senses and open up the airways. When combined, these two oils provide a powerful decongestant for those suffering from congestion due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections.
2. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil
Lavender and Tea Tree Oil are popular essential oil combinations for treating congestion. Lavender is known for its soothing and relaxing properties, while Tea Tree Oil is widely used for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
When combined, these two oils can help to clear congestion and soothe the effects of nasal and chest congestion.
When using this combination, it is best to mix a few drops of each oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, and then apply it to your chest and the back of your neck. This simple remedy can provide relief from congestion and other respiratory symptoms.
3. Orange and Clove Oil
Orange and clove oil is a powerful blend for congestion relief. Orange oil is known for its uplifting and invigorating scent, while clove oil is known for its soothing, calming, and warming effects.
Adding these two oils together creates a combination of aromatic benefits that can work together to provide relief from congestion. Orange oil is said to help with emotional balance, while clove oil is thought to help reduce inflammation in the body.
This combination of oils can be used in a diffuser, or added to a carrier oil to create a massage oil that can be applied to the chest and back.
4. Eucalyptus and Rosemary Oil
Eucalyptus and Rosemary oil is an effective essential oil combination for relieving congestion. It is a natural decongestant that helps to clear the sinuses, reduce inflammation, and soothe airways.
The combination of the two oils can be used in diffusers and inhalers for relief of congestion. The eucalyptus oil helps to open the airways, while rosemary oil helps to reduce inflammation and loosen mucus.
Both oils can be used in a mixture with other essential oils, such as peppermint, to create your own blend for relief of congestion.
5. Eucalyptus and Lemon Oil
Eucalyptus and Lemon Oil is one of the best essential oil combinations for congestion relief. When combined, these two oils provide strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties.
Eucalyptus oil works to open up airways and reduce mucus production, while Lemon Oil helps to clear the airways and break up mucus. This combination can be used in a diffuser, added to a hot bath, or used as a chest rub.
It is a powerful, natural, and effective way to alleviate congestion.
6. Tea Tree and Thyme Oil
Tea tree and thyme oil are both antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial and are known to help reduce congestion and clear nasal passages. When these two essential oils are combined, they create a potent mixture that is effective in helping to clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
When used in aromatherapy, their aroma can help to open up the airways, allowing for easier breathing. This combination of essential oils is especially beneficial when used in a diffuser for congestion relief.
7. Cedarwood and Lavender Oil
Cedarwood and Lavender oil is a great combination for congestion relief. The properties of cedarwood oil help to reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes, while lavender oil calms the nervous system and relaxes the muscles.
When used together, these oils help to alleviate congestion and open up the nasal passageways. It is important to note, however, that cedarwood has a strong scent and may cause irritation for some individuals.
It is recommended to dilute the oils in a carrier oil when using them for congestion relief.
8. Rosemary and Marjoram Oil
Rosemary and Marjoram oil are powerful essential oil combinations to use for congestion. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the rosemary essential oil can help to open and clear airways, while the marjoram oil can help to reduce pain and congestion.
To use, mix two drops of rosemary oil with three drops of marjoram oil, and add the mixture to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water. Inhale the vapors for 10 minutes to help clear the congestion.
It is important to remember to avoid contact with the eyes and never ingest the oils.
What other essential oils can be used for congestion?
Here are some other essential oils that help congestion: Ginger, thyme, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, oregano, sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, chamomile, juniper berry, bergamot, black pepper, anise, caraway, and cumin.
Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Congestion Relief
If you’re suffering from congestion, aromatherapy may be worth a try. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils are all great choices for clearing congestion and opening up the airways. Simply add a few drops of any one of these essential oils to your diffuser or inhale it directly from the bottle.
