5 Natural Essential Oils For Nasal Congestion

Did you know that essential oils can help treat the symptoms of colds and flu? That’s right: there are natural oils for nasal congestion.

When you have a cold, flu or other respiratory condition, it is common to also experience nasal congestion. This annoying symptom does not allow you to breathe properly and can even lead to headaches.

If you feel that you cannot breathe, are tired, and are desperate to relieve a stuffy nose, choose some natural options for your symptoms. Today we would recommend some essential oils for nasal congestion that will give you immediate relief.

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion occurs when the soft tissue in your nose becomes inflamed. It usually occurs in response to certain allergens, viruses or bacteria.

In many cases it is accompanied by snot. When there is excess mucus, it can slide down the back of the throat. This is called “postnasal drip”, and it causes sore throat.

Natural oils to relieve nasal congestion

1. Essential eucalyptus oil

This oil will help reduce inflammation in the airways and loosen mucus in the lungs if excess mucus is present. Essential eucalyptus oil has antioxidant properties that will also strengthen the immune system.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp essential eucalyptus oil (14 g)

• 2 cups water (500 ml)

This is what you do

1. Heat the two cups of water in a saucepan.
2. When it boils, add the oil.
3. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into a wide bowl.
4. Place a towel on the back of your head and gently lean your face over the bowl so you can breathe in the steam.
5. Stay at least 15 cm away from the  water to avoid getting burned.

2. Essential lavender oil for nasal congestion

Lavender oil has  antifungal, antibacterial, detoxifying and analgesic properties, and is often used in aromatherapy.

These oils, when used externally, are good for treating nasal congestion caused by colds, flu and coughs. It will help loosen mucus that has built up in the lungs and airways.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons essential lavender oil (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons almond oil (30 ml)

This is what you do

1. In a container, mix both oils well.
2. Then apply the mixture directly on the chest, neck and back.

3. Essential thyme oil for nasal congestion and sore throat

Thyme oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These help strengthen immune and respiratory systems. It is also used to treat cold symptoms such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion.

Essential thyme oil allows you to take advantage of aromatherapy to relieve a sore throat.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp essential thyme oil (15 ml)
• 2 cups water (500 ml)

This is what you do

1. Heat the two cups of water in a saucepan. When the water boils, add the thyme oil.
2. Place a towel over your head so you can inhale the vapor and open up your airways.

4. Essential mint oil

Mint has a strong scent and will open up the airways even through external use. Apply it every night before bedtime until the nasal congestion has disappeared.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons mint oil (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30 ml)

This is what you do

• Mix both oils in a small container.
• Apply this mixture on the neck and chest, rubbing gently until you feel the skin absorb it completely.

5. Essential oregano oil for nasal congestion

Oregano is commonly used to treat colds and flu thanks to its medicinal properties. The same can be said for the essential oil.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp essential oregano oil (15 ml)
• 2 cups water (500 ml)

This is what you do

To make a steam treatment with this oil, you just need to follow the previous method for eucalyptus and thyme oil:

1. Boil the water and put in oregano oil.
2. Pour the mixture into a wide container, place a towel over your head and lean forward while keeping your face about 15 cm from the container.
3. Breathe in the steam and you will find that within a few minutes, your nasal congestion will disappear.

By using one of these treatments regularly, the symptoms will be relieved in a short time. Remember to see a doctor if the nasal congestion does not decrease within a week. Avoid exposing yourself to strong odors or allergens that can aggravate the discomfort.