5 Essential Oils To Relieve Nasal Congestion

When something as simple as breathing becomes difficult, a stuffy nose can lead to a tired and desperate feeling. Next, we present 5 essential oils to relieve nasal congestion that will help you feel immediate relief from exhaustion and withdrawal.

What causes nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion is due to an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues inside the nose. Inflammatory conditions are almost always caused by external factors such as allergens, viruses and bacteria.

In many cases, nasal congestion is also associated with higher-than-normal mucus secretion. Excess mucus can drain down the throat, which, when inflamed, causes pain and discomfort in the throat as well.

Essential oils to relieve nasal congestion

1. Eucalyptus

This essential oil helps both to relieve airway inflammation and to remove excess mucus that has accumulated in the lungs. In addition, the antioxidant properties of eucalyptus strengthen the body’s natural resistance.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 500 ml of water

Instructions

• Heat the water in a boiler.
• When the water starts to boil, add a drop of eucalyptus to it. Remove the pan from the stove and carefully pour the hot water into an open bowl.
• Cover your head with a towel and gently bend over the bowl to inhale the eucalyptus steam. During vapor inhalation, try to keep your face about 15 cm away from the surface of the water so that you do not accidentally burn yourself. 

2. Lavender

This strong-smelling herb is widely used in aromatherapy, as lavender is especially known for its anti-fungal and bacterial anti-inflammatory, cleansing and pain-relieving properties. 

Ingredients

• 2 drops of lavender oil
• 2 drops of almond oil

Instructions

• Mix lavender and almond oil together in a small bowl.
• Rub the oil directly on the chest, neck and back area.

External use of lavender oil in inflamed areas is effective in treating runny nose, flu, cough and nasal congestion. In addition, like eucalyptus, it helps to remove mucus from the lungs and airways.

3. Thyme oil

Thyme has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help strengthen the immune system and respiratory system and that is why thyme oil is widely used to treat flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion.

Due to its cleansing effect on the lungs, thyme oil can also be utilized in the form of vapor inhalation, especially to relieve sore throat.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of thyme oil
• 500 ml of water

Instructions

• Heat the water in a boiler. When the water boils, add a drop of thyme oil to the set (the amount corresponds to about one teaspoon).
• Cover your head with a towel and gently bend over the pot to breathe steam, just like in eucalyptus treatment.

4. Mint oil

The strong smell of mint penetrates deep into the airways and helps cleanse the lungs. For best results, add mint oil every night before bed until nasal congestion and mucus disappear.

Ingredients

• 2 drops of mint oil
• 2 drops of jojoba oil

Instructions

• Mix the mint and jojoba oil together in a small bowl.
• Add the oil in a massaging motion to the neck and chest area until the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.

5. Oregano oil

Normally, this natural remedy is used to treat colds and flu in the form of a stew, but the respiratory effects of oregano are just as effective in the form of an essential oil.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of oregano oil
• 500 ml of water

Instructions

Steam breathing with oregano oil works in the same way as with eucalyptus and thyme oil:

• As the water boils, add the oregano drops to the mixture (the amount corresponds to about one teaspoon).
• Pour boiling water into an open container, place a towel over your head and gently bend over the container. Remember to keep your face at a distance of about 15 cm throughout your breathing.
• Repeat the breathing for a few minutes until the nasal congestion disappears.

Note: All of the above essential oils should be used in a controlled manner only in small amounts, always diluted in either water or base oil (e.g., cold pressed coconut oil) to avoid possible side effects. 

Regular use of essential oils and steam breathing therapy will help with the symptoms caused by a stuffy nose in a short period of time. However, if nasal congestion does not improve within a week despite regular home treatment, we recommend that you consult your doctor. Also, avoid exposure to strong odors or allergens, especially when you have a runny nose, as they will only make you feel uncomfortable.