Nasal congestion is uncomfortable and can leave people restless. There are various studies today showing the decongesting power of essential oils. They can be used as aromatherapy agents due to their strong and relaxing scent, or applied topically around the nose area (but make sure to dilute them first with avocado oil or coconut oil.

The good news is that there are many essential oils available out there that will help relieve and decongest the nasal passages. Many of them can easily be found in your local health and beauty stores. Below are some examples.

Essential Oils you can use for Congestion

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. It was also found to have the ability to fight yeast and fungi. These microbes can trigger inflammation that affects the immune system and leads to nasal congestion and cough. Luckily, tea tree oil can fight them off. It is a great option to relieve cough, sore throat, and bronchial congestion. Simply apply 10 to 15 drops of this essential oil to relax your sinuses and neck area.

Thieves oil

Thieves oil is a blend of cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove. It is said that this essential oil blend was developed by thieves many years ago, during the great plague. They kept themselves protected against the disease by rubbing the oil blend all over their body before entering their victim’s home. The blend contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It is also used as a throat spray to relieve sore throat or cough.

Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil is highly-valued essential oil. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help clear the nasal passages, lungs, and regulate breathing patterns. It can also eliminate the phlegm inside the lungs, allowing users to feel a great amount of relief. When treating chest or nasal congestion, simply put two to three drops of this essential oil into your diffuser.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is one of the most common essential oils around. It is commonly used for treating respiratory symptoms and disorders, including influenza, colds, sinus congestion, and cough. It works by easing the person’s breathing problems whenever phelm fills the lungs and sinuses. Simply apply a few drops of this oil on the neck, back, or chest for quick relief.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is best known for its antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and expectorant capabilities. It is one of the most powerful essential oils today. It is used to treat sinus infections, coughs, respiratory infections, colds, and sore throat. Scientists have found that peppermint oil has an antispasmodic activity, which helps relieve cough. This essential oil is also said to help soothe and calm sore throats, while thinning mucus for cough relief.

Lemon oil

Lemon oil is another commonly used essential oils today to relieve congestion and cough symptoms. It is made from the lemon skin, and is best used in treating sore throat. Thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Studies show that this oil can help boost the immune system and prevent bacteria growth. It was also found that the oil’s antibacterial activity helps fight off allergy and cold symptoms.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is well known for its ability to relieve respiratory disorders, including asthma, whopping cough, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It is one of the best essential oils for chest and nasal decongestion. It was also found that rosemary oil can help fight off the drug-resistant strains of certain bacteria.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is said to help reduce respiratory inflammation. It also helps loosen the mucus inside the lungs, promoting decongestion. This essential oil can be found in various over-the-counter medications for cough, cold, and congestion.

With regular use, it can help improve respiratory circulation, boost the immune system, and protect the body against free radicals. Cineole is the active ingredient found in this essential oil, and studies show that it is the reason behind its ability to treat upper respiratory infections and congestion.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is another powerful essential oil, thanks to its antiviral properties. It was found that using oregano oil as a spray provides immediate relief from symptoms triggered by upper respiratory issues, like sore throat and cough. In addition, this oil contains thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial properties. It was found that the carvacrol is the one that gives the oil its potency.

Juniper berry

Juniper berry has a sweet and woody smell. It can be found in many aromatherapy blends, fragrance sprays, and household cleaning products. This essential oil is usually used to treat respiratory infections and sore throats. Researchers revealed that the juniper berry oil has antioxidant, antifungale, antimicrobial, and antibacterial agents. These activities are said to be triggered by natural compounds found in juniper berry like p-Cymene, beta-pinene, and alpha-pinene.

Thyme oil

Thyme oil is great for treating congestion and cough due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. This essential oil can help boost the respiratory and immune systems. Scientists have found that thyme oil can fight off strong bacteria strains, which is why it is great for cough, sore throat, and congestion caused by colds.

Basil oil

Basil oil is well known due to its ability to help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. It works by getting rid of toxins to protect the body from bacteria and viruses. Add a drop of basil oil into your salad dressing or soup to reduce congestion and coughing. You can also use it to boost your respiratory system by applying topically to your chest, temples, and the back of the neck. Make sure, however, that the oil has been diluted in coconut oil before applying topically over those areas.

Cypress oil

Cypress oil is popular for its ability to fight infections and boost the respiratory system. This essential oil can loosen the phegm buildup in the lungs as well as the respiratory tract. It also helps decongest the nasal passages and chest due to cough and cold. The cypress oil can be used to treat symptoms caused by asthma and bronchitis.

Clove oil

Clove oil is known for its antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, stimulating, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It is used to relieve sore throat and boost the immune system to fight of viruses and bacteria. You can also chew on a clove bud whenever you have cough or sore throat.

Hyssop

Hyssop oil has been used to treat respiratory issues since the ancient Greece. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to treat chest inflammation and other bronchial issues. Its antiseptic properties have also been found to help fight off infections and bacteria. People with viral or bacterial throat infections and/or lung inflammation can use this essential oil to boost their immune system.

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