Did you know that approximately 54% of adults who experience congestion will visit a physician?
Having Congestion is an unpleasant feeling. It makes you feel stuffy, plugged and miserable.
So what causes congestion?
It can be caused by a range of different things. Such as Sinus and allergies are the most common.
Nowadays you can find many options in the pharmacy. But these treatments cause unpleasant side-effects such as drowsiness.
Because of that, One of the best natural alternatives is essential oils. These oils work great to relieve congestion.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best essential oils to relieve congestion.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Congestion
There are several benefits to using essential oils. Many people prefer the use of these oils over pharmaceutical drugs because they’re not concentrated on chemicals.
In other words, they’re a more natural method of treatment. Many of these oils help to relieve symptoms of congestion and provide you with the relief you’ve been craving.
Without a doubt, the biggest benefit of using these oils is the fact that they come with no side effects, as compared to medicines. Some pharmaceutical nasal decongestants have been linked to side-effects such as:
- Nasal dryness
- A stinging or burning sensation in the nasal cavity
- Local irritation in the nasal cavity
These are side effects just limited to the nasal area. Medicines for nasal congestion may include other effects too, such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Some decongestant drugs have been linked to Rhinitis medicamentosa too. This is also called rebound congestion.
Luckily, essential oils do not cause these side-effects. Thus, they are a safer way of treating congestion.
What Essential Oil Is Good For Congestion?
There are many essential oils that’ll help you treat congestion. However, some are much more effective than others. Let’s take a look at a few essential oils you should consider trying.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the few options that show very promising results.
This essential oil is commonly used as an alternative treatment for congestion. It is sometimes also used for sinusitis.
There are a lot of OTC products that contain eucalyptus oil too. It’s also easy to get your hands on this oil since it’s readily available.
One study considered the efficacy of treating rhinosinusitis with cineole, a natural compound found in eucalyptus oil.
The cineole showed promising results, and symptoms associated with rhinosinusitis improved, such as nasal obstruction and congestion, improved.
There was also a reduction in frontal headaches. Rhinological secretion was improved among the participants too.
Finding a good essential brand isn’t always easy.
I personally use Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain essential oils for years.And they both have giving me excellent results. In addition, they are highly rated with tons of reviews. And they are certified USDA organic. You can find the links below.
2. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is a natural treatment that may help with congestion caused by sinusitis in particular. Sinusitis is often caused by bacteria in the nasal capacity, and one of its biggest symptoms is nasal congestion.
In one study, researchers were able to provide evidence that oregano oil yields antimicrobial properties.
The carvacrol chemical that is naturally found in oregano oil was the focus of the study, and the researchers found that oregano oil helped to stop the growth of bacteria in the nasal cavity.
By fighting against bacteria in the nasal cavity, symptoms of rhinosinusitis, such as congestion, may be reduced.
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is most commonly associated with relaxation. Most people already include lavender oil in their daily routines to help them wind down. It calms the mind and is useful for reducing stress and anxiety.
Lavender oil can also be useful for congestion and other symptoms of sinus conditions.
One study showed that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties. The same study also found that the oil may yield an analgesic effect. Inflammation and pain are both common sinus symptoms.
The reduction in inflammation could possibly assist with congestion too. If the congestion is causing sinus pain and headache, lavender oil could provide further benefits.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another option that seems to have a lot of potentials. Several studies have looked at the use of peppermint oil in the treatment of sinus symptoms.
The cooling effects of peppermint oil are often considered its main benefit. Studies have shown that peppermint oil is able to effectively fight against bacteria. This means the oil may be beneficial for bacteria in the nasal cavity too.
Using peppermint oil may be able to reduce the incidence of sinus infections.
Studies also show that peppermint oil yields anti-inflammatory benefits as well, which may further help with congestion.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is commonly used as an antibacterial remedy. Alpha-sabine is a potent chemical that is found in tea tree oil, and much research has been done on it.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil is a potent antimicrobial agent that is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The use of tea tree oil may also be helpful for reducing inflammation. Swelling in the nasal cavity is common in people with sinus problems.
This becomes an even more problematic issue when bacteria are present. A reduction in inflammation may be helpful for reducing congestion.
6. Rosemary Oil
Another essential oil you might want to give a try is rosemary oil. This oil is known as a potent anti-inflammatory, according to many studies. It is used to assist in treating various types of inflammatory conditions.
These anti-inflammatory effects are important when it comes to reducing congestion. They may help ease other symptoms you may be experiencing. The antioxidant properties of rosemary oil may also be helpful.
7. Clary Sage Oil
Yet another essential oil to consider is clary sage oil. The main property of clary sage oil is its antimicrobial properties. What this means is that clary sage oil is able to fight against invading bacteria. This includes bacteria that may be present in your nasal cavity.
The antimicrobial agents of clary sage oil have been proven by many scientific studies.
One study provides evidence that clary sage oil is able to fight against various types of bacteria. This may include bacteria that cause sinus infections.
By fighting against the bacteria, your risk of sinus infections is reduced. This may also be a helpful strategy in reducing associated symptoms, such as congestion.
What The Experts Are saying About Essential Oils For Congestion
Experts are now talking about the benefits that essential oils bring. Over the last three decades, there has been a lot of research on essential oils.
Experts have found evidence that tea tree oil has bacteria-killing power, and lavender oil has a calming effect. Some experts have suggested that essential oils could help solve the rising number of antibiotic-resistant patients as well.
Experts advise that consumers do thorough research before using essential oils, though. Some oils will suit some people, while others won’t.
So, thorough research is important. There are also strong advisements against excessive use. However, as long as you use the oils carefully, they’re extremely beneficial.
How To Use Essential Oils To Relieve Congestion?
Now that you know what essential oils to use, the next question is how to use them?
Essential oils are not to be swallowed. Do not ingest these oils. Instead, you need to inhale them. It is also best to dilute them before inhaling.
You can place a few drops on a tissue. Place the tissue in front of your nose and inhale. You can also add a few drops of the oil to boiling water and then inhale the steam of the boiling water.
A third way to inhale essential oils is by using a diffuser. Diffusers provide a continuous supply of essential oil aroma in your home.
The last option is adding the essential oils to your bath. Just a couple of drops should be enough to give you the benefits of the oil.
Risk And Warnings
You should also be careful when using these oils because there are a few restrictions. Essential oils should not be used on babies, especially on those younger than three months.
These oils should also never be ingested, as this may result in harmful side-effects. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to essential oils. Thus, always be sure to test out the oil with just a few drops first.
If you experience an allergic reaction, do not use the oil.
It is also vital to note that some essential oils can cause side-effects. Peppermint oil, for example, has been shown to possibly trigger an episode of asthma.
Conclusion
Congestion is common among children and adults, and it can be unpleasant.
Luckily, it’s easily treatable. You can opt to go to your physician and treat congestion with pharmaceutical drugs or use natural methods of treatment, such as essential oils. I
f you want to avoid pharmaceutical drugs, consider giving the essential oils we shared a try. These may all help you relieve your congestion and clear up your nasal pathway!
I hope this answered the question What Essential Oil Is Good For Congestion? If you found this information helpful check out other helpful articles.
Further Resources
If you’re looking for more Essential Oils resources, consider checking out our other posts on Essential oils.
- Best Essential Oils For Facial Hair Growth
- Best Essential Oils For Tick Bites On Pets & Humans
- Best Essential Oils For Bruising And Swelling
- Best Essential Oils For Wasp Sting
- What Does An Essential Oil Diffuser Do?
- Best Essential Oils For Itchy Skin Rash That Relieves & Soothes
Irene Mills, is a dedicated wife. And, a mom of two young children. She graduated as a Bachelor in Science with an orientation in Architecture. As well as Literature, and Language. She thrives, in the writing of drama, romance, and adventure. With a high interest in the truth of nature and Organic lifestyle. Want to know more? check out our about us page.
