Nasal congestion is a problem of utter discomfort which you should never leave unattended as it can lead to chronic sinusitis which you wouldn’t want to deal with. [1]
Good news is that you can now treat nasal congestion at home with some natural and simple essential oil remedies.
Read the article to know how you can use essential oils for nasal congestion and how the remedies may work for you.
An Overview of Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is jamming of your nose that leads to many other problems. It is another term of a stuffy nose. The reasons behind nasal congestion can be just a common cold, allergies or a sinus infection. [2]
Common problems that you may face due to a jammed nose are:
- Nasal drips or a runny nose
- Pressure and strain in your sinus
- Swollen nasal tissues
- Headache and sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Cold, flu, and coughs
Use of Essential Oils for Nasal Congestion
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is the source of this amazing essential oil. First introduced in the earlier 70s, tea tree essential oil gained immense popularity in recent years. [3]
It became a staple in our haircare and skincare regime. People are using tea tree oil to treat flu, cold, sore throat, and many other health problems effectively.
Tea tree essential oil is considered a storehouse of medicinal benefits. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help to fight against the germs that cause infection and inflammation of your nose. [3]
Properties of tea tree oil promote healing of the infection and relieve nasal congestion. Like any other essential oils, you can apply any method to use it.
The most effective way is to rub a tiny bit of oil behind your ears and under the nose. This way it stays longer and the aroma hits the expats areas.
Another way is putting a few drops of the oil to a glass of water and gargling with it. But try to be careful not to swallow the water.
Also Read: Tea Tree Oil for Hair : 11 Incredible Uses (With Directions)
2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil gets derived from one of the most beneficial trees of the world, the eucalyptus tree. This tree, also known by Eucalyptus globulus, is in the same family as the Melaleuca alternifolia.
The oil was first used as a medicinal oil in the 80s and became more and more popular for the amazing benefits it provides to the human health. From a go-to remedial oil to a household necessity, the contribution of eucalyptus essential oil is enormous. [4]
Eucalyptus oil has a component called eucalyptol. This component is the central element that performs in treating nasal congestion.
Eucalyptol has a minty and spicy aroma to it. On its application, it gives a cooling sensation to the nasal area that helps to clear a stuffy nose as well as curbing the production of mucus and phlegm.
Eucalyptus essential oil possesses powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antispasmodic, astringent and antiseptic properties.
All these properties collectively check nasal congestion as well as a sore throat, flu, and coughing which is why eucalyptus essential oil is an ideal element added in the making of cough syrups and cough drops.
If you want to use the oil topically, the best carrier oil to mix it with is olive or jojoba oil. You can apply the mixer oil directly over your chest to ensure a long-lasting effect.
3. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon is one element that can intensify the taste of any savory dish with its presence. Juice of a lemon has the highest amount of vitamin C which is an essential element needed for our bodies.
Citric acid and vitamin C of lemons help to build a strong protective barrier that protects your body from the intrusion of harmful germs, bacteria, and toxins. They also eliminate the presence of any infection causing elements in your body. [5]
The lemon essential oil is a more concentrated form of the lemon juice which is a beautiful supporting element for your lymphatic, respiratory and immune systems.
The oil originates from the lemon rinds. It is enriched with highly stimulating, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and astringent properties.
Lemon essential oil strengthens your respiratory system and reduces the symptoms of cold and coughing.
By supporting the lymphatic system of your body, lemon oil combats the production of mucus and helps to dissolve the existing ones.
4. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary, commonly known to be a must-have ingredient in kitchens, is filled with many beneficial properties.
Rosemary essential oil originates from the plant that is also known as Rosmarinus officinalis. The oil gets extracted from the leaves through steam distillation.
Rosemary essential oil contains strong antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps to boost your immune and lymphatic systems and protects your body from infectious diseases like cold, flu and nasal congestion. [6]
Rosemary oil also strengthens your respiratory system which aids in putting up an intense fight against the respiratory infections.
You can use a blend of rosemary oil and a carrier oil like jojoba, olive or emu oil to massage your chest area.
Inhaling rosemary essential oil is another excellent way of getting the most from it. You can either use a diffuser or a humidifier to do the job. Or you can keep a small bottle of this oil always with you to inhale some whenever you feel like. It will ease your pain by loosening up your congested nasal cavities.
Also Read: 13 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil (Backed by Evidence)
5. Lavender Essential Oil
The lavender plant, known as Lavandula augustifolia as well, is the source of lavender essential oil. This beautifully scented oil is widely known for its calming effects and loads of beneficial properties.
Lavender oil is a natural antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The soothing aroma and great properties make it a fantastic remedial element for both your mind and body. [7]
It works on your nerves, calms them down and balances stress and anxiety. It stimulates your circulatory system and boosts immunity.
The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties if lavender oil improves the condition of your lungs treats inflammation, combats the symptoms of flu and cold, breaks down mucus and phlegm, and aids in relieving nasal congestion.
Lavender oil serves the best primary treatment for nasal congestion. You can use the oil topically, or inhale it by the use of a diffuser, steamer or vaporizer.
Also Read: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
6. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is an aromatic oil that requires much hassle to produce and is an expensive one.
Scattering fresh thyme leaves to enhance the taste and aroma of a dish is nothing uncommon. The oil gets derived from the leaves of Thymus vulgaris using the steam distillation process.
The process takes a lot of time and effort and requires a lot of plants to produce only a small batch of essential oil which is why thyme essential oil is pricey.
But all the time and efforts put are worth it because the oil derived is a supplier of potent antioxidants that support almost all the systems in your body. Thyme essential oil contains antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiseptic and expectorant properties. [8]
The immune, nervous and respiratory systems are the most effective ones. It helps to build a strong immune system that protects your body from infections and other problems.
The oil also strengthens your respiratory system that aids in fighting against sinus issues like nasal congestion, coughing, inflammation, and pressure of the nasal areas.
As it is a very potent oil, the best way of using it is to blend it with any healthy carrier oil in 1:1 ratio.
7. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a potent oil considered an excellent remedy for nasal congestion and other issues related to it. The oil gets extracted from the leaves of Mentha piperita. [9]
Peppermint essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent and antiseptic properties. Its great medicinal inheritance adds up to the usefulness of this oil in treating severe health issues like sinusitis.
Peppermint oil gets to the bottom of your nasal congestion and checks problems like pain, extreme headache, coughing, and swelling in the sinuses that are often accompanied by it.
The key player here is the menthol present in peppermint essential oil. Menthol is a soothing agent that provides a cooling sensation to the cavities of your nose. It loosens up the congestion and helps you to breathe easily.
Regular use of this oil can ease pain and swelling. Inhaling peppermint oil will reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities and may relieve coughing.
The aroma is the main reason peppermint oil is a must-have for people suffering from nasal congestion and even acute or chronic sinusitis. When you use peppermint oil topically on your skin, you need to dilute it with your choice of carrier oil. In this case, try to select oil with less or no fragrance so that the aroma of peppermint oil doesn’t get surpassed.
Also Read: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
8. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano, an aromatic herb used in cooking to bring out the excellent flavor in delicious dishes, is also the source of versatile essential oil.
We get oregano essential oil from the steam distillation of the leaves of oregano tree also known as Oreganum vulgare.
The presence of two fantastic compounds, carvacrol, and thymol, is what makes oregano essential oil one of the best remedial oil. [10]
These two components possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in treating infections caused by virus, bacteria or fungus. Carvacrol fights against parasites, tumors, allergies, and severe sinus issues.
The use of oregano essential oil helps to relieve sinus issues by calming down the inflammation and opening up your nasal cavities. It also helps reducing the production of mucus and phlegm.
The oil is a fantastic immunity booster. It can promote the production of white blood cells and thus strengthens your immune system. A robust immune system can fight back any infections and inflammation.
If you want to use it topically, mix it with olive or jojoba oil and apply the mixture to your chest area and under the nose for the better result. You can use this oil anywhere in your body to enjoy its benefits.
You can even take oregano essential oil internally, which is very unlikely. The best way is to add a minimal amount to your food or consuming it in the form of a supplement.
When Should You See a Doctor?
A nasal congestion is a common problem, but without proper attention and treatment, it can lead to chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis accompanies many other health issues that are harder to deal with and cause immense pain. Therefore, you need to be careful about it. If you feel like your situation is not improving within a few days, you should see a doctor.
The Final Words
Health is the most important thing that we are blessed with and we should take proper care of it. Whether it’s a nasal congestion, a cold fever or a headache, if it lasts longer than it should, you should consult a physician to know the exact reasons and cure the problem.
As a primary treatment for nasal congestions, essential oil remedies are the safest ones because, in case of an essential oil remedy, you have got nothing to lose.
We hope the article came to your benefit. Share your experience of using essential oil for nasal congestion with us. We would love to hear you out.
Read Next: 13 Simple Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion (& How to Use Them)
