As someone who suffers from sinusitis, I know that Essential Oils are good for congestion, so I decided to research them in more detail. Here are 11 essential oils for congestion I found that could be helpful:
If you’re unsure how to mix your oils, check out our article on Carrier Oils.
Essential oils for congestion
1) Peppermint oil
Peppermint Oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that may protect the mucous membrane, eliminate excess free radicals, and kill some bacteria that trigger nasal congestion. The cool, minty oil stimulates blood flow and helps relieve stuffiness, headaches, and sinus pressure.
Placing a tiny amount below the nostrils encourages deep, clear breathing. It contains menthol, which doesn’t impact airway congestion, but the cooling properties have a psychological effect that makes you feel like you can breathe easier. Menthol may affect the mucus receptors in the nose, helping to open the airways and clear mucus.
Peppermint oil is one of the more popular essential oils for congestion.
2) Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus Oil helps to clear congested sinuses by relaxing the airway muscles as a mild expectorant. It contains 1,8 cineole, a compound that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, treats headaches, clears mucus build-up, relieves runny noses, suppresses coughs, and kills germs around the nasal passageway.
Eucalyptus oil is another of the more popular essential oils for congestion, and is frequently included in over-the-counter remedies, too.
3) Lavender oil
Lavender oil is well known for its soothing, calming properties, helping promote relaxation and better sleep. Not treating congestion directly, can alleviate many of the associated symptoms. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic properties which may relieve sinus pain, swelling, and congestion-induced inflammation.
Inhaling is an effective method for treating bronchial asthma.
As an oil that is frequently found in one’s cupboard of natural remedies, why not try it as one of your essential oils for congestion?
4) Oregano oil
Oregano Oil is a remedy for coughs and colds thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can act as a natural antibiotic helping with nasal congestion by fending off bacteria. Oregano Oil is an expectorant that can loosen mucus build-up in your sinuses and respiratory tracts. It contains carvacrol, may have antioxidant properties, and may stop bacteria growth.
As an Italian who uses a lot of oregano in my cooking, I had no idea that oregano essential oil could be used as one of the essential oils for congestion! One can learn something every day!
5) Tea tree oil
Tea Tree Oil contains alpha-sabine, which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties for treating irritation and inflammation common with stuffiness and sinus congestion. It is also an expectorant that loosens mucus. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce sinus swelling and relieve common congestion symptoms.
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil for congestion thanks to its effectiveness and additional healing properties, too.
6) Clary sage oil
Clary Sage has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may effectively manage sinus infections caused by bacteria. It is an expectorant and might help relax overworked chest muscles, boost breathing function, promote feelings of calmness, and help promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
7) Rosemary oil
Rosemary Oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties, which can reduce swelling in inflamed sinuses, help fight respiratory infections, and remove excess free radicals that may impact your health. It contains compounds like eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, and camphor. These can potentially boost respiratory health and relieve congestion.
When inhaled, it acts as an expectorant.
Now, who’d have thought that among its other great properties, it would also be one of the good essential oils for congestion?
8) Lemon oil
Lemon Oil has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to reduce inflammation in your sinuses. Limonene, one of the oil’s primary components helps open airways and reduce respiratory inflammation.
9) Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense Essential Oil’s anti-inflammatory and antidepressant qualities help relax lungs and airways, making it easier to breathe, alleviate intense coughing, and reduce phlegm.
It boosts immune system health and eases pain, stress, and anxiety.
10) Clove bud essential oil
Clove Bud Essential Oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties to boost the immune system, soothe sore throats, and alleviate congestion-induced aches and pains. It’s a natural expectorant, clearing mucus from the lungs and airways. Eugenol is a compound in Clove Essential Oil that has many of the benefitting properties.
Clove bud oil is one of the essential oils for congestion that is popular for alleviating the aches and pains associated with congestion.
11) Pine essential oil
Pine Essential Oil contains high levels of phenols that when inhaled can help break up congestion and phlegm. It contains antimicrobials, antiseptics, and anti-inflammatories that help fight germs. Pine Essential Oil is an expectorant and decongestant to promote easier breathing and facilitate the healing of infections.
Need help getting good quality Essential Oils for congestion? Check out Barefut.
Pingback: 11 Home Remedies For Congestion Relief