5 Medicinal Oils You Can Use Against Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is a very uncomfortable symptom that usually presents with colds and flu, and which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches. Therefore, this can interfere with everyday life and cause discomfort. If at times you feel like you cannot breathe, feeling tired and desperate because of congestion, you can take inhalations with the vapors of medicinal or essential oils as this will help you feel more relieved.

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion is an inflammation of the soft tissue inside the nose. This inflammation responds to external agents such as allergens, viruses or bacteria.

In many cases, it is accompanied by nasal discharge. When there is an excess of mucus, it can go down the back of the throat, known as a post-nasal drip, and cause a sore throat.

Medicinal Oils to Relieve Nasal Congestion

According to belief, inhalations with essential oil vapors can help relieve nasal congestion. Let’s see below how they are prepared and which oils are most commonly chosen.

1. Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is believed to help reduce inflammation in the airways and expel mucus.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (14 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

What to do?

• Take a pot and heat the equivalent of two cups of water.
• Bring to a boil and add the eucalyptus oil. Turn off the heat and pour the mixture into a wide-mouth container.

• Place a towel behind your head and tilt your face towards the container, very carefully, to breathe in the vapors. The ideal is to keep a distance of approximately 15 centimeters to avoid getting burned.

2. Lavender essential oil

Soothing, antifungal, antibacterial and analgesic properties are attributed to lavender oil, which is often used in aromatherapy.

It is said that mixing it with almond oil would help alleviate cold and flu symptoms as well as nasal congestion.

Ingredients

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

What to do?

• In a container mix both oils.
• Then apply them directly to the chest, neck and back.

3. Thyme essential oil

As with other medicinal oils, antibacterial and antioxidant properties are attributed to thyme oil. Also, it is said that it can strengthen the immune and respiratory systems.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of thyme essential oil
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

What to do?

• Take a pot and heat the equivalent of two cups of water. Once the water has boiled, add a tablespoon of thyme essential oil.
• Enjoy the vapors. Remember to put a towel over your head so that you can inhale vapors and clear your airway.

4. Mint essential oil

The  mint  has a very pungent aroma. It is believed that with a few drops, mixed with jojoba oil, the airways could be cleared more easily.

Ingredients

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

What to do?

• In a container, mix both oils.
• Apply the mixture to the neck and chest, rubbing gently until you feel the skin absorb the mixture completely.

5. Oregano essential oil

It is generally said that an infusion of oregano can help treat colds and flu. Therefore, some consider that the use of its essential oil could also be useful.

Ingredients

• 3-4 drops of oregano essential oil
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

What to do?

To make nebulizations with this oil, you just need to do the same procedure indicated above with the eucalyptus and thyme oil.

• Boil water and add a tablespoon of oregano oil
• Pour the mixture into a wide-mouthed container, place a towel behind your head and tilt your face about 6 inches from the container.
• Inhale the vapors deeply and you will find that in a few minutes the nasal congestion will disappear.

It is important to note that all medicinal or essential oils should be used in small amounts and always diluted with water or carrier oil. If ​​concentrates are used, undiluted, they can cause even more intense adverse reactions.

Before resorting to the use of any natural remedy, it is ideal to consult your doctor. This includes issues like aromatherapy.

In case of sensitive skin, dermatitis or any other skin problem, avoid applying medicinal oils without your doctor’s permission.