Best Essential Oils for Congestion

Essential oils have incredible benefits, eliminating cold and flu symptoms being one. We've all been there, feeling as if you are going to live the entire winter with a stuffy nose and tissues filling each of your pockets.

Instead of feeding your body full of medication and harsh chemicals, applying essential oils for congestion allows you to take a completely natural route. A great way to cure inflammation in the sinus cavity or mucous membrane, these oils will work to alleviate even the most clogged noses.

First on our list of the best essential oils for congestion is oregano. Oregano has been used a natural remedy for centuries. As one of the most versatile essential oils, oregano can be used to not only reduce congestion, but is a natural antibiotic.

Advised to be taken with care, the oil is strong, and only a small amount will do the trick. Applied to your skin, especially the nose and chest, this will reduce mucus production, and help you to breathe with ease.

Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for congestion due to its sedative properties. Among its varying uses, peppermint essential oil can be used to reduce mucus buildup as well as relieve sinus pressure.

It is suggested to mix peppermint with a carrier oil and then apply to your skin or diffuser. However, your carrier oil should have a muted scent, this way it will not take away the essence of the peppermint. Primarily known for its aroma, peppermint will be your next go-to this cold season.

One of the best essential oils for every symptom of the common cold, tea tree will nip each of your pains in the bud this winter. This includes treating congestion, a couch, and a sore throat. Extracted from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree leaves, tea tree oil has both antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

With this, it will eliminate any germs that may be causing your cold and flu symptoms. And just like peppermint, you should combine this oil with a carrier oil of your choice. Simply apply this to your chest, under the nose, and even behind the ears to receive the best results.

With an incredible aroma, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for congestion. Best used for stress, anxiety, and nerves, lavender also has a ton of other benefits. When you first sense yourself getting a little stuffy, lavender should be your first thought.

Once you begin incorporating the essential oil into your daily routine, you will nip those flu and cold symptoms in the bud. There are multiple ways to use this oil, and steaming or diffusing are some of the most common. Or, if you'd rather rub the oil into your skin around the affected areas, this will work just as well.

Rosemary has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which is a great for strengthening the immune system, and your overall health. It also has some great antiseptic properties, which will help to treat congestion in your nose and chest.

As soon as you begin to feel congestion such as this, mix rosemary oil with your favorite carrier oil like olive or tamanu. You will then massage the oil mixture into your chest and on your throat to relieve your cold symptoms. You'll be as good as new in no time.

Full of antioxidants, cinnamon is incredible for the immune system. As one of the best essential oils for congestion, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that will work together to fight your cold for you.

However, the anti-inflammatory properties are what take the spotlight when it comes to diminishing your mucus build-up. It will allow you to open up your airway and breathe with ease again.

Geranium is yet another one of the best essential oils to cure congestion. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, geranium will not only unclog your sinuses, but help relieve your headaches that are often brought on by sinus infections. Best used by applying the oil (a few drops) directly to the temples of your head on each side of the face.

Also, you should add a drop under your nose; this way you will also be inhaling the essential oil to receive the best results.

Most known for relieving your sinuses from pain and blockage, lemon is one of the best essential oils for congestion. A problem solver for even the worst sinus issues, lemon essential oil treatments are best done in steam inhalation form. If this isn't your preference, you can always rub a few drops of the oil to the side of your nose and around your sinuses. Use this method daily, and you will start to see the powerful benefits of this natural remedy.

Extracted from partially dried leaves and flowers of the thyme plant, thyme essential oil has some great benefits for those who are struggling with their yearly cold. Possessing antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-spasmodic properties, this oil will relieve you of sinus congestion and even sinus pressure.

Supporting your immune, nervous, and respiratory system, this will boost your body's overall health. A great treatment for sniffly noses, thyme is best used by applying daily to your affected areas.

To complete our list of the best essential oils for congestion, eucalyptus is certainly not least. You guessed it, this too has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, as well as astringent properties.

An organic treatment for blocked airways, the antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties will fight against congestion and reduce your cough's frequency and force. Simply mix this oil with your favorite neutral smelling carrier like olive oil, and apply it directly to your chest. Or, you can always inhale this oil with a diffuser or simply a spray bottle to mist through the day.