A stuffy or congested nose is uncomfortable. This condition makes it difficult to breathe, sleep, and even talk.
For people with a sinus infection, a congested nose can cause painful pressure behind the eyes and may also cause a running nose and a heavy cough.
Some of the essential oils for sinusitis are beneficial for clearing up a congested nose and relieving breathing difficulties.
What Is A Stuffy Nose?Â
A stuffy or congested nose happens when the tissues lining the nose become swollen.
It is the inflamed blood vessels in the nose that cause the swelling. In most cases, when you have a stuffy nose, you also have a runny nose.
Nasal congestion is another word for a stuffy nose. It is a symptom of another health problem like the common cold, sinusitis, flu, tumor, allergic reactions, etc.
Some of the prominent characteristics of sinus congestion are:
- Stuffy or a runny nose
- Mucus build-up
- Sinus pain
- Inflamed tissues in the nose
Causes of CongestionÂ
A minor infection affecting the nose is the most common cause of congestion in the nose. For example, infections like the common cold, flu, or sinusitis can cause congestion.
However, congestion that lasts more than a week is often a symptom of a serious health condition. A congested nose can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hay fever
- Allergies
- Irritants from the environment
- Growth of nasal polyps or tumors in the air passage
- Deviated nasal septum
- Rhinitis medicamentosa
- Cigarette smoking
- Asthma
- Chronic sinusitis
- Exposure to chemical substances or dust.
Pregnant women might get a congested nose towards the end of the first trimester. It happens because of increased blood circulation and hormonal fluctuations, which make the nasal membranes dry or inflamed.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Sinus Congestion
EOs contain natural therapeutic properties that can be substituted for prescription medicines.
Aromatherapy is a well-established medical practice that uses of essential oils directly to heal different diseases.
Some essential oils may help relieve sinus pain and clear up congestion.
Unlike synthetic medicines, natural remedies like EOs are mostly free of side effects.
There aren’t many scientific studies on the medicinal value of these oils. However, they are trustworthy remedies as they have been used for hundreds of years.
Most people use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to clear a congested nose. But many of those OTC medicines have side effects that may jeopardize a person’s health if used for a long time.
Prescription medicines and OTC products are not meant for people with multiple health conditions. For such people, natural remedies like EOs are a boon.
Certain oils are beneficial for reducing congestion that occurs due to the following:
- Common cold and flu
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
Evidence From Research StudiesÂ
Unfortunately, only a few studies have been done on EOs regarding their therapeutic potency in clearing sinus drainage.
A few recent studies indicate that some essential oils may relieve sinus congestion.
According to a study report by Clinical Microbiology Reviews, tea tree oil contain anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. This oil can help remove a nasal blockage caused by inflammation and bacteria.
The menthol in peppermint oil is a key ingredient in most OTC remedies for nasal congestion, such as vapor rubs, lozenges, and nasal inhalers.
However, a recent study by Current Allergy and Asthma Reports says that the menthol contained in peppermint oil may not help decrease congestion.
A report published by Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition suggests the existence of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in oregano oil is useful for fighting microbial infections that cause congestion. Aromatherapy experts have proven test reports that suggest the efficacy of oregano oil in clearing up a blocked nose.
According to a 2009Â study, 1,8 cineole found in eucalyptus oil is safe and effective for treating sinusitis that does not involve antibiotics.
A report published by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) found that 1,8-cineole, a compound in eucalyptus essential oil, can help remove the bacteria and other microbes that cause inflammation in the nasal passage. It is a natural cough suppressant that can also loosen up mucus and reduce sinus pressure.
9 Essential Oils for Nasal Congestion Relief
EOs are considered one of the safest natural remedies for sinus-related conditions.
Any plant oils with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiallergenic properties can be used to clear a blockage in the nose caused by infections.
We have chosen the nine best oils for nasal congestion that have proven effects.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is a well-known oil used for treating congestion in the nose. This oil has tremendous potential to clear the blockage in the nose caused by the swelling of blood vessels.
Eucalyptus oil contains a compound known as cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which is a powerful decongestant with anti-inflammatory qualities.
This therapeutic oil protects the body from viral and bacterial infections that cause nasal congestion.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil for nasal congestion works because of its powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
This oil can quickly eliminate the microbial infections that cause inflammation in the nose. It’s useful for reducing sinus swelling in the nose.
Tea tree oil also helps to loosen the thick mucus that may cause respiratory and nose congestion.
You can also use tea tree oil for skin tag removal, cold sores, and acne.
3. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is the most versatile oil among all therapeutic oils.
Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil is a proven solution that relieves the symptoms of sinusitis, the common cold, the flu, headaches, coughing, and congestion in the nose and throat.
Inhaling lavender oil quickly loosens the thick mucus that blocks the nasal and respiratory passages.
The therapeutic properties of lavender essential oil help reduce nose swelling, making the nose stuffy.
Lavender oil is one of the most effective essential oils for sinus treatment.
4. Clove Oil
Clove essential oil includes a rich amount of eugenol, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
It is a highly versatile oil extensively used in many modern medical treatments.
It is a fantastic remedy to clear airways and ease congestion.
This oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce inflammation in the nasal cavities.
Clove oil is one of the chief ingredients in many natural remedies and EO blends used for nose inflammation and blockage, flu, sore throat, sinusitis, the common cold, and influenza.
5. Peppermint Oil
The menthol contained in peppermint essential oil is a common ingredient in many OTC medicines available for throat and nose congestion.
Menthol has long been used to improve breathing difficulties and soothe a sore throat.
Inhaling peppermint oil transmits menthol to the exteroceptors in the nose, which transmit a cooling sensation from the nose to the brain. This produces a sensory reaction in the nose, resulting in the loosening of the thick mucus.
However, some recent studies suggest that menthol has hardly any effect on removing nasal congestion.
Peppermint oil is also one of the most effective therapeutic oils for sore throats, allergies, and muscle pain.
6. Black Cumin Oil
The oil obtained from black cumin, also known as black seed, Roman coriander, or black sesame, contains potential medicinal properties beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions and bacterial infections.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, the black seed oil is effective against multidrug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
Black seed oil may help clear stuffy noses and nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis.
7. Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. It’s a well-known traditional oil for cough and congestion.
The therapeutic components in the oil aid the respiratory and lymphatic systems by helping the body break down, release mucus and relieve congestion.
This oil also boosts the immune system to fight against viral and bacterial infections that cause the common cold, sinusitis, flu, and sore throat.
8. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil contains expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties for relieving nasal and throat congestion.
This oil can help to loosen the phlegm in your respiratory tract and relax the lung muscles to make breathing easy and comfortable.
Frankincense oil is also a powerful essential oil for arthritis treatment.
9. Rosemary Oil
Many home remedies for fighting common colds and coughs usually have rosemary oil as a chief ingredient.
The antibacterial elements in this oil resist and expel the bacteria that cause chronic congestion.
It helps to relieve inflamed nasal passages and loosen up the mucus in the nasal passage and respiratory tract.
Besides the antiviral effects, rosemary oil is an effective essential oil for hair growth.
How do I use essential oils to clear a stuffy nose?
You can effectively use EOs to get rid of nasal congestion in multiple ways. Here are some of the most effective ways to use essential oils:
Inhalation
Inhalation is the easiest way to use essential oils to relieve nasal congestion and a stuffy nose. There are different methods to inhale essential oils.
Steam inhalation
Add 5 drops of essential oil to a pot of boiling water. Bend your face towards the pot and use a big cotton towel to cover your head and the pot together. Then gradually breathe in the vapors rising from the pot.
Let the treatment session last for about 3 minutes each time. Keep your eyes closed to prevent eye irritation.
Direct inhalation
Open the lid of the oil bottle and directly inhale the aroma of the oil right from the bottle for 2 minutes.
Alternatively, apply a few drops of pure EOs to a cotton ball or handkerchief and then inhale the oil’s aroma.
You can also inhale a few drops of essential oil in an inhaler tube.
Diffusing essential oils
You can use an essential oil diffuser to dispense the oil particles in your bedroom or living room.
Essential Oil Bath
Add a few drops of essential oils to your warm bath water and immerse your body for 15 minutes. This method allows the natural chemical properties of the oil to gradually penetrate your bloodstream.
Essential Oil Massage
Add a few drops of essential oil to any carrier or massage oil. Use this oil blend to massage your chest, forehead, temples, back of the neck, and throat to relieve congestion.
Risks And Side EffectsÂ
Some of the risks associated with natural oil remedies are:
Using undiluted essential oils for sinus can cause skin irritation and burns.
Most EOs are unfit for ingestion as they can cause dangerous health conditions.
Dilute the essential oils in carrier oil or distilled water before directly applying them to the skin.
Reckless application of essential oils can cause side effects such as burns, nausea, irritation, dizziness, rashes, headaches, gastric problems, or itching.
Do a skin patch test before applying essential oils to the skin.
Essential oils may interact with a few of the prescription medicines.
Avoid using essential oils for treating babies and pregnant women.
Use the best quality oils for treatment; procure pure quality oil from reliable sources.
The Final ThoughtÂ
Many good essential oils work to relieve nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. Therapeutic quality oils are safe and work great for sinus congestion treatment. They are good decongestants because of their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and decongestant properties.
Using EOs moderately and in diluted form for a brief period is safe and effective.
Do not ingest essential oils, as most contain powerful compounds that can cause health issues.
You should consult a doctor for further treatment if you do not get the expected relief after using any natural remedies.
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