Essential oils are often used to relieve nasal and chest congestion.  Nasal and chest congestion usually occurs during the cold and flu season but can also occur more often for individuals with allergies and asthma.  The good news is that essential oils can be used to prevent as well as relieve most nasal and chest congestion regardless of the cause. 

The distinctive smell of essential oils come from the herbs, flowers, leaves, and tree bark resin from which they are sourced.  Do you love the smell of eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, lavender, or roses?   Well, those delightful smells come from the aromatic compounds in essential oils.     

Essential Oils Work for Nasal and Chest Congestion

Many essential oils soothe symptoms of a cough, cold, nasal, or chest congestion. They can support your respiratory system, boost your immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Essential oils work primarily through our sense of smell.  So, when you smell the aromatic molecules in essential oils, they stimulate the limbic system in your brain.  And, here’s an interesting thing.  The limbic system is associated with our survival, instincts, and emotions.  In short, the smell of the essential oils temporarily changes your mood and emotions. 

They also work quickly when applied to pulse points.  So, the pulse points are the areas on the body where the blood is closest to the skin.  For nasal and chest congestion, these are your chest and under your throat.

Now, you don’t want to miss this. Never apply essential oils directly to your skin since they may mildly burn or irritate the skin. Instead, mix the essential oils to a carrier oil for fast absorption and quick results. Great carrier oils include:

• Coconut
• Apricot
• Grapeseed
• Sweet almond
• Olive
• Argan
• Jojoba
• Castor
• Sesame seed

Some Essential Oils for Nasal and Chest Congestion

In my research, I found 11 essential oils to use for nasal and chest congestion.  Now, don’t worry about this long list.  I have all of them but you may want to buy just two or three of them.  

1. Peppermint essential oil
2. Eucalyptus essential oil
3. Tea tree essential oil
4. Camphor essential oil
5. Lavender essential oil
6. Chamomile essential oil
7. Rosemary essential oil
8. Ginger essential oil
9. Clove essential oil
10. Holy Basil essential oil
11. Sweet Basil essential oil

The key is to use them consistently and give them time to work.  However, for simplicity, you may want to buy or order a few blends that are already prepared.   I like to create my own blends and will share a few of my own blends a little later.

How to Use Essential Oils for Nasal and Chest Congestion

There are several ways of using essential oils for nasal and chest congestion.  And, the good news is that you already have most of these items at home.  Studies have shown mild to moderate relief with little or no side effects. 

Use an Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

Inhale the oils by using an aromatherapy diffuser.  So, an essential oil diffuser is a device in which you put water and a few drops of essential oils.  When turned on, it disperses essential oils into the air.  I have electric diffusers in my kitchen, bedroom, home office, and work office.  For safety reasons, follow the instructions.  Also, check to see if the diffuser automatically stops after a given time. For example, I have one that stops after 30 minutes while another one runs continuously until you turn it off. 

Now, this is really important.  For safety reasons, I do not recommend that you keep it running at night. Instead, run it for an hour or two before bedtime and then shut it off.

Inhale from A Bowl of Steam

Hot steam inhalation is a quick way to relieve nasal and chest congestion.  Add a few drops of essential oils to a large bowl or pot of hot water.  Then, place a towel over your head and inhale the steam for about 5-10 minutes.  You can repeat this several times during the day, and it works wonderfully before going to bed.

Sniff from a Cotton Ball or Tissues

This is one of the most portable and convenient ways to use essential oils.  Add a few drops to a folded tissue or cotton ball and sniff a few inches from the nose throughout the day.  You can also place the cotton ball or tissue inside your pillowcase before you go to sleep.

Rub on Chest and Throat

Many of us grew up rubbing Vicks VapoRub on our chest and throat when we had a cold or just needed relief from nasal and chest congestion.  Well, you can make your own rub with one of the carrier oil mentioned above.  I like to add a few drops of the essential oils to coconut oil.  Interestingly, one of my friends says she adds the essential oils to Vaseline.  In our family, we love to rub the mixture on the souls of our feet and then put on socks before going to bed.

My Essential Oil Blend Recipes for Nasal and Chest Congestion

I make my own essential oil blends for my diffuser but you can buy blends that are already made.  However, check to make sure that they include 100% essential oils rather than artificial fragrances.  

Blend 1: Breathe Easy

• 4 drops eucalyptus oil
• 4 drops peppermint oil
• 2 drops camphor oil

Blend 2: Immune System Boost

• 6 drops eucalyptus oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil
• 4 drops rosemary oil

Blend 3: Breath Work

• 6 drops chamomile oil
• 4 drops Holy basil oil
• 4 eucalyptus oil

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you feel more educated about essential oils and how to use them for nasal and chest congestion. Please note that this information is not meant to contradict advice from your healthcare provider.  I think you will also enjoy the blog posts on essential oils for anxiety and stress relief, aromatherapy for self-care, adding journal writing to your self-care routine, and box breathing to calm and energize you. 

Well, we look forward to hearing about your experience in the comment section of this blog.  And you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Page.

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