Congestion: The Stuffy, Sniffling and Painful Chest and Sinus Irritation.

Today we’ll be discussing essential oils that can help to relieve and reduce the signs and symptoms of congestion. This is a very common and practical use for essential oils.

Congestion, whether it is nasal or chest, can be very debilitating and frustrating to deal with. The runny nose, the watery eyes, the pressure on your chest and in your sinuses can drive anyone mad. Everything in your body is irritated and inflamed including you. So what can you do and how do you know if you have congestion or something worse?

Symptoms of Congestion

The signs and symptoms of congestion are very general but simple to see and diagnose. Note that if you have more than the following symptoms you should see your doctor as soon as possible as there may be a bigger problem present that needs further medical attention.

The following are symptoms that may be a sign that you have congestion in either the chest or the sinuses. Note that if symptoms last longer than a week with no relief see you doctor.

• Pressure in your sinuses-nose, head, behind the eyes
• Pressure in or on your chest
• Trouble breathing-feeling short of breath
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose-unable to breathe or blow your nose
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Mucus build-up in the chest and sinuses

Causes of Congestion

So what really causes congestion to occur? There could be any number of reasons as to why a person may have chest or sinus congestion. There are many elemental factors as well as person health factors that could lead to congestion. Congestion is not always due to a cold or flu in the body.

The following are possible causes of congestion.

• Allergies
• Sinusitis-acute or chronic
• Cold and/or flu
• Decongestant nasal spray overuse
• Dry air
• Medication or drug use
• Hormones
• Nasal problems-deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, polyps in the nose
• Asthma
• Stress
• Smoking

So what do you do now that you think you have congestion and possibly what caused it? Well there are many things that you can do and essential oils are a great and healthy way to help relieve and reduce the signs and symptoms of congestion.

15 Essential Oils to Help Relieve Congestions

Essential oils are a great way to help relieve and reduce the symptoms of congestion; whether its chest congestion, nasal congestion or both. They can help bring relief immediately to the affected area as well as bringing longer term relief. Here are 15 essential oils that can help relieve congestion.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree is amazing in helping to relieve congestion. First of all tea tree has antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in fighting infection and also help to keep infections from entering the body and taking hold.

Second, tea tree helps to boost the immune system and the body as a whole because of its balsamic properties; it helps the body to absorb the nutrients it needs from the food we eat to help fight off infection. It also helps to boost the immune system by eliminating harmful toxins from the system by increasing perspiration.

Third tea tree helps to expel mucus from the chest bringing relief to a congested respiratory system. Finally, tea tree is a stimulant helping to increase blood circulation and the production of white blood cells which are vital when healing the body from an infection or build-up of toxins in the system such as mucus build-up from congestion on the chest or sinuses.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is great in helping to relieve the symptoms of congestion because of its many properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties and pain reducing properties which help to reduce the inflammation in the chest or sinuses as well as helping to relieve the pain that can sometimes occur due to the build-up of pressure in the affected area.

It helps the respiratory system with its antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Helping to rid the body of harmful infections that could be plaguing the body causing congestion. It is also a natural decongestant which is very important in helping to relieve the symptoms of congestion in the body.

It also helps to open up the airways which can become constricted due to the congestion allowing a person to breathe with a little more ease. Eucalyptus is also great is helping to reduce fevers, which can sometimes occur when a person is experiencing congestion due to a cold. It helps to reduce the body temperature thus bringing down the fever allowing the body to focus on other parts of the body that need healing, such as reducing congestion.

Peppermint: Peppermint is high in menthol and this component of peppermint is very important in how it helps the body deal with congestion.

The menthol present in peppermint helps the body to clear the respiratory system by expelling the build-up of mucus. This helps to open the airways relieving congestion.

Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation in the affected congested area allowing for less restricted breathing. It also has pain reducing properties that help, along with the anti-inflammatory properties, to reduce the pain and inflammation in the affected area of congestion.

The antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties of peppermint help to boost the immune system helping the body get rid of the harmful bacteria, diseases and infections that may be present in the body while helping to increase blood flow and circulation to help bring these infection fighters in the blood to the right area of the body.

Lavender: Lavender helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the body which helps to relieve the symptoms of congestion in the chest and/or sinuses. It helps to stimulate the respiratory and immune systems by helping to increase blood flow and circulation while help to expel any build-up of mucus and phlegm in the system.

This increase in blood flow and circulation helps the body fight against infection naturally by helping to increase the production of white blood cells that are needed to help fight off the infection present in the body. By helping to open up the airways it helps to relieve the pain and pressure that is felt in the congested area helping to reduce shortness of breath that can occur when congestion is present.

Lavender also helps to remove toxins from the body, which helps to rid the body of harmful and dangerous infections, by stimulating urination. This stimulation of urination expresses these harmful toxins from the body quicker allowing the body to heal quicker.

Oregano: Oregano has many healthful properties that help in relieving congestion. Its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-allergen properties help to rid the body of harmful bacteria, diseases and infections that could be causing congestion in the body.

Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation in the congested area allowing the affected area to open up and be more susceptible to the natural body fighting properties that are needed to help fight and relieve congestion.

Oregano is also high in anti-oxidants which are important in helping the body fight infection by ridding the body of harmful toxins that may be plaguing and causing infection or problems in the body. Oregano also has expectorant properties which help the body expel the build-up of mucus and phlegm that can cause congestion in the chest and sinuses; helping to soothe the inflamed lungs, throat and sinuses as it is expelled from the body.

Lemon: Lemon helps to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells in the body and increasing circulation to help in fighting congestion throughout the body. It helps to open the airways, in both the chest and sinuses, and increase airflow throughout the body especially in the chest and sinuses.

Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties help to reduce and fight infection. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the inflammation present in the chest and the sinuses that are a common side-effect of congestion. Inhaling it can increase and ease breathing opening up those nasal passages and airways while reducing inflammation and helping to promote blood flow and circulation during congestion.

Rosemary: Rosemary helps to boost the immune system and is high in antioxidants. It helps to boost the immune system by increase blood flow and circulation and promoting the production of white blood cells in the body.

It helps to reduce the harmful free radicals in the system which can cause infection and congestion through its antioxidant properties which are stimulated upon entering the body. It helps to reduce pain in the body that can occur during congestion with the build-up of pressure in the head and/or chest. Helping to also ease the inflammation in the affected area which also helps to reduce pain.

Rosemary also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help to fight infection and keep infections away which therefore helps to relieve the symptoms of congestion and prevents an infection from taking hold and festering in the congested and inflamed area. All of these properties are important and very helpful when helping to relieve the symptoms of congestion.

Thyme: Thyme has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can help with congestion. If an infection is present these properties can help to rid the body of the infection and help to prevent a future infection from taking hold.

It helps to inhibit and eliminate the growth of bacteria within the body. Thyme has diuretic properties which help in eliminated toxins from the body which helps in removing the toxins that may be causing congestion. It helps to stimulate urination to get these harmful toxins out of the body helping the body to fight against the infection more accurately.

Thyme also has expectorant properties which help the body to expel or get rid of, through coughing or nasal drain usually, the build-up of mucus and phlegm in the body that is causing the congestion. It is also a stimulant helping to increase blood flow and circulation throughout the body helping to relieve congestion.

Pine: Pine has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties that help in relieving the pain and inflammation in the chest and sinuses that can be caused from congestion. It also has diuretic properties that help in removing toxins from the body which helps in removing the toxins that can be causing the congestion.

Pine has antibacterial properties that help in fighting infections within the body which can also cause congestion. It helps the respiratory system because of its expectorant properties; helping to rid the body of build-up mucus and phlegm in the system and also helping to reduce it from build-up in the future. It has also been known to help soothe sore throats.

Lime: Lime’s antiseptic properties help in the fight against infection and foreign bodies in the body which can cause congestion in the chest and/or nasal passages. It helps to reduce the threat of infection present in the body as well as helping to reduce future threats in the body. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that work together with the antiseptic properties to help fight off and rid the body of infections that cause congestion in the body. Lime helps to restore the body as it fights infections in the body as well as helping to restore the body after it has battled an infection. This helps to boost the immune system and its many healing properties in the body. It has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties which help to reduce the pain and inflammation commonly associated with congestion. It also helps to reduce and eliminate fevers which is important in helping the body fight off infection due to congestion as it allows the body to focus on reducing and eliminating the congestion and not the fever.

Ginger: Ginger is commonly known for its nausea reducing properties but it can also help to relieve congestion. It helps the respiratory system to expel and get rid of any build-up of mucus in the system while also helping to reduce future build-up. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties which help in reducing the pain and inflammation commonly associated with congestion in the chest and sinuses. By helping to reduce the pain and inflammation in the chest and sinuses it helps to open up the airways and increasing blood flow and circulation thus helping a person to breathe more easily and helps the immune system fight off any infection that may be present causing the congestion.

Clove: Cloves helps to fight infection and trauma to the body which can be caused by congestion. Its antibacterial properties help to relieve the pain and inflammation that are present with congestion. It also helps to boost the immune system also helping to reduce pain and inflammation which helping to increase blood flow and circulation throughout the body. The antioxidant properties present in clove helps to rid the body of harmful free radicals that can be present in the body with congestion helping to clear it out of the body. Clove also has expectorant properties that help to rid and eliminate mucus from the chest and sinuses when congestion is present also helping to soothe sore throats and nasal passages as it expels it from the body. Clove helps to increase blood flow and circulation within the body which is another way that it helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by congestion.

Cypress: Cypress has antiseptic properties which help to clean out and rid the body of harmful bacteria and infections which sometimes are associated with congestion and can cause congestion. Its diuretic properties help to rid the body of unwanted and harmful toxins and free radical that can prevent healing within the body; it helps to increase perspiration to do the same thing but in another way. Riding the body of these harmful toxins and free radicals help the body to heal quicker. Cypress helps the respiratory system by helping to eliminate coughing and mucus build-up in the system which helps to clear up congestion. It also has sedative properties which are important in helping to increase sleep while calming the body to help promote rest and relaxation to allow the body to heal from congestion.

Marjoram: Marjoram’s analgesic properties help to reduce the pain and inflammation of congestion. By reducing the pain and inflammation in the chest and nasal passages it helps the body to focus more on being able to heal the cause of congestion and by helping to rid the body of as well as reduce future production of any build-up of mucus and/or phlegm in the respiratory system. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to reduce and eliminate infection in the body. It also has properties that help to increase the flow of blood and its circulation within the body helps to ease the pain and inflammation caused by congestion. It also has antitoxin and diuretic properties that help the body get rid of harmful toxins in the body that cause congestion allowing the body to heal more quickly.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood helps to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by congestion in the body through its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant and antitoxin properties. It helps to reduce inflammation in the affected area while also helps to reduce the pain which allows the antiseptic properties to work at reducing and eliminating the threat in the body. It helps to rid them as well as helps to reduce future build-ups of phlegm and mucus in the respiratory system which can cause pain and inflammation causing congestion. Finally it helps to reduce toxins in the body by helping to rid them from the body by increased urination because of its diuretic properties.

Ways to Use the Essential Oils to Help Relieve the Symptoms of Congestion

There are a few ways that you can use essential oils to help in relieve the symptoms of congestion. You can take them orally, apply them topically, or inhale them. Here are a few different methods and techniques that you can use to get the full health benefits of the above essential oils to help reduce and eliminate your congestion.

• Inhalation: There are a few methods of inhalation that you can use to get the health benefits from your essential oils. To use the steam inhalation process boil some water and place in a bowl. Add a few drops of your essential oil or oils of choice to the hot water and lean over the bowl with your head covered with a towel and inhale. This will help the therapeutic and medicinal properties of the essential oil(s) to get into you sinuses and chest helping to bring relief. In the humidifier/vaporizer method add at least 20-25 drops of your essential oil(s) of choice to the humidifier or vaporizer and turn it on prior to bedtime or in which every room you are present in during the day. By diffusing the air with the essential oils and humidity it will help to relieve and reduce your congestion. With a diffuser add a few drops of your essential oil(s) of choice to your diffuser and diffuse the scent throughout the room you are in either during the day or throughout the night.
• Topically: When it comes to using essential oils topically try and mix your essential oil or oils of choice with either a carrier oil or lotion and massage into the skin focusing on the affected area such as the chest or nose. This will help to relive the symptoms bringing relief to the area.
• Orally: Taking essential oils orally should also be done with caution as not all essential oils can be taken orally. To take orally add a few drops of your essential oil(s) of choice to a glass of water or a cup of hot water and drink up the healing properties.

DIY Recipes for Congestion

There are many recipes that can help with relieving and reducing the symptoms of congestion. Taking and using the essential oils in different ways can also be very beneficial when trying to get rid of congestion. Here are some recipes to try on your own or experiment with your own concoctions.

Steam Inhalation for Congestion

Ingredients:

• • 2 drops eucalyptus EO
  • 2 drops thyme EO
  • 3 drops peppermint EO
  • 3 drops rosemary EO

Instructions:

• Boil water and place in a bowl.
• Add the above essential oils to the hot water and mix well.
• Place your head over the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale.

Massage Oil for Congestion

Ingredients:

• • 10mL carrier oil of your choice (argan, coconut, sesame, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed, macadamia)
  • 2 drops tea tree EO
  • 3 drops peppermint EO
  • 3 drops eucalyptus EO
  • 4 drops geranium EO
  • 4 drops rosemary EO

Instructions:

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a dark glass container.
• Mix well.
• Apply to the affected area as needed focusing on the chest and nasal passages.

Congestion Chest Rub

Ingredients:

• • 12 drops eucalyptus EO
  • 5 drops peppermint EO
  • 5 drops thyme EO
  • 1 oz. lotion or basic cream

Instructions:

• Mix all of the above ingredients together in a glass jar.
• Massage over the chest and throat as needed several times a day to help relieve congestion.

Congestion Essential Oils Blend

Ingredients:

• • 3 drops peppermint EO
  • 2 drops eucalyptus EO
  • 2 drops tea tree EO
  • 1 drop lemon EO

Instructions:

• Mix all of the above ingredients together in a dark glass bottle.
• Add to a diffuser to diffuse throughout your home or the room you are in or inhaler stick to inhale throughout the day as needed.

Other Ways to Help Relieve Congestion

There are other ways that you can help your body as well as the essential oils you are using work together at helping to reduce and eliminate your congestion. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

• Drink lots of fluids as this helps to thin out the mucus making it easier to get rid of
• Steam can help to open up the airways helping to thin out the mucus as well as expel to long steam showers are in order!
• Try a nasal spray to help reduce pain and inflammation. It also helps to dry up the mucus that may be present in the sinuses.
• Try using a Neti pot to irrigate the sinuses to get rid of the build-up and/or infection causing inflammation.
• Sleep slightly elevated at night to help prevent postnasal drip which can deposit more mucus into the chest causing more congestion.
• Blow your nose do not sniff it back in as it can cause the mucus to deposit in your lungs causing further congestion.
• Wash your hands to prevent further infection to yourself or others if an infection is present.

Cautions to Note When Using Essential Oils for Congestion

When you are using essential oils for relieving your symptoms of congestion be sure to research the essential oil(s) you intend to use and how they can be taken. You want to make sure you can take then orally or apply topically undiluted if that is you method of choice.

Do your research to know and understand the side-effects and cautions of each essential oil prior to use as you do not want to have an adverse reaction and make your symptoms of congestion worse.

What to Do If You Believe You Are Suffering from Congestion

If you believe you are suffering from congestion start using essential oils as soon as possible. Using a diffuser or inhaler stick is a quick and easy way to start using the essential oils right away to start relieving your symptoms of congestion.

Check your symptoms to make sure they are signs of congestion and not something else. If you believe it may be a bigger problem than congestion, see your doctor.

Use your essential oils as well as the other congestion reducing methods stated above. Combining both methods together will help your body fight the congestion faster which means you will be feeling better a lot quicker.

If your symptoms last longer than 7-10 days with no relief see your doctor as you may have something else that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

Hopefully this post has been helpful for you! If you have any questions, comments or recommendations of your own let us know below in the comments.