As a mom, the power of essential oils for immediate relief of congestion cannot be overstated. At least not for me. My daughter doesn’t get sick very often. Even just a mild case of the sniffles or a cough happens about once a year, and when it happens, I’m on it like white on rice. They usually clear up within a day or two. Maybe it’s a new mom thing, but not my one pop! Not my ‘one good egg’.
Although essential oils are amazing multipurpose oils that can be used for aromatherapy, to treat inflammation, allergies, the common cold and more, we often go for over the counter medicine, which is fine, but I feel like unnecessary medicine can build up a tolerance and be less effective over time. That won’t be good for when we truly need them. I first tried an essential oil as my daughter was having a bit of trouble breathing as she slept due to congestion.
I didn’t want to give her a whole dose of over the counter decongestant as they would make her groggy and drowsy. Plus it the dead of night it takes a while to work. I’d been using a particular essential oil for skin care for a while and recalled it’s ‘minty nature’ and it was on my nightstand. So, I gave it a try.
Best Essential Oils for Congestion
I keep the following list of oils on hand for other household uses as well, but these are my favourites for congestion.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
2. Tea Tree Oil
3. Peppermint Oil
4. Lavender Oil
The active ingredient in Peppermint Oil is menthol. Research says that Eucalyptus Oil is believed to work similarly to menthol, which acts on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes, leading to a reduction of nasal congestion (a feeling of stuffiness). Tea Tree Oil‘s effectiveness for congestion is credited to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Since bacteria and inflammation are often the cause of congestion, these properties are effective in alleviating the associated symptoms. Lavender Oil is credited with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
How I Use Essential Oils for Congestion
Sidebar, while these methods may not work for everyone, I find them to work for me an my family. Do your research nd even consult your physician if you would like to try them out yourself.
1. Mix with Moisturiser for Topical Application
I moisturize the nose with lotion to create a barrier and I dabbed a bit on my forefinger, rubbed it a little and swiped it across the little one’s nose. This provides instantaneous relief so the congested person is able to breathe well enough to fall asleep. And the best part is, you do not need to reapply it until a few hours later.
2. Linen Spray
Through research, I learnt that other ways to use essential oils for congestion include using them in linen sprays for sheets. I do this anyways for the awesome scents in my home and bedroom, but it helps to spritz the sheets and pillows when I take them down for the night.
3. Adding Essential Oils to Diffusers
Adding essential oils to water in your diffuser is another way to help with congestion.
Have you ever tried an essential oil for congestion? How do you relieve stuffiness?
Xo, Shandean,
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