Some essential oils may ease symptoms of a cough or cold by soothing the throat, fighting bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Research has shown that using a nasal spray containing a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, and rosemary extracts can improve a sore throat, hoarseness, and other cough-related symptoms.
Of these, 10 are well-known and popular essential oils that people use to relieve their stuffy nose or sinus congestion. ... 10 Essential Oils for Congestion
Although essential oils have been used as folk remedies for centuries, there isn't a lot of scientific research to support their effectiveness against the common cold. Some studies do support their use, though. One 2010 study showed that inhaling steam with chamomile essential oil helped relieve cold symptoms.
Eucalyptus Oil-An excellent alternative remedy for nasal congestion, eucalyptus can help relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds. Lavender Oil– Lavender smells excellent, and it's also known for improving sinus congestion by reducing swelling, and even has pain-relieving effects.
Warm baths can also reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding Epsom salt and baking soda to the water can reduce body aches. Adding a few drops of essential oil, such as tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus, may also have a soothing effect.
Blending essential oils by fragrance
Essential Oils for Respiratory Health
Hot steam may help open the sinuses. Steam loosens the dried mucus and can help the nose drain before bed, reducing pain and congestion. Some people find that massaging the skin covering the sinuses promotes further drainage. Taking a warm shower before bed may also help a person relax before trying to sleep.
Although essential oils have been used as folk remedies for centuries, there isn't a lot of scientific research to support their effectiveness against the common cold. Some studies do support their use, though. One 2010 study showed that inhaling steam with chamomile essential oil helped relieve cold symptoms.
The inhalation of essential oil vapors is not generally dangerous, but very intensive inhalation for more than about 20 minutes may lead to respiratory distress and/or neurological symptoms, such as headache, nausea, burning of eyes and throat, cough, shortness of breath, or slowed breathing in young children.
Inhalation is arguably the safest means of administering essential oils, and it's the fastest way to get essential oils into your bloodstream. However, it's still critical to use oils with caution… even when diffusing. When diffusing essential oils, always: Diffuse in a well-ventilated area.
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose
Congestion tends to be worse at night because it is harder for the nose and sinuses to drain. This means that mucus pools in the head, making it harder to breathe and potentially causing a sinus headache in the morning. Try elevating the head on a few pillows to help the sinuses drain more easily.
"Increased blood flow causes congestion in one nostril for about 3 to 6 hours before switching to the other side. There is also increased congestion when one is lying down, which can be especially noticeable when the head is turned to one side," Jennifer Shu reports for CNN.
4 Ways to Get Rid of a Cold in 24 Hours
Cold remedies that work
Blending essential oils by fragrance
Frankincense Oil There is a vast number of essential oils but today, we will be focusing on Frankincense Oil, otherwise known as the King of Essential Oils. What Is Frankincense Oil? Frankincense or Boswellia sacra is obtained from the dried resinous sap that is secreted by the Frankincense tree.
Toxicologist Ron Kirschner, MD, also warns of their danger. "Ingesting essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil or pine oil has been associated with changes in mental states and seizures. Ingesting lavender oil can cause severe allergic reactions and pennyroyal oil can give you toxic liver damage."
Whether it's from a hot shower or piping hot cup of tea, steam can thin mucus and help it drain from your nose. For faster relief, pour boiling water into a large bowl. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and breathe in the steam. You can do this three to four times a day.
Experts suggest that particular positions can help or hinder sleep when you have a cold. When you sleep on your back, it can make congestion even worse. Try sleeping on your side, and prop up your pillows so you're sleeping at a slight angle to help prevent congestion from disrupting your sleep.
Cold remedies that work
Cold remedies that work
Cold remedies that work
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose
Medication, nasal strips, and chest rubs can help with your symptoms.
You really do need extra sleep when you're not feeling well because of a cold or the flu, Taneja-Uppal says. That's especially true if you're running a low-grade fever, which can happen with colds, or the higher fever that accompanies the flu. Sleep helps your body fight the infection that's causing you to feel ill.
'. The answer is yes it is safe, but even more than that, breathing in essential oils can be good for you. Inhaling essential oils isn't just pleasant because of their gorgeous scents and aromas they release, but it can actually positively affect your mental and physical wellbeing too.
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In adults and older children, they usually last about 7 to 10 days, but can last longer. A cough in particular can last for two or three weeks. Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are under five, typically lasting around 10 to 14 days. Read more about colds in children.
Some essential oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint oils, may help open the airways and ease congestion. Essential oils are a popular natural treatment. People use them to relieve sinus congestion, unblock a stuffed nose, and promote sinus drainage.
If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:
Try rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil on the chest as a decongestant, or inhale eucalyptus or peppermint oil to clear stuffiness. Adding lavender, cedar, or lemon to steam may also soothe nasal passages. Inhaling menthol not only provides relief from nasal congestion, but might help inhibit infection as well.
If you're feeling crummy and stuffed up, here are 7 things that could make your cold worse.