Are you having respiratory related issues such as sinus or a stuffy nose? You’re not alone, especially in many parts of the world where excessive pollen fills the air in spring and summer or winter comes and the temperatures start dropping. Where there are more allergens you will be more prone to having this issue. Here is a list of essential oils to utilize to battle congestion whether it’s seasonal or an ongoing issue.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular ingredient in inhalers, vapor rubs and aromatherapy for a good reason. This essential oil with its woody scent with mint and citrus undertones is a natural decongestant which will not only help to purify the air with its rejuvenating aroma, but provide respiratory support at the same time.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil has both cooling and warming effects. It is invigorating and cooling externally while soothing and warming internally. When diluted with carrier oil and rubbed onto the chest or temples, it stimulates the natural cordial and decongestant properties of peppermint to aid in easier breathing and reducing pain caused by sinus. Read more about the properties of peppermint essential oil here.

Pine

Fancying something a little less minty? No worries! Pine has actually been used since Ancient Greece for respiratory issues. This sweet and woody scented essential oil has natural anti-microbial properties, when diffused, will eliminate harmful bacteria and providing you a clean and refreshing environment to breathe in. Furthermore, it will assist in relieving sinus, colds and coughs.

Rosemary

Rosemary is more than an aromatic herb added to food to enhance the smell and flavor. It possesses analgesic, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties that will assist in clearing the respiratory tract and fight free radicals, facilitating easier breathing and boosting the respiratory function as well.

Geranium

If you’re a fan of floral scents, you are in luck. This multi-purpose, sweet and lemony scented essential oil is a natural decongestant and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties to assist the body in expelling toxins. When geranium essential oil is diffused, it doesn’t just boost cognitive function but also addresses sore throats and sinus infections.

Clary Sage

Clary sage essential oil can promote easier breathing, making it ideal to be used during yoga and meditation practice. In addition to that, this earthy, herbaceous and floral scented essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are often used as pain relief in medicinal practice, from menstrual cramps, aching joints, to coughing, wheezing and congestion.

Lemon

Diffusing lemon essential oil can help facilitate easier breathing, alleviate flu symptoms, allergies and even nausea. The natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties boost the body’s antibody functions to combat free radicals, which benefits in preventing you from falling sick easily. Its analgesic properties also help to manage headaches caused by sinus or other issues. An additional bonus, lemon blends well with all the other oils mentioned above.

These essential oils listed aren’t just good for combating congestion. In fact, all of them have multiple functions that could benefit you in more ways than one. Eucalyptus, peppermint and lemon are wonderful additions to homemade surface cleaners, and both eucalyptus and peppermint doubles as effective non toxic pest repellent. Pine and rosemary are wonderful options when in need to enhance focus and mental clarity. Whereas diluted geranium and Clary sage can be used to treat wounds and promote quicker healing.

Essential Oil Recipes for Congestion

Here are a few essential oil blends to combat and provide relief for congestion caused by seasonal coughs, colds and allergies. Diffuse them for about 30 minutes. For diffusers with the standard capacity, 100ml, use 4-5 drops of essential oils. For 200ml water capacity, you may use 6-8 drops.

Citronella + Lavender + Peppermint

Citronella, fresh and citrusy, is well known for its anti-bacterial and expectorant properties that relieve throat and sinus irritation, mucus built-up and difficulty breathing. The herbaceous and floral scent of lavender soothes the senses as well as headaches caused by congestion. Peppermint’s cool and minty scent encourages easy breathing and the clearing of congestion.

100ml water	200ml water
Option A 2 drops citronella/lavender 2 drops peppermint	Option A 4 drops citronella/lavender 4 drops peppermint
Option B 2 drops citronella 1 drop lavender 2 drops peppermint	Option B 3 drops citronella 2 drops lavender 3 drops peppermint

Oregano + Cedarwood + Bergamot

Oregano has been long used since way back in Ancient Greek for its anti-viral qualities, its herbaceous and sharp scent boosts the immune system and aids in the recovery of congestion, coughs and colds. Cedarwood provides respiratory support with its aromatic woodsy scent. Bergamot possesses expectorant properties, helping to dispel mucus and phlegm to assist in the recovery of congestion, on top of its pleasant citrusy scent.

100ml water	200ml water
Option A 1-2 drops oregano/cedarwood 2-3 drops bergamot	Option A 2-3 drops oregano/cedarwood 4-5 drops bergamot
Option B 1 drop oregano 2 drops cedarwood 2 drops bergamot	Option B 2 drops oregano 3 drops cedarwood 3 drops bergamot

Cypress + Lime + Juniper Berry

Cypress, herbaceous and woody, has been long used to treat various ailments, including respiratory related ailments. Lime eliminates harmful bacteria roaming in the air that worsens congestion with its bright and sweet scent. Juniper berry’s crisp and woody scent is a powerful immunity booster and detoxifier to strengthen body’s defense against threats.

100ml water	200ml water
Option A 1-2 drops cypress/juniper berry 2-3 drops lime	Option A 3-4 drops cypress/juniper berry 4-5 drops lime
Option B 1 drop cypress 2 drops lime 1 drop juniper berry	Option B 2 drops cypress 4 drops lime 2 drops juniper berry

Silver Fir/White Fir + Spearmint/Peppermint + Lemon

Silver fir (also known as white fir) has a sweet and coniferous scent, can open up the airways to support the respiratory system. Both spearmint and peppermint facilitate easier breathing and provide relief for congestion and inflammation. Lemon, vibrant and crisp, is rich in antioxidants that support the immune system to fight free radicals, preventing infections and threats from inhibiting the body.

100ml water	200ml water
Option A 2 drops silver fir/spearmint/peppermint 2 drops lemon	Option A 4 drops silver fir/spearmint/peppermint 4 drops lemon
Option B 1 drop silver fir 1 drop spearmint 1 drop peppermint 1 drop lemon	Option B 2 drops silver fir 2 drops spearmint 2 drops peppermint 2 drops lemon

Eucalyptus + Thyme + Tea Tree

Eucalyptus, earthy and minty, contains de-congesting and purifying properties to assist in congestion and deodorizing environments for a clean space. Thyme is well known for its powerful cleansing and anti-viral properties to support overall health on top of its warm and herbaceous aroma. Tea tree is reputed for being a gentle antiseptic, its woody and medicinal scent increases immunity against harmful bacteria and viruses, eases congestion and the discomforts that come with it.

100ml water	200ml water
Option A 2 drops eucalyptus 2 drops thyme/tea tree	Option A 4 drops eucalyptus 4 drops thyme/tea tree
Option B 2 drops eucalyptus 1 drop thyme 1 drop tea tree	Option B 4 drops eucalyptus 2 drops thyme 2 drops tea tree

Other than preventing and assisting in the recovery of congestion, these blends also work for stuffy and stale environments. Don’t forget to practice with care. Consult a health care or medical professional if you are pregnant, nursing, suffer from chronic sinusitis, asthma or other medical conditions.