Congestion

Summary

Nose and Throat Nasal or sinus congestion is the result of inflammation of the nasal passages or sinus cavities. The inflammation can be the result of a number of different maladies such as a common cold, the flu, sinusitis, or allergies. These bacterial or viral infection or the allergens cause the irritation to the membranes which in turn causes the body to produce excess mucus. The combination of these two gives the stuffiness and discomfort most experience.

[search helps: sinus pressure, nasal blockage, stuffy nose]

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends: Breathe, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, OnGuard, lime, oregano, peppermint

Essential oils based products:

Also consider: antibacterial/viral: clove, marjoram, melaleuca, thyme, sandalwood; mucus reduction: clove, cypress, ginger, melaleuca, thyme

Suggested protocols:

Swish and pull: 1 or 2 drops of chosen oil(s) in an ounce (mouthful) of water. Swish and pull oils in mouth for 20 - 30 seconds then swallow. Try:

· Most recommended is 2 drops lemon, 2 drops lavender, and 2 - 4 drops peppermint. The more peppermint the stronger.

· Other combinations: cinnamon and lemon (mild), OnGuard (strong), Oregano (very strong)

· Some are too sensitive to "swish and pull" and taking the same oils internally in a capsule will provide relief

Topical:

· Breathe around the nostrils and/or on the chest. Couple with eucalyptus around the nostrils for more severe congestion.

· Some find that 1 or 2 drops of OnGuard topically applied right over the sinus areas and/or the outside of the nostrils will help break up congestion. Use a carrier if too strong.

Inhale: Use the chosen oils with one of the following methods:

· Diffuse, an inhaler, or just breath deeply directly from the oil bottle

· Make a steam tent

· Cup and inhale (a few drops in a cup of hot water, breath vapors deeply)

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Julie - What oil would you recommend for congestion? Would Breathe be the best solution?

Cortney – I have had good luck with Breathe on the chest and eucalyptus with fractionated coconut oil around the outside of the nostrils. It always helps to diffuse both of these and maybe some lavender.

Jan - Absolutely! And peppermint. Put a drop in your palms, rub together, and cup your hands over your nose and mouth and breath in till you can taste the peppermint. It will clear you right out. You may sneeze or cough. This is a common reaction. The oil will clear the nasal passages out. Also, put one drop in a cup of steaming hot water and breath the fumes. Make sure to close your eyes. You can also drink this. One drop is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea.

Wendy - 2 drops lavender, lemon and peppermint internally with a small amount of water are a standard for congestion, mostly from allergies, however, I use it for just a stuffy nose with success. The other advice given is great too. I have used a steam tent with Breathe, or my own blend of peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus and cypress. Like Jan says, keep your eyes closed. I have a friend who makes an inhaler with Breathe and uses it for congestion. Find the one that works best for you!!

Dehaas - When I have had severe congestion from sinus infections and absolutely NOTHING would clear me out, I simply put eucalyptus and peppermint in my diffuser and put it to the side of my bed and inhaled the steam. Within a couple minutes it would break up the congestion to where I could finally blow my nose! I have also put eucalyptus directly on the sides of my nose and it just soaks in and relieves the congestion almost immediately! So much better than cold and congestion pills and the grogginess they bring with them.

John - When I get congested, I start a hot shower. After washing my hair, I plug the drain and put about 10 drops of Breathe in the tub. As the steam rises, the Breathe volatilizes and it becomes a menthol vapor shower. By the time the oils have evaporated into the steam, I finish my shower, and I feel 100% better. My family always reacts to the steam vapors when I come out too.

Protocols folks recommend for children

Submissions directly to EverythingEssential.me. Our thanks to:

Uknown - My little stepson is 5 years old and is frequently congested, and has severe bouts of coughing. From the very first time I put Breathe on his chest and had him breathe some of it in on a tissue he had remarkable improvement. In fact, the next day he asked me to please put a drop on his tongue. Usually his dad puts him to bed at night but after this experience he asks for his mom now! ME! I believe that this has helped him receive some emotional healing too, either the oil or just the act of me trying to relieve his suffering.

Dani - My neighbor has a 7 week old baby that has an awful cough. It almost sounds like croup. She has been using a humidifier at night but it is not helping. Could she put Breathe blend or something on the baby (with a carrier oil)? How much should she use?

Au - Yes! Use a couple drops of Breathe or peppermint added with a couple drops of frankincense and a coconut carrier oil. Apply it to the baby’s chest. After it volatilizes or is absorbed, apply it again. Several times per day and night till coughing stops. You can put the same mix on the baby’s feet. Make sure you cover the area so the baby doesn't touch the area and then touch his eyes.

Also I suggest diffusing Breathe but don't use a humidifier. They might cause more problems unless they are completely sterile. You could also put a couple drops of lemon oil in his bottle.

Rob - Put the mix mentioned above on the babies back too.