Essential Oils for Chest Congestion
What are the best essential oils for chest congestion relief?
As you know the cause of sinus and lung congestion is cold and flu virus. Colds and flu are very common and spread easily among people. They are more likely to strike when a person's immune system is low. Colds and flu virus spread from person to person through respiratory droplets of coughs and sneeze. As a result, the person who is infected by cold and flu virus will have running or congested nose, sneezing, and cough.
One of the best essential oils for chest congestion relief is eucalyptus. The active chemical compounds in eucalyptus have always been used in chest rubs and It is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. It is excellent for excess bronchial and nasal mucous. It has a function similar to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucosa, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of, for example, nasal congestion.
The tannins found in eucalyptus have astringent properties that reduce mucous membrane inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Eucalyptol, the chemical component of the oil, works to loosen phlegm.
Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic agent. Its powerful germicidal properties effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and have been used to treat tuberculosis. Studies have proven that a two-percent dilution of eucalyptus oil kills 70 percent of airborne staphylococcus bacteria.
Research scientists Dr Lindsey Gaunt and Sabrina Higgins from the University of Southampton have found that eucalyptus essential oils can destroy bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (staph) on surfaces.
The findings that essential oils could effectively destroy bacteria were unveiled at the sixth joint symposium of the International Electrostatics Society of Japan and the Electrostatics Society of America conference in Tokyo (Nov 7-10, 2004).
Apart from eucalyptus oil, I also used Pine essential oils. Pine is good to draw out deep seated congestion. It is also helpful for coughs, chills and aches.
Other essential oils for chest congestion relief are Lavender and Peppermint. Lavender essential oils also have amazing properties such as fighting infection, reducing inflammation, and easing congestion. Peppermint reduces inflammation, fights infection, and clears congestion.
For quick relief method to thin out congestion is by using the essential oils of eucalyptus, or peppermint, combined with steam. The steam will open up tightened bronchial passages, allowing the essential oils to penetrate and wipe out the viral or bacterial infection that is causing the problem.
The classic way to do an inhalation is to lean over a bowl of boiling water with your head under a towel, and breathe in deeply while inhaling oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint (3 drops of each) for about 5 minutes.
Or you can use a humidifier -- some actually provide a compartment for essential oils. Try look at aroma diffuser to check which one is the best for you.
A vapor balm or massage oil also can be rubbed over the chest, back, and throat to relieve congestion. Vapor balms increase circulation and warmth in the chest as they are absorbed through the skin. Placing a flannel cloth on the chest after rubbing in the oil will increase the warming action.
Chest rub massage oil
This is for rubbing into the chest when a child has a cough or other bronchial infection.
- 1 drop lavender essential oils
- 1 drop tea tree essential oils
- 1 drop niaouli essential oils
- 1 drop sandalwood essential oils
- 25 ml of jojoba oil
If either cold or flu threatens, you can make up a chest rub by blending:
- 4 drops tea tree
- 2 drops sandalwood
- 4 drops lemon
- 20 ml sweet almond oil
Apply half a teaspoonful to the throat and chest twice daily.
From Essential Oils for Chest Congestion back to Essential oils for respiratory system
