Best Essential Oils For Congestion: Chest, Nasal, & Sinus Relief

Want to clear up your sinuses, and typical remedies aren’t doing it for you? Did you know you can use essential oils to help with congestion? That’s right – and today, we’re going to unveil the best essential oils for congestion so you can start to feel better fast.

Let’s face it – being congested is no fun. Stuffed-up noses, pressure in the head, and difficulty breathing are all uncomfortable symptoms that come with sinus congestion. Additionally, we know that it is important to help clear it as quickly as possible or you may end up with a sinus infection.

By now, you have probably experimented with Essential Oils for stress, cleaning, sleep etc; why not learn how to use Essential Oils for congestion? Aromatherapy is a wonderful and effective natural remedy when it comes to clearing nasal passages and relieving sinus pressure. Before we get into REVIVE’s best essential oils for chest congestion, let’s take a look at the science behind using essential oils for sinuses and congestion.

Can You Really Use Essential Oils For Chest, Sinus, & Nasal Congestion?

First things first – is it really possible to use essential oils for chest congestion? What about nasal congestion? We’re going to quickly talk about the science supporting the use of essential oils for the different forms of congestion.

The answer is yes – we know for a fact that you can experience congestion relief with the help of essential oils. How? Simple – they provide inflammation relief and fight pain, first of all. But let’s go a bit deeper and look at some actual studies.

The Science Behind Using Essential Oils To Help With Congestion & Sinus Relief

Eucalyptus oil, for example, was shown in a 2009 study to be a safe and effective remedy for sinus congestion. It was effective at not just clearing up the nasal blockage, but also curbing runny nose and headaches.

This is just one example – then you have additional studies showing the practical use of tea tree oil for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties – helping attack the root cause of your sinus congestion.

Another essential oil that’s been studied for its ability to relieve sinusitis symptoms is peppermint oil. Because it contains menthol, there is great promise for this powerful oil in helping open the airways and to clear excess mucus. Plus, peppermint oil can fight off bacteria – which may trigger congestion in the first place.

These are just three concrete examples of how you can use essential oils for sinuses. There are plenty of others. So, let’s not waste any more time – we’re ready to unpack the best essential oils for congestion and sinus relief.

What Are The Best Essential Oils For Congestion Relief?

Of course, we’re going to highlight the three essential oils we just covered – eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. But there are plenty of other essential oils you can arm yourself with for the next time you experience sinus congestion – let’s take a look!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

When you are looking to clear congestion quickly, look no further than Eucalyptus Essential Oil. This powerful anti-inflammatory supports lung health with its main component 1,8 cineole. This incredible compound has shown to be helpful in fighting congestion by clearing airways and reducing stuffiness. In addition, Eucalyptus is a great antibacterial oil. This means that it may aid in inhibiting growth of bad bacteria and reducing the risk of infection.

Eucalyptus Blue Essential Oil is also a perfect choice with 1% higher 1,8 cineole content.

To use Eucalyptus for congestion, try steam inhalation. Simply add a few drops of Eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water and inhale deeply. The combination of this medicinal Essential Oil and the steam from the hot water will open airways fast!

Peppermint Essential Oil

Ahh, the refreshing scent of Peppermint! That strong, minty smell actually comes from the menthol content in Peppermint Essential Oil. This is what really kicks inflammation in the bud. This odorous oil is known to produce a cooling sensation which can really help to relieve headaches due to sinus pressure and also alleviate a stuffy nose.

We love the feeling of Peppermint oil applied topically. Simply add only one drop of the Essential Oil to a carrier oil and massage onto congested or painful areas being careful of avoiding the eyes (ouch, that would sting).

REVIVE Breathe Easy

If you are looking for an easy grab and go Essential Oil for congestion, REVIVE Breathe Easy is it. Combining several airway clearing oils in one easy to use product,  this blend contains Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Marjoram, Peppermint, Cypress, Lavender and Black Spruce. Ready made in a roller (Breathe Easy Roll-on) or without, this combination is a mega anti-inflammatory that will not only fight off congestion, but also help to fend off a cold.

Using REVIVE Breathe Easy in your REVIVE Diffuser is a great way to experience the effects of the respiratory support synergy. Place 4-5 drops in with your water and feel the immediate relief.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is another Essential Oil that contains 1,8 cineole. This wonderful inflammation fighter can aid in reducing swollen sinuses and improve respiratory health. Additionally, Rosemary Essential Oil is an expectorant so it may be able to help you form a productive cough to get rid of congestion in your chest.

When experiencing chest congestion, try applying a drop or two of Rosemary Essential Oil mixed with a carrier oil onto your throat and upper torso.

 Laurel Leaf Essential Oil

Laurel Leaf, otherwise known as Bay Laurel or Bay Leaf, is a gentler and slightly sweeter scent than Eucalyptus. This oil is amazing for breaking up mucus and helping to create a constructive cough. We love that Laurel Essential Oil not only inspires clear breathing but also helps to inspire an uplifting feeling as well.

Inhaling Laurel Essential Oil directly from the bottle can be a simple way to provide respiratory support. Just uncap the jar and take a few deep breaths of this lovely herbal scent.

REVIVE Breathe Air

It’s not called Breathe Air just for fun… this powerful blend is chocked full of Essential Oils that truly help you breathe air when you need it most. Containing several of the above mentioned oils (Laurel, Eucalyptus, Peppermint) and more, this synergy is incredibly helpful for clearing airways and fighting congestion. 

We love applying Breathe Air topically when major mucous strikes. Simply add a drop or two of REVIVE Breathe Air to a carrier oil and massage onto chest, neck, and in front of ear canals.

Ravintsara Essential Oil

If you are looking for respiratory relief, Ravintsara is a wonderful ally for breathing issues. It is often recommended for helping to combat viral infections. This earthy oil is very refreshing for the airways. It contains Eucalyptol like Eucalyptus, so it has similar properties and can help to promote clear breathing.

Using Ravintsara in a blend with other respiratory supporting oils can give it that extra boost to fight phlegm. Diffuse this Essential Oil with Peppermint or Rosemary to encourage clear breathing through pathways.

REVIVE Allergy Relief

Oftentimes allergies are the culprit for congestion. The stuffy, runny nose can cause post nasal drip. In many cases, this drip becomes congestion down in the throat and chest. Utilizing a blend like REVIVE Allergy Relief can help support healthy respiration while fighting allergy symptoms.

When allergy season hits, inhale REVIVE Allergy Relief several times a day to help prevent congestion from allergies before it begins.

Pine Essential Oil

You know how when something is smelling “Pine Fresh,” it just opens your nose and refreshes your lungs? Well, that is definitely what you get with Pine Essential Oil as well. Reminiscent of your holiday tree, this oil is beneficial for clearing the respiratory tract and combating cough and congestion. Additionally, it may help support immune function and keep that congestion from turning into an infection. 

*This is also one of the safest Essential Oils to use for children when they are coughing or congested.

Try using this fresh oil in a hot bath or shower. Add a few drops of Pine Essential Oil to an unscented natural soap and apply to the body while breathing in deeply to help open airways.

Camphor Essential Oil

Camphor may not be the most obvious oil for congestion because most often its ability to cool and warm at the same time make it ideal for pain and inflammation. But, Camphor Essential Oil has a strong scent that lends itself to clearing out congestion and supporting lung health. Historically, Camphor was used in Ayurvedic therapies for it’s healing vapors, but we know now that the a-Pinene and 1,8 cineole it possesses makes it an ideal expectorant and bronchodilator.

Because of the physical sensation you get when using Camphor, we suggest using it in a compress when congested. Add a few drops to very warm water and soak a cloth in it. Squeeze out the cloth and press it onto the chest area to help fight congestion and open nasal passages. 

Final Thoughts On The Best Essential Oils For Congestion

Now that you know the best essential oils for chest congestion, the best essential oils for nasal congestion, and the best essential oils for sinus relief in general – there is just one thing left to do. Stock up on these essential oil products so you are prepared the next time sinus congestion rears its ugly head.

Here at Revive, we’re proud to be known as the premier choice for all things essential oils. Our essential oil blends offer synergy by combining different pure essential oils to supercharge their healing power. We also have a myriad of roll on essential oils for targeted relief right where your symptoms are the worst.

Looking for more resources on how essential oils can help you stay healthy? Check out our review of the best essential oils for flu season.