Essential Oils for Congestion
When your little one starts coughing in the middle of the night, what do you do? When their chest is rattling with congestion and you desperately wish you could help them breathe a little better, what do you reach for?
For our family, essential oils have been a lifesaver in these moments. With good quality oils, you can really alleviate the congestion and cough in a safe and effective way. I'm always on the lookout for natural remedies that work, and these methods of using essential oils for congestion are amazingly helpful. Of course, please see a doctor to rule out serious illness or complications.
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How to use essential oils for congestion - 2 methods
Inhalation
Diffusing essential oils is probably the easiest and most pleasant method in my opinion. All you need is a diffuser, water, and an essential oil (or oil blend) - see my favorite blend below.
How to diffuse essential oils for congestion
Fill your diffuser to the indicated water level.
For most diffusers, add 4-5 drops of your essential oil or blend of oils.
Diffuse the oils for about 30-60 minutes with an hour break. Repeat as needed.
Steam inhalation - if you don't have a diffuser
No worries if you don't have a diffuser, you can also use steam inhalation, although I find it more difficult to get kids to cooperate with this method.
Boil a couple of cups of water and add to a heat safe bowl.
Add 3-4 drops of an essential oil (or blend) for congestion and place your face several inches away from the steaming water with a towel over your head and bowl.
Close your eyes and inhale deeply for 1-2 minutes. Repeat this every 15-20 minutes for best relief. People with asthma should probably stick with the diffuser and not do steam inhalation.
Shower inhalation
This method is much easier to use with younger children. The combination of the warm shower steam and the essential oils seems to relax and break up congestion even more.
Wet a washcloth and add 5-10 drops of an essential oil (or blend) for congestion.
Place the wet washcloth just outside the area where the water hits the shower floor without it being a direct hit (to prevent the oils from evaporating into steam too quickly)and take a hot shower for 10-15 minutes.
The steam and the oils will combine and you will get an effective inhalation at the same time.
If a bath suits you more, you can simply add 5-10 drops of essential oils (or blend) for congestion to the bath but you won't get as much of the steam inhalation as you would in the shower. Plus, the shower method is more of a quick fix.
My favorite blend of essential oils for congestion
This blend can be used in all of the situations listed previously - a diffuser, steam inhalation, or shower inhalation.
2 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
2 drops Oregano
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Eucalyptus
💧 I also LOVE the proproetary doTERRA Breathe essential oil blend which contains Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Cardamom Seed, Ravintsara Leaf, Ravensara Leaf essential oils.
Note - there is research that shows that peppermint essential oil should be avoided in young children so I haven't included that in this blend. Also, eucalyptus should be used in very dilute amounts for young children, which is why it is not my main ingredient. This infographic is helpful as is this list by Mommypoptamus of safe essential oils for kids that support respiratory health. If you really want an in-depth resource for reference, take a look at getting this book. You should always make your own educated decisions when using essential oils for you and your family.
Chest Rub
Instead of using some of the petroleum-laden store-bought products, you could whip up your own all-natural yet effective version of the infamous small blue jar product we all grew up with.
To relieve chest congestion, take a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil, add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil and rub onto the chest. The oil will be effective topically and as an inhalation.
Eucalyptus oil is purifying, germ-destroying, anti-bacterial, helps relieve stuffiness, and helps to suppress a cough. Clearly, a great oil to have on hand for seasonal threats, runny noses, and coughs!
💧 If you want something on hand at all times and don't feel like DIYing it, try the doTERRA Breath Vapor Stick. You can apply to chest and neck area as needed to soothe airways.
Would you like to order your own essential oil kit?
Click here to find out what oils I use and where I get them.
To help support the immune system in other ways, read:
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe [flu + cold natural remedy]
What Every Mom Should Have in her "Natural Medicine Cabinet"
How to select the best probiotics and what to watch out for!
Stay healthy!
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