Whether you’re battling a cold or muddling your way through allergy season, a runny nose can be one of the most annoying side effects. Essential oils are great at helping to alleviate symptoms (the runny nose) while treating the potential causes (allergens or virus).
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for runny nose are:
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Tea tree
Safety First
A persistent runny nose could be the sign of an underlying condition, so check in with your healthcare provider.
To keep from running out of tissues, see if you can’t get some relief with these aromatherapy applications.
• Steam treatment. Adding decongestant oils to a steam treatment can help soothe and clear nasal passages.
• Soothing soak. If a runny nose isn’t your only symptom, you can take your steam treatment to the next level with a relaxing bath. Inhale the healing aromas while you soak.
• In the air. Simply diffusing or inhaling the right oils can help put a stop to nasal irritation and runny nose.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Flush it out. Rinse, use a neti pot, or spray your nasal passages with saline solution to flush out any irritants.
• Use a humidifier. Especially if the air is dry, a humidifier may help a runny nose.
• Make sleep a priority. This helps keep the immune system functioning at peak, preventing colds, flu, and allergies.
Find some relief and get through your day with these aromatherapy recipes to relieve a runny nose.
This combination of decongestant essential oils and steam helps to clear nasal passages to stop a runny nose.
3 cups near-boiling water
3 drops lavender oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
1 towel
Add the hot (not boiling) water and essential oils to a large glass bowl and stir to blend. Sit or stand with your head over the bowl, use the towel to tent your head, and breathe deeply for several minutes so that the oil-infused steam enters your nasal passages and throat. Use caution: Close your eyes and breathe in slowly on the first breath.
Frankincense and tea tree may help stop a runny nose and strengthen immunity to fight against allergy and colds, while the antiseptic properties will help prevent infection.
3 drops frankincense oil
3 drops tea-tree oil
Every diffuser is different. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for diffusing this blend.