Best Essential Oils for Clear & Easy Breathing

Being congested, whether it be from allergies or a common cold, isn’t any fun. No one likes feeling under the weather, but did you know there are natural ways to help alleviate your discomfort? Essential oils to the rescue! In this article, we’ll detail which essential oils promote easy breathing and how you can use them safely.

Benefits of Essential Oils for Easy Breathing

Essential oils have been used for centuries in folk medicine, and for good reason. They work wonders when it comes to promoting easy breathing. Here are some of the main benefits of using essential oils when you have a stuffy nose.

• Natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, which can sometimes have unwanted side effects such as drowsiness or headaches. 
• Can help promote clear breathing for those who suffer from allergies, sinus issues, or colds.
• May relieve discomfort and soothe irritated airways.

Safely Using Essential Oils for Clear Breathing

Essential oils are generally safe to use and have many benefits for the body, however, you must follow some precautions. Here are some safety tips.

• Never ingest essential oils, some can cause adverse reactions or even be toxic. Essential oils should only be applied topically or inhaled.
• If applying essential oils topically, be sure to always combine with a carrier oil and conduct a patch test before applying it over a larger area of skin.
• When diffusing essential oils around kids and pets make sure the room is well-ventilated and the diffuser is not left on for prolonged periods of time.
• As always, consult your doctor for advice on treating any sinus issues or medical problems. Essential oils can be used in your self-care routine or to lessen discomfort, but are not a cure.
• Avoid having essential oils come into contact with your eyes.

The Top Essential Oils for Easy Breathing

Stuffy noses don’t stand a chance against these essential oils.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The minty-fresh, camphorous scent of eucalyptus essential oil is great for revitalizing the senses and promoting clear breathing. One of the main reasons eucalyptus oil is so effective is that it contains cineole, a chemical compound that is known for easing congestion. In fact, in one 2009 study it was effective at treating rhinosinusitis without the use of antibiotics.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Used in a range of products, peppermint essential oil comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It contains menthol, a chemical component that leaves a cooling sensation and can make airways feel more clear.

Spearmint Essential Oil

A cousin to peppermint essential oil, spearmint essential oil is equally minty and fresh, but a bit milder in aroma. It also contains menthol to help you breathe better. Plus, you can use it in place of peppermint when incorporating it into any recipe.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is not only calming for the mind, it’s also good for calming an irritated nose. Use it in combination with eucalyptus essential oil to aid in extra relief.

Lavender Essential Oil

From relaxing the mind to soothing minor cuts and burns, lavender essential oil is truly the queen of essential oils. It also can promote easy breathing and sleep, especially when blended with rosemary essential oil.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, tea tree essential oil has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine to treat many health ailments. It has an herbaceous aroma and blends well with peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.

Essential Oil Recipes that Support Clear Breathing

Here are 3 essential oil recipes you can make at home to promote clear breathing.

Easy Breathing Essential Oil Inhaler Blend

Essential oil inhalers are great to use when you’re feeling under the weather, especially if you’re on-the-go. They're convenient and pocket-sized, so you can use them for quick relief. This blend of peppermint, lavender, and orange essential oils has a light, uplifting scent.

Ingredients

• 1 essential oil inhaler
• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of orange essential oil

Instructions

Add essential oils to the cotton insert and then insert it into the inhaler bottle. Ensure the cap is screwed on tightly. Breathe in deeply periodically whenever you feel congested.

Breathe Deep Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

Fighting a stuffy or runny nose? Try diffusing essential oils. This recipe combines eucalyptus, spearmint, and rosemary essential oil for cooling relief.

Ingredients

• 1 essential oil diffuser
• 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil

Instructions

Add all essential oils to your diffuser with water (as directed), turn it on, and breathe in to promote clear breathing.

Breathing Steam Essential Oil Blend Recipe

Similar to diffusing, steaming essential oils in hot water disperses essential oil molecules in the air through water vapor. Warm steam can help to soothe the throat and airways, too. This recipe is quick and simple to make — all you need is a tea kettle, mug, and three essential oils. 

Ingredients

• 1 tea kettle
• 1 mug
• 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of tea tree oil

Instructions

Fill the tea kettle with water and bring to a boil. Pour water into a mug and add all essential oils and mix with a spoon. Inhale the steam slowly and avoid contact with eyes.

When used safely, essential oils can help promote easy breathing and soothe the body. Prepare for cold and allergy season by stocking up on the essential oils mentioned now. Want to learn more about how you can use essential oils to aid in wellness, take a look at this article: Top 7 Essential Oils That Help You Sleep.