Congestion is a common symptom of the common cold and the flu. According to the National Institutes of Health, people in the United States suffer 1 billion colds per year. The sinus congestion associated with these conditions can be mild or severe enough to cause pain, or even severe discomfort, and disrupt normal functioning. The average cold or bout of flu lasts two to 14 days and there is no cure. However, there are several home remedies to help relieve the congestion.
Cold Clearing Bath
Draw a bath, as hot as you can stand it, and add the following essential oils: Two drops of thyme, two drops of tea tree, one drop of eucalyptus and three drops of lemon. The heat from the water helps loosen congestion in the chest and relax your muscles. The aromatic steam clears the sinuses.
Head Clearing Steam
Blend one drop each of the following essential oils in a heat-safe bowl: red thyme, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the oils. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam.
Cold Salve
Blend the following essential oils with 1 tsp. of grape seed oil: one drop lemon, two drops eucalyptus, three drops rosemary. Massage the oil into your chest, neck and around your forehead, nose and cheekbones.
Horseradish Blast
According to Dr. Linda White, author of "The Herbal Drug Store," horseradish is an excellent decongestant. You can use American horseradish or Japanese wasabi. Add some to your food, or eat it straight. Try blending American horseradish with 1 tsp. of applesauce. Horseradish can be very strong, so start with small amounts and work your way up. Avoid horseradish if you have ulcers or other digestive problems.
Warm Compress
Soak a clean wash cloth in boiling hot water with three drops eucalyptus and three drops lavender. Wring the cloth until slightly damp and place the cloth over your eyes. Take care not to get the eucalyptus into your eyes. When the cloth cools, return it to the hot water to reheat.
References
- The Common Cold
- Book: "The Herbal Drug Store;" Linda B. White, MD and Steven Foster; 2000
- Book: "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
