Inhalation is a great way to use essential oils for the respiratory system. An aromatherapy inhaler or facial steam can provide fast and lasting relief for congested sinuses. 1. Pour steaming hot water into a bowl.
How to Facial Steam for Congestion Relief
Inhalation is a great way to use essential oils for the respiratory system. An aromatherapy inhaler or facial steam can provide fast and lasting relief for congested sinuses. Steaming is inexpensive, easy, and effective. Unlike diffusing, facial steaming provides faster acting relief because you are targeting the respiratory system with a quicker dose of essential oils. The hot steam is a perfect vehicle to direct the essential oil molecules into your respiratory system where it can provide support.
How To Steam:
2. Add only ONE drop of essential oil to the bowl. Be careful, as many of the essential oils come out of the bottle quickly. If you get more than one drop, simply dump the water out and start again. This is especially important with children.
3. Close your eyes, and keep them closed. If you are wearing glasses make sure to take them off.
4. Place a towel over your head and the bowl to create a tent that traps the steam.
5. Inhale deeply. If the steam is too hot, just inhale without the towel.
6. Keep inhaling for about a minute. Then you can leave the water to sit until is has stopped steaming and then pour it down the drain.
7. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for a few days for relief and prevention of symptoms.
Want to use more than one essential oil in your steam blend? No problem, just make a stock blend in an empty dropper bottle. Then add one drop of this blend to your steam.
Other Options:
-
You can also add a few drops in a diffuser, I use this one. Diffusers are a good option if you are very sensitive to oils but want their benefits. Just note that with diffusing, you do not inhaler as much oil and therefore their therapeutic effect is weaker.
-
You can add 15 drops for adults, or 10 drops for kids in an aromatherapy inhaler. Aromatherapy Inhalers are plastic tubes with a hole at the top. Inside is a cotton pad where the essential oils are directly applied and then the inhaler is covered with a cap to keep the oils from evaporating. They can be used throughout the day and are a great on the go option. For a make at home option, you can use a cotton ball and an empty pill bottle for an inhaler!
Great Essential Oil Choices for Nasal Congestion:
Winder Solstice Blend -Peppermint, Balsam Fir & Siberian Fir Essential Oil
Cedarwood * - Juniperus virginiana
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
Peppermint - Mentha x piperita
Ravintsara - Cinnamomun camphora ct. 1,8 cineole
Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8 cineole
Siberian Fir - Abies sibirica
Tea Tree * - Melaleuca alternifolia
Thyme ct. Linalool * - Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool
Balsam Fir - Abies balsamea
*Kid safe oils (to be used for 12 and under)