Discover the most effective herbs for relieving nasal and chest congestion. Get expert tips on using these herbs in teas, steams, and more. Breathe easier with this comprehensive guide.

Unleash the Power of Herbs: Conquer Congestion Naturally

Congestion can be a significant source of discomfort, making it challenging to breathe and hampering your daily activities. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a powerful arsenal of herbs that can help alleviate these unwelcome symptoms. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 14 remarkable herbs that can help you breathe easy and find relief from nasal and chest congestion.

Thyme: The Unsung Hero of Respiratory Relief

Thyme is a versatile herb that often flies under the radar, but its potent compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, make it a powerful ally against congestion. This herb has been used for centuries to ward off infections and support respiratory health. Whether consumed as a hot tea or utilized in an herbal steam, thyme can help ease coughs and clear out stuffy sinuses.

Peppermint and Spearmint: Cooling Congestion Solutions

Peppermint and its milder counterpart, spearmint, are renowned for their ability to provide a cooling sensation and open up the airways. Menthol, the volatile oil found in these herbs, has pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate headaches and soothe the respiratory tract. While peppermint is a stronger option, spearmint can be a gentler choice, especially for children.

Eucalyptus: The Quintessential Decongestant

Eucalyptus is one of the most well-known herbs for congestion relief, and for good reason. Its ability to loosen and expel mucus makes it particularly effective for chest congestion. Eucalyptus can be used as an essential oil or in the form of a tea or herbal steam, providing a multifaceted approach to respiratory health.

Oregano: The Versatile Respiratory Powerhouse

Oregano is a remarkable herb that shares some of the same beneficial compounds as thyme, including carvacrol and thymol. These compounds not only have decongestant properties but also possess antimicrobial and immune-boosting abilities, making oregano a valuable tool in fighting off respiratory infections.

Basil, Rosemary, and Evergreens: Synergistic Congestion Relief

Basil, rosemary, and evergreen needles like pine, cypress, and fir all have their own unique contributions to offer in the fight against congestion. Basil can provide sinus relief, while rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties can target sinus inflammation. Evergreen needles, on the other hand, act as natural decongestants and expectorants, helping to clear the chest and ease coughing.

Ginger, Cinnamon, and Sage: Warming Herbs for Respiratory Wellness

Ginger, cinnamon, and sage are all warming herbs that can offer valuable support for those dealing with congestion. Ginger and cinnamon can help boost circulation and have antimicrobial properties, while sage contains rosmarinic acid, which can target sinus inflammation. Combining these herbs in teas, steams, or other preparations can create a synergistic effect for optimal respiratory relief.

DIY Decongesting Steam: Breathe Easier with Natural Herbs

Creating your own herbal steam is a simple and effective way to harness the power of these congestion-fighting herbs. By combining a selection of the herbs mentioned in this guide, you can create a potent steam that can help loosen mucus, open up your airways, and provide soothing relief. Follow our easy DIY instructions to start breathing easier today.

How to Make a Decongesting Herbal Steam

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add a handful of fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary.
3. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot, allowing the steam to envelope your face.
4. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, being careful not to scald your face.
5. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day as needed for congestion relief.

Which Herbs are Best for Congestion?

The most effective herbs for congestion relief include thyme, peppermint, eucalyptus, oregano, basil, rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, and sage. These herbs contain powerful compounds that can help to open up the airways, loosen mucus, and provide soothing relief.

How Can I Use Herbs for Congestion?

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways to address congestion, including:

• Drinking herbal teas
• Creating decongesting steam inhalations
• Applying essential oils topically or through a diffuser
• Incorporating herbs into home remedies and natural cough syrups

The most effective method will depend on the specific herb and the individual’s needs and preferences.

Do Herbal Remedies Really Work for Congestion?

Yes, numerous studies have shown that the herbs featured in this guide can be effective in relieving nasal and chest congestion. These herbs contain potent compounds that can help to reduce inflammation, thin mucus, and open up the airways. While individual responses may vary, incorporating these herbs into your self-care routine can provide a natural and holistic approach to managing congestion.

Can I Use Herbs for Congestion While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding, as some may not be suitable for these populations. Some generally safer options include peppermint, ginger, and sage, but it’s always best to get medical advice before using any herbal remedies during these sensitive times.

14 Herbs for Congestion + DIY Decongesting Steam
– Euphoric Herbals

Congestion is one of the biggest annoyances of being sick. It can make your sinuses feel stuffy and full of pressure or settle in your chest and make it challenging to breathe (or both).

Thankfully, there are numerous herbs containing powerful essential oils and plant compounds that help to open up your airways and decrease feelings of congestion. Many work on both your chest and sinuses and some can even ease a sore throat as well.

The best way to use most of these herbs is in a hot tea, an herbal decongesting steam, or an herbal chest rub (recipes at the end of this post). Some are also helpful as essential oils.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the top herbs for congestion that will help you to breathe easier.

Top Herbs for Congestion

Thyme

Thyme is a powerful, though often overlooked herb, that contains potent plant compounds like thymol and carvacrol. It has been used for centuries both to ward off infection (due to its antimicrobial properties) and as a respiratory aid. (1)

Using thyme as a hot tea or herbal steam can help both coughs and congestion. It also has expectorant properties and is throat-soothing as a tea or syrup.

Peppermint (or Spearmint)

Peppermint is a strong herb with high amounts of menthol, a volatile oil that has pain-relieving properties and gives you a cooling sensation when you consume it or apply it to your skin.

Peppermint is well-known as a digestive aid, but it can also help to open up your airways, especially when used as an essential oil. It has a cooling effect that is also helpful for relieving a headache.

For a similar but gentler herb, try spearmint, especially for children who may prefer its milder nature.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the most familiar decongesting herbs and is found in many over the counter (OTC) products for congestion. It helps to loosen and expel mucus, making it especially helpful for chest congestion.

Eucalyptus is most often used as an essential oil, but you can also use the leaves to make a tea or herbal steam. As a bonus, it can help with coughing and possesses antimicrobial properties, too. (2)

Oregano

Oregano contains some of the same plant compounds as thyme, including carvacrol and thymol, that give it decongesting power and can help to improve lung function. (3)

Oregano is also a powerful antimicrobial herb and has immune-boosting power that may help your body as it fights off infection. You can use oregano as a tea or in an herbal steam, and you can also take oil of oregano capsules for support while you’re sick.

Basil

Basil is a bit milder than oregano and thyme, but it can still provide some much needed relief, especially for sinus congestion. It’s more potent when used fresh but can still be helpful dried if you get it from an herbal store that has dried and stored the leaves properly.

For the most effect, use basil alongside other herbs like thyme, oregano, and eucalyptus in an herbal steam.

Rosemary

Rosemary is high in rosmarinic acid, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and may particularly help with sinus congestion and inflammation. It’s has also been found effective for certain types of asthma and can help to open your lungs. (4)

Rosemary works well with oregano, thyme, eucalyptus, and many other herbs for congestion. Use in an herbal steam or as an essential oil for the most effect.

Pine and Other Evergreens

You may not think of pine needles as an herb, but they actually have quite a few beneficial properties, including acting as a decongestant! They ease stuffiness and a congested chest, and you can forage them from your own backyard if you have pine trees nearby.

Cypress and fir are two other evergreen needles that can also be used for congestion. They both have expectorant properties and help with coughing, too. Use any variety to make a hot tea or add to an herbal steam. You can also try them in an essential oil blend.

Ginger

Ginger is a warm, spicy herb that has several benefits when you’re sick. It helps to boost circulation, which can be great if you feel cold, has immune-boosting properties, and also acts as a decongesting herb.

For a great cold remedy, make some ginger tea by simmering the fresh root in water. Then, add lemon juice and raw honey for a throat-soothing, spicy tea that fights congestion.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another warming herb that has a long history of use for coughs, colds, congestion, and sore throats. It naturally improves circulation and also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. (5)

Try combining cinnamon and ginger to make a congestion-relieving tea, or add in cardamom, cloves, and other spices to make a warming herbal chai tea.

Sage

Sage has many properties that make it one of the top herbs for congestion. Like rosemary, it contains rosmarinic acid that has an anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed tissues and can soothe a sore throat as a bonus. It also has antimicrobial properties and is often used as a cold and flu fighter. (6)

Sage is known to have a drying effect on the body, which means it can help “dry out” excess mucus. If you are already experiencing dryness, use sage with demulcent herbs like marshmallow root or licorice root.

Mullein

Mullein is a renowned herb for all kinds of respiratory issues. It’s a demulcent herb, which means it soothes and moistens dry or inflamed tissues, and also has expectorant properties (it helps expel mucus).

In addition, mullein is antispasmodic, which means it can calm spasms in the respiratory system, and has long been used for chest congestion, spastic coughing, and many other types of respiratory distress. It can be very effective when used as a tea, but be sure to strain your tea through muslin or a coffee filter to get out the little hairs that can tickle your throat.

Lavender

Lavender isn’t a strong decongestant on its own, but it makes a very good addition to an herbal steam for congestion. It has natural antimicrobial properties that support your body during infection and antispasmodic properties that can help to ease a cough.

Lavender is also very soothing and can simply help you to feel better when you breathe it in. Use it as an herb or essential oil in an herbal steam.

Horseradish

There’s no doubt that horseradish has a powerful ability to open up your sinuses. If you’ve ever taken a large spoonful of this pungent herb, you know this for yourself. It can also help to relieve congestion in your chest and encourages a productive cough while also thinning mucus.

You can simply take a small amount as needed or use horseradish as part of a fire cider recipe.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is an excellent complement to other decongesting herbs, especially when used in tea form. It has its own ability to ease congestion and also has demulcent properties that soothe a sore throat and inflamed tissues in your respiratory tract.

In Chinese medicine, licorice is used most frequently in formulas and blends because of its power to enhance the effects of other herbs, although you can use it on its own as well.

How to Make an Herbal Steam

An herbal steam is one of the best remedies for congestion because it allows you to breathe warm steam and the powerful essential oils from herbs into your lungs.

You can make it with dried herbs and/or essential oils, but be aware that essential oils will be much stronger than herbs and may not be suitable for children.

Here’s a basic recipe that can be modified to fit whatever herbs/oils you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried herbs (oregano, eucalyptus, lavender, etc.)
• 4-6 cups of water
• 4-6 drops of essential oil (optional; lavender, eucalyptus, etc. )
• Large bowl
• Towel

Instructions:

1. Place the herbs in a large bowl. Bring the water to a boil and pour over the herbs. Cover the bowl and let steep 10-15 minutes.
2. Place a towel over your head and position your face 5-10 inches over the bowl. Close your eyes, remove the cover from the bowl, and allow the steam to hit your face.
3. Breathe in deeply and use the towel to make a “tent” to keep the steam in. Make sure you aren’t too close to the bowel (it shouldn’t be burning your face) and that you don’t open your eyes, especially if you’re using essential oils.
4. Continue breathing deeply for up to 10 minutes.

DIY Herbal Chest Rub

This is a quick chest rub that you can throw together and apply for some congestion relief. Just be aware that eucalyptus oil isn’t considered safe for very young children.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary or basil essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together and store in a glass jar. Use as needed.

Breathe Easier with Decongesting Herbs

The next time congestion hits, grab whatever herbs from this list you can find and make yourself a decongesting herbal steam, chest rub, or a hot cup of tea.

You can also try taking a warm to hot bath using herbal bath teas to put yourself in one giant “herbal steam” to help relieve congestion, sore muscles, and any other illness-related discomforts.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be substituted for medical advice.  Please consult your health care provider, herbalist, midwife, or naturopathic physician before taking herbs, supplements, etc. Here’s the link to our full disclaimer.

Get Sinus Relief With Common Herbs – Sniff Relief

April 11, 2017

Regardless of the cause, sinus problems are just plain annoying and often painful. When the air-filled chambers around your nose and cheekbones, on both sides of the forehead, between nasal passages and eye sockets get infected or obstructed, it’s a distraction you just can’t ignore. The pain and swelling can become chronic unless you take measures to reverse the problem.

While over-the-counter medications may deliver quick relief, it’s usually temporary. In fact, these quick-fixes can even drive infection deeper and only worsen the condition. Medicating this way can become a vicious circle. Why mask the problem when you can take natural measures to actually heal and feel well? Whether your sinus problems come from a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, eating too much dairy, poor circulation, slow digestion or constipation, lack of exercise, or toxins in the air, herbs can deliver serious relief.

Herbs for Sinus Relief

There is an array of herbs that can help you get real relief from sinus congestion. You can enjoy the benefits of any of these herbs in tea form, in capsules, or in liquid concentrates you can find at your local health food store. Some grocery stores even carry the teas.

• Mullein – Great for respiratory disorders and known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties
• Chamomile – Boosts immunity and helps resolve inflammation
• Comfrey – Can help relieve pain and tenderness
• Marshmallow – Supports, soothes, and moistens mucous membranes in the respiratory tract
• Ginger – Contains115 different chemical components in the root and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Eyebright – Has anti-inflammatory and astringent benefits
•  Fenugreek – Can fight fever and inflammation
• Thyme – Brings relief for cough and irritation from post-nasal drip
• Echinacea – Can deliver an overall boost to your immune system
• Calendula – Can reduce pain and inflammation
• Ginseng – Promotes overall vigor and fights inflammation
• Astragalus – Overall immune booster, often combined with Echinacea in herbal formulas

Horseradish Packs a Punch for Sinus Problems

One herb in particular is especially powerful for helping to drain sinus congestion. You might know of Horseradish as an addition to flavorful sauces and as a spice in foods. But it is also a powerful and pungent herb that has been used for centuries for an array of health issues. It can give a huge boost to your respiratory health and overall immunity. If you feel sinus congestion coming on, simply grate a couple of teaspoons of fresh horseradish root and take it by mouth. And it’s okay to wash it down with water. You’ll feel your sinuses begin to drain within just a few minutes. If this direct approach is too much heat and flavor for you can also boil it in water to make a tea. Feel free to sweeten it with honey. You can use Horseradish in either form several times a day.

Whichever of these herbs you use by themselves or in any combination can offer some real hope for sinus relief. Of course, always consult your doctor if your sinus problems persist or if you have questions.

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How and with what you can wash your nose with a runny nose

Publication date: 10/11/2022

Update date: 10/11/2022

Contents:

• Benefits and harms of washing
• Indications for nasal irrigation
• Contraindications for nasal irrigation
• Nasal rinses
• How to rinse your nose correctly?

We usually resort to washing the nose when we are afraid of getting ARVI: this method is widely used to prevent or treat the common cold in the early stages.

Indeed, the method can help improve the condition, including by moisturizing the mucosa – this is especially important at the beginning of the heating season, as well as in case of drug-induced rhinitis, since in the second case the nasal mucosa dries out due to the long use of vasoconstrictors.

But the unwise use of saline solution for washing the nose can lead to a deterioration in well-being, this is important to consider. Volumetric rinsing involves the ingress of fluid under pressure not only into the nose, but also into the nasopharynx.

If the liquid does not have time to exit through the second half of the nose, especially when it is very stuffy due to swelling, it goes along the path of least resistance – through the auditory or Eustachian tube, into the middle ear. This can lead to the development of inflammation of the middle ear, namely otitis media. Therefore, it is important to do the procedure carefully and in compliance with all the rules, but it is better to first see a doctor.

Nasal lavage is usually performed in the presence of the following diseases:

• SARS, influenza;
• allergic rhinitis;
• vasomotor rhinitis;
• sinusitis: sinusitis, frontal sinusitis.

Irrigation is also used to prevent respiratory diseases: after contact with a potentially infected person, visiting public places during the flu season, or when early signs of inflammation of the nasopharynx appear.

Flushing can help prevent the spread of the virus, ease illness, and speed up recovery. Such a procedure can make a person less infectious to others, since it allows you to remove some of the viruses and mucus in which they are present.

Irrigation prophylaxis can be combined with medical therapy. For example, the herbal drug Sinupret® helps relieve nasal congestion and prevents the development of complications of respiratory diseases.

In case of allergic inflammation, rinsing removes part of the allergens from the nasal cavity, and therefore reduces their effect on the mucous membrane. The procedure in this case can also be of preventive value.

Finally, washing has another indication: after the procedure, local medicines are better absorbed. Removal of mucus from the nose with the help of a solution allows you to act with medicines directly on the mucous membrane.

Nasal rinsing solution can be purchased from a pharmacy or prepared by yourself. As a basis, you can use sterile saline or chilled boiled water. There are several common recipes for preparing solutions:

• Nasal rinse solution based on sea water: to prepare a teaspoon of sea salt, dilute in a glass of warm boiled water.
• Iodine saline solution: add a teaspoon of table salt and two drops of iodine to a glass of boiled water.
• Soda solution: dissolve a teaspoon of soda in a glass of water.
• Furacilin solution: you can buy ready-made or prepare yourself by dissolving one tablet in a glass of warm water.
• Solutions based on decoction of herbs: infusion of St. John’s wort flowers, chamomile, eucalyptus leaves, as well as sage herb, oak bark. It is important to strain decoctions and infusions so that there are no particles of herbs in the liquid.

Non-carbonated mineral water is sometimes used for rinsing.

It is important to remember that individual intolerance to the components of the solution cannot be ruled out, especially when it comes to folk recipes. In addition, some components have contraindications, for example, iodine cannot be used to wash the nose with hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is necessary to first consult a doctor and determine if there are any contraindications to the use of a particular composition.

After preparing the solution, check the temperature, it should be room temperature or slightly higher. It must be poured into the device for washing, take the container in your hand, tilt your head over the sink or bathtub, open your mouth and attach the nozzle of the device to the nostril.

The solution should be poured into the nostril slowly, so that it flows out of the second nostril – try to avoid excessive pressure so as not to get complications. Similar steps must be repeated for the second side.

After the procedure, blow the remnants of the product out of the nose. When performing flushing, you can say “cuckoo” to help lift the palate and reduce the likelihood of fluid entering the oropharynx, this procedure is also called “cuckoo”.

Homemade nasal wash should be prepared before each procedure. Usually, the volume of a standard glass is enough for an adult.

To supplement the effect of the procedure in case of nasal congestion and the first symptoms of a respiratory disease, you can use the herbal medicinal product Sinupret®: it helps to eliminate nasal congestion, helps reduce the likelihood of developing complications of rhinitis or rhinosinusitis that has begun, and also has an antiviral effect.

The secretolytic effect of the drug is to reduce the viscosity of the nasal mucus, as a result of which the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses are cleared. Sinupret® can be combined with rinsing and the use of other medicines. It is available in the form of tablets and drops for oral administration, the latter can be used in children from two years of age.

At the first manifestations of a cold, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and other ailments, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.

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What herbs will help if snot and stuffy nose?

Komsomolskaya Pravda

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Elena IONOVA

:10

And how to recognize sinusitis in time, experts of “KP” advise

My nose is constantly blocked. Difficulty falling asleep. Sometimes, especially in a stuffy room, I just suffocate. What can be done at home? I really would not want to get hooked on vasoconstrictor drops.

Elena.

Elena KORSUN, Deputy Director of the Institute of Phytotherapy, Associate Professor of the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR):

– We need plants that will relieve swelling and reduce brain hypoxia. If this is acute rhinitis (runny nose) with severe nasal congestion, and you just don’t see white light, you can buy rotokan tincture at the pharmacy (it includes chamomile, yarrow, calendula). Dilute with water, moisten cotton swabs, insert nose and hold for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the procedure two or three times a day for about a week. The action will be similar to sanorin, xylometazoline or similar drops, but without pronounced side effects.

But removing the mucosal edema is half the battle. If the nose is stuffed up for a long time, then the brain is also in a state of hypoxia – lack of oxygen. So it makes sense to use herbs that help restore vascular tone. These are linden flowers, sweet clover grass, clover. With their strained broth, you need to wash the nose, and instill the oil extract.

Vascular herbs need to be taken from 3-4 weeks to two months to feel and consolidate the effect.

Are antibiotics to blame for “atypical” sinusitis?

My son, 14 years old, could not make an accurate diagnosis for a long time, they drove him to the ENT, then to the neurologist (he had a headache, swollen eyelids). Then one experienced doctor said that it was sinusitis (this turned out to be the case, although the child had neither a runny nose nor a temperature). So what exactly are the symptoms that can be with sinusitis?

Svetlana.

Anatoly SMIRNITSKII, otolaryngologist:

– Acute sinusitis develops in stages. A relatively mild form (catarrhal) begins with characteristic pain in the paranasal (maxillary) sinuses, pulling pains above the eyes and bridge of the nose. The nose is stuffed up, malaise and heaviness in the head are felt, the temperature is slightly elevated. The face becomes swollen. Sometimes tears can flow and the lower eyelid swells from the side of the diseased sinus.

If you do not start treatment, then catarrhal sinusitis can turn into purulent, and these are no longer toys. The temperature can jump up to 40 degrees, the headache intensifies, dark purulent discharge from the nose appears.

Now there are more cases when chronic sinusitis has blurred symptoms or is generally asymptomatic. But sometimes the diagnosis of sinusitis is false: neuralgia, dystonia, and allergies are hidden behind its classic manifestations.

The picture of sinusitis is often blurred due to the fact that patients uncontrollably use vasoconstrictor drops and popular antiallergic drugs. By the way, now there are a lot of patients who along the way have to remove dependence on addictive vasoconstrictors.

Recently, in connection with the use of antibiotics for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, atypical cases of sinusitis have become more frequent in children, when the temperature does not rise and there is no pronounced difficulty in nasal breathing. Often sinusitis in children is manifested by a dry cough, frequent blinking of the eyes, the baby sniffs all the time, although there is no runny nose.

But in any case, the most informative study for sinusitis is x-ray.

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