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.

6 Herbal Remedies For Treating Rhinitis Allergy

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Allergic Rhinitis: 6 Herbal Remedies to Try | Sinus & Allergy Wellness Clinic

Home > Blog > Allergic Rhinitis: 6 Herbal Remedies to Try | Sinus & Allergy Wellness Clinic

We get a lot of questions from patients inquiring about ideas of natural solutions for treating their allergy symptoms.    We are devoting this blog to explaining two common types of allergies we most often see at our office in Arizona and share some natural herbal which may help.

Please keep in mind, that we are not giving medical advice in this blog. We cannot properly treat your unique condition or allergy without seeing you or conducting one of our comprehensive allergy tests. We suggest you talk to your doctor.

What is Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the nasal passages, sinuses, ears, and throat. Also known as pollinosis and hay fever, it occurs when an allergic person inhales an allergen to which they are sensitive.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergy sufferers develop symptoms during spring, fall, or both seasons when they become exposed to airborne pollen and outdoor mold spores. Perennial allergic rhinitis, which is year-around, is caused by indoor allergens such as house dust, pet dander, dust mites, and indoor molds.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this allergy include itching, sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, as well as congestion of the nose, ears, and sinuses. There could also be fatigue and a general feeling of being “unwell” during an allergy attack. These symptoms vary in severity from person to person.

Herbal Treatment Options for Allergies

Herbal remedies could provide an alternative way to treat allergic rhinitis. If used sensibly, these natural medicines can not only reduce allergic symptoms but also prevent them altogether. They can also strengthen the body’s tissues and organs, thus improving your overall health. Here are some of the herbs best suited for treating allergies and various respiratory issues.

1. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

This plant is well-known to those unfortunate enough to accidentally brush against its leaves. Stinging nettle might be a painful encounter for many an aspiring gardener; nevertheless, it is one of the most effective herbal treatments for allergic rhinitis. As an antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, and analgesic, it can reduce allergy-related inflammation without producing any of the side-effects that come with the use of pharmaceuticals. Fresh nettle is available in spring. Cooking the leaves will remove their stinging effects, and you can add them to your salads, soups, or stews, like most other green leafy vegetables. You can also use it in its dried form to brew nettle tea.

2. Perilla (Perilla frutescens)

This somewhat obscure herb is a member of the mint family, and it can help you with the battle against your allergic rhinitis symptoms. Many studies have shown perilla to be useful for the treatment of nasal congestion, sinusitis, allergic asthma, and eye irritation (another trouble for many allergy sufferers). It can also alleviate allergic-related skin conditions. It is worth mentioning that the essential oils found in perilla have an antidepressant effect and boost serotonin levels in the brain. In other words, this amazing herb not only reduces inflammation in the body, but it also improves your mood and increases your feeling of well-being.

3. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

This plant grows into a shrub or small tree, easily recognized by its thorny, grey twigs and bright orange ovoid fruit. Sea buckthorn contains more than 190 nutrients and phytonutrients. This extremely nutrient-dense berry offers an array of organic acids, tannins, quercetin, provitamin A, vitamin E, and a great deal of vitamin C, as well as B complex vitamins. What’s more, it contains copious amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that plays a critical part in maintaining respiratory health. Sea buckthorn is ideal for people who suffer from allergic rhinitis, as well as asthma, chronic coughs, and other breathing disorders. Its unique nutrient content improves the health of eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. There are numerous sea buckthorn products on the market today; you should choose carefully, however, and always buy from a reputable company with high standards for quality.

4. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

The butterbur shrub grows in the marshes of North America, Europe, and Asia. People have used it traditionally for the treatment of pain, headaches, fevers, and digestive ailments. More recently, it has also been used for urinary tract infections, headaches, including migraines, as well as for the treatment of hay fever. Butterbur has also been the object of scientific study with promising results. One such study found that this herb works similarly to Zyrtex, a prescription allergy medication. Butterbur products contain extracts from the root, rhizome, or leaves. You should not use this herb in its raw form since it contains certain alkaloids (PAs) that are harmful to humans. Always opt for products labeled as PA-free.

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a safe and highly effective herb. Apart from its culinary uses, it is very beneficial to your overall health, since it soothes the digestive system and improves circulation. Ginger works as a natural antihistamine, potent antiviral agent, and immune booster. Try some ginger tea to alleviate nasal congestion and headaches. While you sip your tea, inhale the steam coming out of your cup. You can find ginger commercially in fresh and dried form. You can also pair it with other herbs, such as turmeric, which is another powerful natural healer.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a perennial herb native to the British Isles, but also common throughout Europe and Asia. This multi-purpose herb has antiseptic, stomachic, antispasmodic, astringent, and diaphoretic properties. Used traditionally to treat colds, the flu, and fevers, yarrow can also be a useful remedy against allergic rhinitis. Its anti-microbial and anti-catarrhal actions make it an ideal herb for the respiratory system, and this natural healer also treats sinusitis and dust allergies. You can take yarrow in tea form or as a tincture. This is a potent herb and internal daily use is not recommended beyond the limit of two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, you should avoid this herb if you are allergic to ragweed, as these two plants are related.

Natural Plants can be Effective Medicine:

Herbal remedies can offer relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as well as other respiratory issues. If used sensibly and proactively, they can also boost your immune system and prevent the onset of the allergic reaction. However, before trying any new treatment, it is essential that you consult a specialist.

While they may have fewer side effects than conventional medications, herbs are medicine too (albeit natural), and you should treat them as such. Be mindful of the proper dosage as well as contraindications, and please see your allergy specialist or doctor before taking.

If you are interested in getting help for your specific allergy, please contact us by phone at 480-767-7098  to schedule an in-person appointment for allergy testing and consultation with one of our top-rated sinus and allergy doctors at our North Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy clinic.

Sources

“Ginger.” Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Edited by Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, 1987, p. 223.

Lipkowitz, Myron A., and Tova Narava. The Encyclopedia of Allergies. Facts on File, Inc., 2001 (second edition), pp. 13-14.

Schapowol A. and Petasites Study Group, “Randomised Control Trial of Butterbur and Cetirizine for Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis,” BMJ Vol. 324, no. 7330, 2002, pp. 144-46.

Schoffro Cook, Michelle. Allergy-Proof Your Life: Natural Remedies for Allergies That Work!, Humanix Books, 2017.

“Sea buckthorn”. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs: Their Medicinal and Culinary Uses. Edited by Sarah Bunney, Dorset, 1984, p. 166.

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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?

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Elena IONOVA

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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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