A stuffy nose can be annoying. Your nose drips. You sound funny when you talk. And just when you want to blow your nose to finally breathe again, nothing comes out. I thought a stuffy nose was the result of too much mucus in the nasal passages. However, a clogged nose is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses. These irritated vessels are usually triggered by a cold, the flu, seasonal threats, or a sinus infection. For me, it's seasonal threats.
Regardless of the reason, there are easy ways to relieve it. Here are a few things you can do.
1. Stay hydrated. Keep the fluids flowing when your nose is stuffed up. Drink lots of water. This will help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, pushing the fluids out of your nose and decreasing the pressure in your sinuses. Less pressure means less inflammation and irritation.
2. Diffuse essential oils. Diffusing dōTERRA Breathe Respiratory Blend can maintain feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils are also popular choices. Many of us like to diffuse Breathe and Serenity, (our Restful Blend), together to promote a good night’s sleep.
3. dōTERRA Breathe can also be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.
4. Take a shower. The steam from a shower helps to thin out the mucus in your nose and reduce inflammation. Taking a hot shower can help your breathing return to normal, at least for a little while.
5. Try this Sinus Steamer.
Sinus Steamer
2 drops Melaleuca
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Lemon
Optional add 1-2 drops Oregano
Add to a cup of hot water – close eyes – take deep breaths
I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to share your natural solutions for relieving a stuffy nose.
