I am always looking for home remedies that help with colds and flu symptoms, and especially essential oils for chest congestion. Chest congestion is one of those issues that we all suffer from during cold and flu bugs. Yet, I have found that in my own family, some essential oils do work really well.

While I did not need to use these during COVID, I cannot say one way or the other if they work on this very unique virus. I cannot see how they would not.

We have been to the ER enough in my special needs son’s life. He has had pneumonia at least four times, along with RSV, which landed him right in Intermediate Care for a couple of days. It is always beneficial for everyone if we can avoid a trip to the ER, especially with a special needs child, who can pick up another bug in addition to what they already have.

So, when I share this with you, I say that I know they do help. As he grew older, my son asked for essential oils to be diffused in his room when he went to bed and was feeling poorly.

As always, you have to choose from what you have on hand and what works well in your family, but I have found these oils, including combinations of them, to be really effective.

Here are some essential oils for chest congestion

Eucalyptus oil:

Made from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, this oil is where we primarily get menthol-related products. Eucalyptus helps with respiratory issues by opening airways and relieving congestion with its cooling properties, as well as fevers and sinusitis.

Rosemary oil:

Rosemary comes from the leaves of a rosemary bush and is also considered an herb. Also known for its cooling aroma, it helps with sinusitis, flu, and some congestion.

Peppermint oil:

Peppermint comes from the leaves of a peppermint plant. It also contains cooling properties, opening up the airways a bit. This herb can also help with asthma and stomach-related issues, such as nausea.

Copaiba oil:

Copaiba works well as a pain reliever and appears to reduce inflammation. It works best when used in conjunction with some of the more minty and cooling essential oils.

Thieves oil:

Thieves oil is always a great antibacterial and antiviral. If you have a child who is prone to infections from congestion, this oil can help prevent further spreading of the illness (such as wiping down counters, toilets, and bedrooms. Thieves can also help prevent infection when diffused throughout the room. I also like to mix it with some of the mintier oils.

Ways to use essential oils for congestion

Aromatically

More often than not, I put these in a diffuser in my son’s room when he sleeps at night, or run them during the daytime in the room he is playing in. Inhalation works well to help clean the air of viruses and inhibit their spread amongst other family members.

Topically

Added to a carrier oil, in the form of 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil, you can apply these oils to the chest area. However, care should be taken to make sure that your home patient tolerates the cooling properties of the minty oils. Plus, they do not wipe off really well, as essential oils contain a concentrated plant derivative.

Essential oils taken in a spoonful of honey or coconut oil by mouth can help open up the airways. If your patient likes peppermint, they may enjoy the taste with a bit of honey and lemon, which is always a favorite around our house.

Consider Essential Oils as Another Option

While I never say essential oils are the end-all in any health regimen, they can still help improve anyone’s health.

While over-the-counter meds such as Mucinex do work well, some may find peace in using the essential oils as an extra boost. Each person really handles illness differently.