11 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Runny Nose
Herbal essential oils for Runny nose are natural, plant-based extracts used to alleviate symptoms associated with a runny nose, such as congestion, sinus pressure, and postnasal drip.
These oils have numerous benefits, including decongestant properties, antimicrobial effects, and anti-inflammatory actions that help to soothe and calm the nasal passages.
Examples of herbal essential oils that can be used to treat a runny nose include eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil, which are known for their decongestant and expectorant properties that help to clear out mucus and promote drainage.
Additionally, oils like geranium oil, frankincense oil, and thyme oil have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to combat underlying infections and reduce inflammation, providing long-lasting relief from runny nose symptoms.
According to "Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)", essential oils may be used as complementary self-treatment to relieve nasal congestion, rhinorrhea.
Below there's a list of the 11 best herbal essential oils for runny nose.
- 1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 2. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 3. Mentha x piperita essential oils
- 4. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
- 5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 7. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 8. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
- 9. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
- 10. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 11. Curcuma longa essential oils
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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been traditionally used to treat runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, due to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The main bioactive constituents of this oil, including eucalyptol and cineole, help to reduce nasal congestion by thinning mucus and promoting its expulsion.
The benefits of Eucalyptus globulus essential oils in treating runny nose include their ability to relieve nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat, making it an effective natural remedy for respiratory issues.
By applying this oil topically or inhaling its vapor, individuals can experience quick relief from runny nose symptoms and improve their overall respiratory health.
Related Study
According to "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils may be used to treat runny nose, as it is among the top-cited plant species used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections in Ethiopia.
2. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, derived from the fragrant leaves of rosemary plants, have been used to treat the runny nose ailment due to their decongestant and antimicrobial properties.
The properties of this herbal preparation help to reduce nasal congestion and alleviate respiratory issues by thinning mucus and promoting drainage, thus providing relief from the runny nose ailment.
The bioactive constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and bornyl acetate, work synergistically to combat the underlying causes of runny nose, such as inflammation and infection.
The benefits of using Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils for treating runny nose include natural and non-invasive relief, reduced reliance on over-the-counter medications, and improved overall respiratory health.
3. Mentha x piperita essential oils
Mentha x piperita essential oils, also known as peppermint oil, have been traditionally used to treat the runny nose ailment due to their decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The menthol present in peppermint oil helps to thin mucus and relieve congestion, making it easier to breathe.
The bioactive constituents of peppermint oil, including menthol, menthone, and limonene, contribute to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce nasal congestion and runny nose.
Regular use of peppermint oil through inhalation or topical application can provide relief from runny nose symptoms and promote overall respiratory health.
Related Study
According to "BioMed research international", Mentha x piperita essential oils for runny nose may be effective due to the plant being one of the plants with significant potential therapeutic activity for respiratory disease, as documented in a study of ethnomedicinal plants in Bahawalpur District, Pakistan.
4. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, commonly known as lemongrass oil, have been traditionally used to treat runny nose due to its decongestant and antimicrobial properties.
The oil's ability to thin mucus and promote nasal drainage helps to alleviate congestion and coughs, making it an effective remedy for respiratory issues.
The bioactive constituents, including citral, geraniol, and limonene, are responsible for its decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce nasal secretions and alleviate discomfort.
Regular use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils can provide relief from runny nose and promote overall respiratory health.
Related Study
According to the study, Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, being part of the BNO 1012 extract, contribute to a clinically significant reduction in the severity of rhinorrhea.
5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, extracted from the rhizomes of the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of a runny nose.
The properties of this herbal preparation, such as its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, help to treat this ailment by reducing nasal congestion and alleviating respiratory discomfort.
The bioactive constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, in Zingiber officinale essential oils, are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which help to thin mucus and promote drainage, thereby providing relief from a runny nose.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat a runny nose include its natural and non-invasive approach, making it a popular alternative remedy for individuals seeking a holistic solution to this common health issue.
Related Study
According to "Recent patents on biotechnology", Zingiber officinale essential oils may exhibit potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions such as the common cold, which includes runny nose.
6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
Thymus vulgaris essential oils, derived from the leaves of the thyme plant, have been traditionally used to treat runny nose ailments due to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents, such as thymol and carvacrol, help to reduce nasal congestion and fight off infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
By acting as a natural expectorant, thymus vulgaris essential oils help to thin and clear mucus from the nasal passages, providing relief from runny nose and congestion.
The benefits of using thymus vulgaris essential oils to treat runny nose include its natural and non-invasive approach, making it a popular alternative to over-the-counter medications.
7. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, a natural remedy derived from the Lavender plant, possess properties that help to alleviate runny nose symptoms by reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.
The decongestant and expectorant properties of this herbal preparation help to loosen and clear mucus, providing relief from congestion and sinus pressure.
The bioactive constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, act as natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory agents, helping to calm the nasal passages and prevent further irritation.
By using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, individuals can benefit from a natural and non-invasive treatment for runny nose, promoting a faster recovery and reduced reliance on conventional medications.
8. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, have been traditionally used to treat runny nose due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
The terpene compounds, particularly cymene and limonene, in this herbal preparation help to reduce nasal congestion and alleviate runny nose symptoms by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.
The bioactive constituents, including cineole and sesquiterpenes, in tea tree oil also exhibit expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus from the nasal passages, thereby providing relief from runny nose.
The benefits of using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils to treat runny nose include its natural, non-irritating, and non-addictive properties, making it a popular alternative to conventional medications.
9. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
Echinacea purpurea essential oils, derived from the purple coneflower plant, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in treating runny nose ailments.
This herbal preparation helps to alleviate symptoms of runny nose by reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
The bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, caffeic acid, and polyphenols, in Echinacea purpurea essential oils help to modulate the immune system and combat infections that may cause runny nose.
By incorporating Echinacea purpurea essential oils into one's wellness routine, individuals can experience relief from runny nose symptoms and enjoy the additional benefits of improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
Related Study
According to "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Echinacea purpurea essential oils may not be directly mentioned in the study for runny nose, however, it is stated that Echinacea purpurea preparations (such as Echinaforce and its concentrate) were more effective than placebo in treating common cold symptoms, which may include runny nose, suggesting that they could potentially be beneficial for this symptom.
10. Salvia officinalis essential oils
Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat runny nose ailments due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by reducing nasal congestion, suppressing the production of mucus, and inhibiting the growth of pathogens that cause infection.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis essential oils, including carnosic acid and ursolic acid, exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils to treat runny nose include rapid relief from symptoms, reduced risk of complications, and improved overall respiratory health.
11. Curcuma longa essential oils
Curcuma longa essential oils, extracted from the turmeric root, have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of a runny nose due to their anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
The bioactive constituents present in Curcuma longa essential oils, such as curcumin, turmerone, and sesquiterpenes, help to reduce nasal congestion by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the clearance of mucus.
By using Curcuma longa essential oils, individuals can benefit from its ability to soothe and calm the nasal passages, leading to a reduction in runny nose symptoms and improved respiratory function.
Furthermore, Curcuma longa essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other pathogens that can exacerbate a runny nose.
Related Study
According to "International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition", Curcuma longa essential oils may be beneficial for runny nose as it was found to decrease tracheal responsiveness to methacholine, which was increased in rats with ovalbumin-induced allergies, by up to 50-400%.