DIY Respiratory Relief Nasal Stick
Spring brings vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and an atmosphere of awakening. But for allergy sufferers, this exciting time can trigger a not-so-charming response: respiratory issues. The rise in pollen, dust, and other allergens brings on itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and congestion.
Thankfully, nature provides its remedy in the form of powerful herbs. These potent plant extracts have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. In this post, we will create a simple DIY recipe for on-the-go respiratory relief.
What Causes Allergies and Congestion
What exactly is happening inside our bodies to cause that stuffy nose and itchy eyes we often experience during a cold or allergy season? The culprit is our immune system, which is designed to protect us from bacteria and viruses. When we come in contact with germs, our immune system treats them like threats and activates the release of histamines, which are chemicals our body produces as a defense mechanism. Histamines trigger inflammation in the nasal passages to slow down the spread of bacteria and viruses to other parts of the body.
However, during allergy season, when we inhale things like pollen, dust mites, or mold, the body often treats them the same way as germs, activating the same histamine response. This leads to us experiencing classic allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and dry eyes – even though we are not sick.
Essential Oils That Provide Respiratory Relief
Lemon
Lemon essential oil (Citrus limon) has a bright, uplifting scent and a reputation for detoxifying and fighting microbes. Lemons have been cultivated for over 4,000 years for a variety of medicinal purposes, including fighting colds, removing parasites, easing labor pains, and treating wounds.
The link between lemon and respiratory relief was discovered thousands of years ago. Packed with limonene, a compound that has been widely studied for its ability to reduce inflammation, lemon oil helps ease allergy symptoms and give your immune system a boost. It also helps improve circulation and reduce congestion, making it a great essential oil to include in any homemade allergy relief remedy.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus) is a powerhouse against respiratory issues, thanks to a compound called eucalyptol. This ingredient works wonders on stuffy noses by clearing out congestion and reducing inflammation. It’s no wonder eucalyptus is included in so many over-the-counter cough and cold products. Eucalyptus oil’s signature cooling sensation also soothes irritated sinuses and promotes easier breathing, which is a welcome relief for anyone battling seasonal allergies.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) is associated with breaths of fresh air, and for good reason. Its high concentration of menthol creates a cool minty sensation that’s been used for centuries to ease respiratory discomfort. In fact, peppermint leaves were a staple in traditional medicine cabinets around the world, used in ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian remedies.
Egyptians relied on peppermint to clear congestion and soothe coughs, while the Romans believed it could aid digestion and relieve allergies. Today, science has caught up with tradition as modern studies show that menthol relaxes the muscles in your airways, making breathing easier.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata) has been known as the “king of oils” for centuries. It boasts a rich history of use in traditional medicine and spiritual practices for a variety of purposes. It is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. Its claim to fame rests on its powerful compounds like alpha-pinene, which has impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
When it comes to allergies, frankincense can be a game-changer. By reducing the body’s inflammation response to allergens and boosting the immune system, frankincense oil helps alleviate the sniffles, coughs, and congestion that are so relentless during spring.
DIY Respiratory Relief Nasal Stick Recipe
Here is a quick and easy way you can combine these powerful remedies to create your own Respiratory Relief Nasal Stick. This nasal stick is great to bring with you on the go, pack it in your kids’ backpacks and even gift to your loved ones.
These nasal sticks can be used for allergies or regular colds to help relieve congestion and clear the airways.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops of frankincense essential oil
- a small bowl
- a nasal inhaler tube with blank cotton wicks (you can buy these at health food stores or online)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the essential oils.
- Remove the cotton wick from the nasal inhaler tube and immerse it in the oil blend, ensuring it absorbs the oil completely.
- Insert the soaked wick back into the inhaler tube.
- Cap the inhaler tightly to prevent the oils from evaporating.
Tips for Usage and Storage
Whenever you feel congested or need relief from allergy symptoms, uncap the inhaler, place it near each nostril, and inhale deeply.
Store the nasal stick in a cool, dry place to prolong its effectiveness. If properly stored, it can be used for up to six months.
Whether you’re dealing with respiratory issues from seasonal colds and flu, or suffering from the histamine overload caused by allergies, relying on natural solutions like these essential oils can be a great relief. Alternatively, this Bronchial Blend Tincture it’s an easy way to boost your lung health year-round.
do you know if you can get non aluminum cases or bpa free plastic ones. i found organic cotton wicks. but all the metal ones are aluminum and the plastic ones do not specify if they are bpa free. so i would assume they are not. thank you
I went thru Etsy and bought some bpa free from GURUessentialoils.