Have you ever used an over-the-counter nasal spray to help with sinus congestion? I tried one a few years ago, and it ended up being one of the most miserable experiences of my life!
After using the nasal spray for several days in a row to help improve the congestion that came along with a bad head cold, I started feeling better and stopped using the spray. Within a day or two of stopping, the congestion came back twice as severe as it was when I started using the nasal spray!
Apparently this is a fairly common side effect of nasal sprays called the “rebound effect.” The nasal spray helps, but the symptoms worsen when you stop, so you get trapped in a cycle of dependence on the spray. (Boy, do I wish I’d known about that particular side effect before I picked up the nasal spray in the first place!)
Once I figured out what was happening, I quit the spray “cold turkey,” but it still took a couple of weeks before the “rebound effect” wore off. I felt so miserable during those weeks that I vowed never to reach for a medicated nasal spray again!
But if I hadn’t gone through that ordeal, I wouldn’t have come up with the natural alternative I’ll be sharing with you in today’s post, so I guess it turned out alright in the end! :-) I’ll be showing you how to make a handy “Breathe Jar” with natural essential oils that help to soothe inflamed sinuses, open airways, and relieve congestion! Give it a try when you’re feeling a bit stuffed up, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
How To Make A “Breathe Jar” For Congestion Relief
You’ll need:
*Note: If you don’t have Defend on hand, feel free to substitute any or all of the following single oils: eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon (all of which contribute to Defend’s respiratory benefits!)
Directions:
Place a few cotton balls into a small jar, then add 15 drops of Defend Essential Oil Blend (or 15 drops of one or more of the substitutes mentioned in the note above) directly onto the cotton balls.
Cover the jar with an airtight lid for storage.
How To Use Your Breathe Jar
When sinus congestion is bothering you, open the jar, hold it up to your face, and breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. (If your jar is big enough to fit over your nose and mouth, the heat from your breath can help activate the compounds in the oils and boost the congestion-relieving effects.
After using your jar, replace lid securely. Repeat as often as needed to help keep airways open and congestion under control. (Some people have even said it helps with a cough too!)
When you’re not using it, store your Breathe Jar in a cool, dry place. If the scent starts to fade, add more essential oil to the cotton balls to refresh its effects.
I’m sure you will be as amazed as I was at how well this natural remedy works. And best of all—no pesky “rebound effect” here! :-)
Do you have any tips or tricks for congestion relief?
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