Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, results from myriad reasons. It can develop because of a problem that directly affects the ear, or it happens in conjunction with another issue. This is what medical experts call “referred pain.” Ear pain can be minor or severe, and occasionally a sign of infection or underlying health issue. 

Health experts recommend that you never ignore ear pain. Figuring out the cause can help you address it with the appropriate treatment. The sooner you treat your ear pain, the sooner that dull or sharp burning sensation in one or both ears can go away. Read on to learn about seven common causes of ear pain.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets located behind the forehead and eyebrows, become inflamed. Bacteria can cause sinuses to become inflamed, but so can viruses and fungi. Fluid accumulation in the sinuses is the most common symptom of a sinus infection. This inflammation can block or inflame the Eustachian tube, which can lead to ear pain. Sinus infection may also cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and congestion.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common among children, but anyone at any age can experience them. In children, the Eustachian tube clogs easily, but it should drain fluid made in the middle ear. If blockages occur, fluid builds up and a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear can develop. Besides general ear pain, ear infection can cause congestion, ear drainage, fever, and other symptoms. Although mild ear infections tend to clear up on their own with home remedies, certain infections require antibiotic treatment. 

Wax Buildup

Believe it or not, the body produces earwax to help keep the ears clean and protected from debris. Too much earwax can lead to buildup that partially or fully blocks the ear canal, which can cause ear pain. In most cases, you can resolve wax buildup at home or with expert-backed methods to flush out excess wax. If you have too much wax or you have difficulty removing it on your own, consult your healthcare provider for more help.

The Common Cold

The common cold can affect the way the Eustachian tube functions. This tube links the back of the nose to the middle ear and it protects, ventilates, and drains the middle ear. If something prevents this tube from doing its job, that is classified as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This typically happens when the tube’s lining becomes inflamed, which can result from the common cold. Besides ear pain that results from a cold, Eustachian tube dysfunction can make your ear feel full, causing you to not hear as well or hear popping sounds.

Allergies

Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens can irritate the sinuses, which causes sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. In some cases, fluid may build up in the sinuses and cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. As you know by now, swelling of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pressure and general ear pain.

Swimmer’s Ear

Despite the name, this condition doesn’t always result from swimming or water activities. It refers to an infection, irritation, or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. More often than not, it’s caused by bacteria from unclean water that gets into the ear. Swimmer’s ear can cause discharge to leak from the ear, but it also can cause ear pain, itchiness, and swelling. Because the infection can spread to other parts of the ear and worsen, contact a healthcare provider to examine this issue as soon as possible. 

Air Pressure Changes

If you drive in mountainous areas, dive underwater, or fly in a plane, you know that your ears pop. Pressure inside the ear is different from the pressure outside, so the ear has to adjust, but it doesn’t always pop the way you’d hope. This is why many people recommend yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to stabilize the pressure and resolve the pain. If these things do not resolve the issue for several hours, you may need to see a healthcare provider, especially if you develop a fever, ear drainage, or severe ear pain. Untreated cases of ear barotrauma can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

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Do you find yourself breathing out of one open nostril when you lay your head to rest at night? If you could only get that one nostril clear, right? You wouldn’t hear that nostril whistle when you inhale or exhale! Although seasonal allergies affect a lot of people, there are many natural ways to assist with better, easier breathing. One of the easiest ways to do that is by inhaling the essential oil aromas from this DIY sinus relief candle. 

Candles make great holiday gifts, just in case anyone is trying to keep their budget down for holiday gift giving. Not everyone enjoys an aromatherapy diffuser, but they may enjoy candles year round. It comes down to personal preference, of course. What doesn’t come down to personal preference are the essential oils in this DIY candle. They work to relieve congestion and help promote easier breathing. Read on to learn more about the three powerful essential oils in this sinus relief candle. 

Tea Tree Oil

The smell of tea tree oil is intoxicating and it exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. According to experts, tea tree oil fights two potential causes of sinus congestion: bacteria and viruses. A 2015 review found that tea tree oil contains alpha-sabine, a compound that provides antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Tea tree oil may also work to reduce sinus swelling by lowering inflammation. Relieving sinus swelling often helps to get rid of stuffy or runny nose. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A lot of people find that inhaling peppermint essential oil’s aroma feels great when they have clogged sinuses. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that affects mucus receptors in the nostrils. Menthol offers a cooling effect, which may potentially open the airways and relieve congestion. Animal studies found that peppermint oil may reduce inflammation and lab studies indicated that peppermint oil may fight bacteria. It’s important to note that these results were not confirmed in human studies, as human studies are still necessary. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Many over-the-counter decongestant products, including chest rubs, contain eucalyptus essential oil. A lot of people believe that this essential oil can relieve cold and cough symptoms, including sinus congestion or general stuffiness. Eucalyptus essential oil contains cineole, a compound that may be effective in treatment for sinus issues, but more studies are necessary. Cineole may relieve headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction, all of which are symptoms of sinusitis. 

DIY Sinus Relief Candle

Ingredients:

• Candle wick
• Candle wick glue dots
• 1.5 cups natural soy wax flakes
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Apply a glue dot to the metal tab on the end of the candle wick. Place that tab at the bottom center of a glass jar (an eight-ounce jar is great for candle making). Set this jar aside.
• Place the wax flakes and coconut oil in a glass, microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and microwave in 30-second increments until the wax and oil are fully melted. Add the essential oils to the melted wax and coconut oil and stir to combine. 
• Before you pour the melted mixture into the jar, consider tying the whisk to a stick and laying the stick across the lid. Center the wick to make it nice and beautiful.
• Carefully pour the mixture into the jar and allow it to harden at room temperature. Once the wax is set, trim the wick so that at least a half-inch sticks out above the top of the candle. All you have to do next is light the wick and enjoy decongestion.

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When you are sick, there is nothing you want more than to just feel better. If there was a magic pill that automatically made you feel better after coming down with a cold, you would take it. Instead, you do what you can, taking vitamins or over-the-counter medications to boost immunity and get over the cold. You may also experiment with different home remedies, some of which help relieve symptoms while others don’t.

Sometimes, you blow your nose so much and cannot believe that you have more mucus to expel. Blowing can cause headaches and general sinus pain, not to mention puffy eyes or irritation around the nostrils. In order to stop your nose from leaking like a faulty faucet, should you consume chicken soup and heat packs? What is fiction and which home remedies actually help you drain your sinuses? Continue reading to find out.

Nasal Irrigation

Very effective at relieving nasal congestion or irritation, nasal irrigation involves flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. You may be aware of the neti pot, which is an inexpensive device that looks like a small teapot. You can make your own saline solution for the neti pot, squeeze bottle, or bulb syringe with the following steps:

• Mix 3 teaspoons of iodine-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to create the dry mixture.
• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the dry mixture into 1 cup of distilled, sterilized, or filtered water. 

In order to irrigate your sinuses, you first want to stand over a sink or basin. Pour, spray, or squirt a liberal amount of the solution into your right nostril while tilting your head so that your left ear is parallel to the ground. The saline solution should flow out of the other nostril. Do this to each nostril to help flush away any bacteria or irritants. 

Warm And Cold Compresses

Whether you have a cold or sore muscles, alternating between warm and cold compresses can benefit your situation. Lay back and apply a warm compress across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes. Remove the compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle two more times to complete a total of three cycles. You can repeat this process between two to six times per day. 

Manuka Honey

There is a large body of evidence highlighting the health benefits of honey. It exhibits antibacterial properties and can help soothe sore throat. Manuka honey is a special type of honey that has many therapeutic uses. Researchers note that Manuka honey exhibits powerful antibacterial properties that may help get rid of a bacterial infection. Try adding Manuka honey to your next cup of tea if you have sinus congestion or a sore throat. 

Hydrate With Lots Of Water

The reason that you want to drink more water than you otherwise would is to help thin mucus and drain your sinuses. Fluids and humidity can lubricate your sinuses, making it easier to breathe. Hot beverages like herbal tea or hot water with lemon can also aid your hydration efforts. Hot beverages also provide the benefit of steam, which may aid breathing and soothe sore throat. 

Steam

Steam works to relieve congestion by loosening the mucus in your nasal passages. You can add essential oils to a diffuser if you have that available to you. Otherwise, you can pour boiling water into a heat-safe bowl and add a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils to the water. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head so that it falls all around you, creating a steam tent. Breathe deeply, in through the nose and out through the mouth, to help clear your sinuses.

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Generally speaking, the common cold tends to resolve itself a week after you first experience symptoms. It is possible for cough, congestion, or runny nose to linger, but this is completely normal. If you have more energy and symptoms are less intense, your cold may be improving. According to experts, a cold is a minor viral infection that includes the following symptoms:

• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Aches

These symptoms tend to last about three to five days, depending on the person’s immune system and severity of infection. In the final days of your cold, most symptoms should have faded and your energy should be somewhat back to normal. A lingering cough or mild congestion is perfectly normal, but these symptoms don’t indicate that you are contagious. Below, we’ll indicate cold symptoms that may indicate that your cold is nearing an end. 

What Symptoms Indicate That A Cold Is Almost Over?

Colds tend to last about a week or so and most people find that symptoms ease within seven to 10 days from the onset of the cold. After about a week or so, you should notice that your energy levels increase. You may also find that it is easier to complete daily tasks and work throughout the day without experiencing fatigue. Just because you have more energy and feel better, your runny nose or congestion may last for an additional week. In fact, health experts note that you can experience nasal discharge for up to 14 days. That is the immune system’s response to fighting the cold. 

The Common Stages Of A Cold

Health experts break colds down into stages. Some people experience certain mild symptoms, while others experience more severe symptoms. This ultimately comes down to the person’s immune system and the virus they contracted. Most experts agree that it is common to feel the worst in stage 2, as opposed to stages 1 or 3. More about the stages of a cold below:

• Stage 1: Lasting one to two days, stage 1 symptoms tend to be mild. Most people report a sore throat, but fatigue, slight congestion, and mild runny nose are also common.
• Stage 2: Symptoms will normally increase by this stage (days three to five of your cold). You will typically feel the sickest during these days and can experience congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body aches, cough, and fatigue. 
• Stage 3: By this stage (about a week after symptoms started), your symptoms are usually much more bearable. Remaining symptoms tend to include light congestion, cough, or runny nose. 

Can You Do Anything To Ease Symptoms?

One of the best things that you can do when you have a cold is to rest, but there are other home remedies that may ease symptoms. Certain things may or may not work for you, but the following general recommendations may help relieve cold symptoms:

• Using a saline rinse, such as a Neti Pot, to relieve nasal congestion
• Drinking herbal teas, such as ginger and lemon or peppermint, that soothe the throat
• Using a humidifier or diffuser with essential oils to help open nasal passageways 
• Increasing your fluid intake, especially water and teas
• Sitting in a sauna or steam room to help clear your sinuses and activate heat shock proteins
• Sucking on throat lozenges to relieve coughing or general throat pain
• Alternating between cold and heat packs to help reduce inflammation

The symptoms of a cold will start to fade around day seven, and you should start to feel much better. Continue to care for yourself even as symptoms fade because you don’t want to plague your body with anything else. Should symptoms persist or even worsen after a week, you may choose to consult a doctor to discuss your situation.

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A hot topic that is constantly up for debate is whether or not being in the rain causes you to catch a cold. Although being wet for long periods of time may lower immune function, colds result from viruses, not rain. You may or may not believe that, but if you are like most people, you grew up hearing that you were going to get sick if you played outside in the rain. How truthful was that piece of wisdom and does it affect how you live your life? Do you need to avoid the rain in order to avoid sickness?

According to health experts, you may have a greater risk of getting sick after spending prolonged periods in the rain. The reality is simply more complex than the old saying goes. The body gets cold after prolonged exposure to rain, which can lower the effectiveness of your immune system. When your immune system is down, you are more likely to contract a cold virus, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a cold. 

Does Being In The Rain Make You Catch A Cold?

A 2022 study found that being cold (lowering body temperature) can negatively affect the immune system. Although the rain itself won’t give you a cold, being wet outside for a long time weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of cold if you come in contact with certain viruses. As stated in the beginning of the article, though, colds happen because of viruses, not rain.

How Do You Catch A Cold?

There are over 200 viruses that can cause colds. They are contagious viruses that easily pass through the air or through close physical contact. Colds can also spread if a person touches their mouth, eyes, or nose with their hands after coming in contact with cold germs. Once you catch a cold, it is very hard to make it disappear, but there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms. Once you feel sick, keep the following tips in mind:

• Get enough sleep
• Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes and mouth
• Wash your hands frequently
• Focus on whole food ingredients, not processed foods and dairy products
• Don’t share food, beverages, or household items with other people, or you may infect them

Can You Shorten A Cold?

If you catch a cold, there may be a few home remedies that can accelerate the recovery process. Some remedies work for some people, while others are more effective for other people. A lot of people resort to over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which can occasionally provide some relief. If you prefer not to take cold medications, consider the following home remedies to help kick your cold:

• Perform a saline rinse to clear your nasal passages
• Use a humidifier, or diffuser with essential oils that promote decongestion
• Drink lots of water, electrolytes, and herbal teas
• Gargle with salt water if you have a sore throat
• Make sure to get extra rest

The Takeaway

Being out in the rain does not mean that you will contract one of the many viruses that can cause a common cold. If you are wet for a prolonged period, though, it may weaken immune function, making you more susceptible to a cold, should you encounter viruses. If you catch a cold, you don’t have to be alarmed. Most colds resolve themselves within one to two weeks, but notify your doctor if symptoms become severe or linger for more than a couple weeks.

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When you have a stuffy nose, there is no better feeling than that moment when you finally breathe out of both nostrils. It’s a break from the blockage and any congested headache pain that existed before vanishes, if only for a brief moment. A quick way to achieve this state of easy breathing when you have a cold is by using a vapor rub. 

Have you checked the ingredients on store bought vapor rubs lately? Some of those ingredients are not kind to your skin, but you can make your own healthier version with all-natural ingredients. It doesn’t take long to make the rub in this article and it is fully customizable. For example, if you prefer to use different essential oils than the ones in the recipe, feel free to do so. The essential oils that we detail in this article simply have a proven ability to promote better, easier breathing. 

According to some studies and anecdotal reports, essential oils can help improve cold symptoms. Most of the human studies in existence show that essential oils can fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Because of these abilities, essential oils may help relieve many symptoms associated with congestion or coughing. Below, we will highlight several essential oils that may help improve breathing and get rid of a stuffy nose. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Inhaling peppermint essential oil’s aroma has a cooling effect that may help open your airways, allowing for easier breathing. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that affects mucus receptors in the nose. Menthol works to clear mucus and improve your ability to breathe with ease. Lab studies found that peppermint essential oil may fight bacteria, one of the primary culprits behind sinus congestion. This is why many nasal decongestants contain peppermint or peppermint essential oil.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil shows promise as one of the best alternative remedies for sinusitis and congestion. In fact, many over-the-counter decongestant products, including chest rubs, contain eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus essential oil is often used in steam rooms or steam baths because it aids breathing and may relieve stuffiness. Researchers identified that cineole, a compound in eucalyptus essential oil, works to relieve sinusitis symptoms, including headaches, nasal obstruction, and runny nose. 

Tea Tree Oil

The way that tea tree oil works to improve sinus congestion is by fighting bacteria and viruses, two potential causes of congestion. A 2015 review noted that the alpha-sabine in tea tree oil exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil may also reduce inflammation, which may bring down swelling in the sinuses to ultimately relieve symptoms of congestion. 

DIY Vapor Rub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and beeswax pastilles to the top of a double boiler and melt over medium-low heat. Alternatively, you can place the coconut oil and beeswax pastilles in a heat-safe glass bowl and melt in the microwave, but this may take longer. 
• Once the mixture is fully melted, allow it to cool for a few minutes before stirring in the essential oils. Let it cool for a while until semi-hardened. 
• Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture until fluffy, and then spoon it into a glass jar. Store it in a cool, dry place. 
• To use, rub a small amount on your chest when you have cough or cold symptoms.

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Mani-pedis, massages, and facials are all great for your soul, especially when you see the right people. While home spa treatments are great for your health, it is very difficult to recreate a steam room at your home. Sure, there are DIY shower melts that you can drop in the shower, and you can create a facial steam tent with essential oils in a bowl of hot water. While these strategies are beneficial, they just aren’t the same as sitting in an enclosed, steamy space. 

Steam Room vs. Sauna

Steam rooms differ from saunas in that they are heated with steam and not as hot. The big difference between steam rooms and saunas is the type of heat that they provide. A sauna uses dry heat, whereas steam rooms heat from a generator filled with boiling water. A sauna may promote relaxation and detoxification, but a steam room does that and more. Steam rooms mimic humid environments, maintaining 95% to 100% humidity. The temperature tends to rest somewhere around 110º F, which is only a few degrees hotter than your average hot tub. In contrast, saunas are very desert-like and range from 160-200º F, depending on which sauna you enter. 

The practice of sitting in heat, or heat bathing, is an ancient practice across many cultures. From Russian banyas to Native American sweat lodges, heat therapy provides numerous health benefits. Within recent years, medical evidence supports these historical claims, and we’ll cover some of the most popular benefits below. 

Helps Promote Decongestion

When you are congested, do you ever notice how much better you breathe after taking a hot shower? Take that feeling, amplify it by 10, and you understand that a steam room can help you breathe, especially if the steam is infused with eucalyptus essential oil. Inhaling moisture can help loosen nasal congestion, which clears up your breathing. Steam rooms may also break up congestion in the lungs, helping you breathe better and reduce cold symptoms. Just remember not to stay in the steam room for too long, as that can cause dehydration, which can increase congestion. 

May Reduce Inflammation

Researchers agree that thermal therapy can help reduce systemic inflammation, which greatly benefits your overall health. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world, so reducing inflammation can help reduce that statistic. Roughly three out of every five people die from chronic inflammatory conditions worldwide. Inflammation can cause stroke, cancer, obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and heart disorders. Frequently entering a steam room may help reduce the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the body. CRP is one of the leading blood markers of systemic inflammation. 

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Older research identified that being in a steam room can cause certain people’s bodies to release hormones that alter heart rate. Aldosterone is one of those hormones and it regulates blood pressure. When you sit in a steam room, aldosterone is released and it may help lower your blood pressure, which is one of the reasons that you feel tranquil and relaxed. A newer study from 2021 found that steam rooms may improve heart function by reducing blood pressure. The study observed reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy test subjects that spent 10-15 minutes in a steam room once a week for 12 weeks. 

Reduces Stress

When you want to wind down and escape the world, a common relaxation method is to soak in a steamy bath. One theory as to why steam rooms promote relaxation is that they help the body produce endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. Another theory is that time in the steam room can reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone the body produces in response to stress. When cortisol levels decrease, you feel more tranquil and rejuvenated. Future research is necessary to examine the effects of both short- and long-term steam room use and bodily performance and response. 

Helps Eliminate Blackheads

If you have ever received a facial, then you know how the aesthetician opens up your pores with a steamer, or a hot washcloth. The warm humidity opens up your pores, softening the oil and dirt inside for easy removal. Your sweat flows freely in a steam room, so your pores release bacteria, dirt, and oil in the process. You may not be completely free of blackheads when you leave the steam room, but dermatologists agree that a steam session can aid with the removal of blackheads. If you have very oily skin, though, you may want to pass on a steam room, as the humidity may make your skin even more oil-prone.

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The sinuses in your head are air-filled cavities that contain pillowy glands that produce mucus. In addition to making your head lighter and easier to move, sinuses help you tilt and turn your head. Sinuses filter, warm, and moisturize the air that you breathe and can shape the sound of your voice. They also act like airbags, protecting the brain and other important tissues if you experience facial trauma. 

A stuffy nose is a common nuisance that can occur any time of year, whether or not you have allergies. During the fall and spring, however, people seem to experience more sniffling because of the changing temperature, smells, and colors. There is a lot of pollen in the air during fall and school is newly back in session. The combination of HVAC systems and yearly viruses circulating the office and classrooms can do a real number on your sinuses. If you have allergies, they cause inflammation of the mucus membranes in the sinuses, which can cause itchiness, congestion, or sneezing. 

When your nose is stuffed, your sinuses cannot properly filter, warm, and moisturize the air you breathe. Sinuses cannot drain as they should to keep the body healthy, and mucus remains inside them, which can increase the risk of bacterial or viral growth. That’s why you need to help unclog them as quickly as you can, and one way you can do that is by using a sinus relief balm. It contains powerful essential oils that are comparable to over-the-counter decongestants! Learn more about them below.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Get ready to breathe easier with eucalyptus essential oil in your life. You can typically find it in chest rubs and over-the-counter decongestant products because it is a common remedy for congestion or sinusitis. Eucalyptus essential oil contains cineole, a compound that may be a safe and effective treatment for sinus issues, according to a 2009 study. Research also found that cineole may help relieve symptoms associated with congestion, including headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is very popular in DIY beauty products, especially ones for hair care. This is because rosemary may promote hair growth by nourishing hair follicles. In regards to your sinuses, though, a 2016 review observed rosemary essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. The oil may help to relieve swollen sinuses and the antioxidants may work to manage metabolic syndrome, but more research is needed in that field. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Not only does lavender essential oil help promote a sense of calm and better sleep, but it also may relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. It works to curb headaches and may ease seasonal aggravations that can cause congestion. According to an animal 2015 study, lavender essential oil exhibited analgesic and pain-relieving effects, which may reduce inflammation. Researchers cannot confirm if the oil has the same effect on humans, though, as it needs more testing. Given that lavender essential oil can promote sleep, it is beneficial to use when you’re congested. 

Lemon Essential Oil

The decongestant effects of lemon essential oil may be comparable to those of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. Extracted from lemon rinds, lemon essential oil exhibits powerful decongestant and antibacterial properties. These properties may enhance immune function and manage sinus infections by fighting bacteria, which may exist in your sinuses. 

DIY Sinus Relief Body Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pastilles
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
• 12 drops rosemary essential oil
• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 6 drops lemon essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• To begin, fill the bottom half of your double boiler pot with water until it is about halfway full. Place it over medium-high heat and then add the beeswax pastilles to the top portion of the double boiler. 
• Stir occasionally to ensure the beeswax breaks up properly. Once the beeswax starts to melt, pour the coconut oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl with the beeswax. Stir until completely melted and then turn off the heat. 
• Add all of the essential oils to the mixture and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into balm containers and set the containers on the counter to cool at room temperature. 
• Once the balms cool to a solid, screw on the lids and you’re good to go! 
• When ready to use, place a small pea-sized amount of balm on your fingertips and rub it onto your chest and neck, or lightly dab under your nose. This will help open up your sinuses and promote decongestion. Make sure you rub the balm in well and apply to the back of the neck if you have head congestion. 

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The body requires water to function optimally and avoid the hazards of dehydration. Depending on what you read, there are different opinions on how to properly hydrate the body on a daily basis. Doctors tend to follow the eight by eight rule, which involves drinking eight eight-ounces glasses of water per day. That’s not always sufficient for everyone, which is why it’s better to drink half your body weight in ounces of water for optimal hydration. That means if you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water every day. 

Now that you know how much water you should drink per day and that hydration is essential for survival, you have to decide what temperature the water should be. Should you drink ice cold water or room temperature water? A refreshing glass of iced water on a hot day can feel like a gift from a divine spirit, but it isn’t always great to consume. As it turns out, the temperature of your drinking water may affect the body in various ways. 

Cold Water vs. Room Temperature Water

Cold water is classified as any water that reaches a temperature between 32ºF to 37ºF, but adding ice to water will make it cold. Room temperature water is just that, room temperature. This may vary depending on the time of year or how hot/cold it is in your house. The general range of room temperature water is 68ºF and 78ºF. There is a time and place for each temperature range, and one isn’t better than the other. We will describe the benefits of when you should drink cold or room temperature water in detail below. 

Situations When Cold Water Is Better

Drinking cold water is often beneficial when the body is overheated, but there are also other times when it is beneficial to drink. Let’s take a closer look at what those circumstances are below. 

While You’re Working Out

It is very easy for the body to tire out during exercise. Due to the increase in body temperature during a workout, you naturally feel tired or fatigued. You can counteract this by drinking cold water during your workout. The chill helps to lower the body’s core temperature, which can help you feel more energized during your workout. 

When You Want To Increase Alertness

Instead of drinking another cup of coffee, pour yourself a glass of chilled water. Decreasing your caffeine intake will help you avoid heart palpitations or that general jitteriness. Cold water actually helps the body produce adrenaline, the hormone that makes you more alert. Essentially, drinking cold water gives you the same effect as caffeine without the side effects that caffeine causes. 

When You Are Sweating A Lot

If you are in hot temperatures, the body works to cool itself down by sweating. As a result, you lose a lot of water and electrolytes, so you have to replenish those fluids to avoid dehydration. If you drink warm or room temperature water in hot weather, you may actually feel that you are not as thirsty. This can be dangerous because you don’t drink enough water to replace the water you’re losing. For this reason, drink cold water to both cool you down and encourage yourself to drink more water to avoid dehydration.

Situations When Room Temperature Water Is Better

Room temperature water has its time, place, and benefits as well. Health experts believe that there are more health advantages to drinking room temperature water. It affects the body differently and may help you more than you realize. Read on to learn about the benefits. 

When You Want To Boost Your Metabolism

If you want to give your metabolism a little boost, drink a glass of warm or room temperature water every morning when you wake up. The common thought is that your body burns more calories or gets an extra metabolic boost from having to warm itself back up. This is actually not the case. One study found that people who drank 16 ounces of room temperature water experienced a 30% increase in their metabolism within 40 minutes. 

When You Are Congested

If you have a cold, flu, sinus infection, or nasal allergies that clog up your sinuses, drinking warm water can help promote decongestion. Warm or hot water also opens up your chest to help you breathe more easily. Cold water, on the other hand, may actually thicken nasal mucus and make it more difficult to breathe. 

When You Want To Improve Digestion

If you want to promote better digestive function, drinking water will help your body stimulate the digestive process. When you don’t drink enough water, the body has an easier time avoiding constipation. A glass of warm water before bed will actually encourage the body to have a healthier bowel movement in the morning. 

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Snoring can interfere with a good night’s sleep, either for you or the person who sleeps next to you. There are nights that snoring is so ferocious that it is impossible to drown out the noise. Since sleeping with noise canceling headphones isn’t the most comfortable, it’s time to find a better way to handle the problem. If you or someone you know has to deal with snoring, the essential oils in this article may come to your rescue. 

What Causes Snoring?

There are several factors that contribute to snoring. Alcohol consumption, body weight, allergies, general congestion, and the anatomy of the mouth can all cause snoring. After you fall asleep and transition from light sleep to deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of the mouth, tongue, and throat relax. The tissues in the throat relax enough to partially block the airway and vibrate. Airflow becomes more forceful the more narrow the airway is, increasing the tissue vibration that causes louder snoring. 

Because snoring has several different causes, different remedies may work to address specific causes. Essential oils can be a great way to naturally combat snoring, but they won’t always work to get rid of snoring. If snoring is caused by general congestion, colds, or allergies, essential oils are a great place to start. Use the following oils to help encourage healthier breathing and reduce or eliminate snoring. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Arguably one of the best essential oils for snoring, thyme essential oil works to improve respiratory health and soothe the nervous system. This combination may lead to better breathing and sleep. The scent is fresh, herbaceous, and helps to support immune function. If snoring is a result of asthma, bronchitis, or laryngitis symptoms, thyme essential oil is an excellent choice for your diffuser. 

Vetiver Essential Oil

A lot of sleep experts recommend people to use vetiver oil to reduce snoring. Vetiver essential oil works to improve breathing by allowing you to inhale and exhale more fully. Improving airflow is a great step towards reducing snoring. As a bonus, several studies show that vetiver essential oil may reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. 

Marjoram Essential Oil

The effectiveness of marjoram essential oil as a snoring remedy varies from person to person. This is because each person reacts to marjoram’s aroma, or any aroma for that matter, in a different way. A few studies of people who snored reported that participants stopped snoring on the first night using marjoram essential oil. Other snorers had to use it in a diffuser for six weeks to stop snoring. It works to open up the airway passages, which is why experts believe it helps you to not snore. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is one of the best herbal decongestants in existence, helping to open your airways with its anti-inflammatory properties. Working to clear out mucus in the nose and respiratory tract, eucalyptus essential oil eases your ability to breathe freely. For the best results, eucalyptus essential oil is best taken via steam inhalation. It exhibits a strong, earthy, woody aroma that is quite wonderful.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil helps promote decongestion. By allowing you to breathe more easily, peppermint essential oil is great for relieving symptoms of sinusitis and asthma. This essential oil also happens to be a popular snoring remedy. The active ingredient, menthol, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help clear up your airways. Peppermint has a cool refreshing aroma and combining it with lavender essential oil in a diffuser is a great way to promote relaxation and healthier sleep.

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