Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Background: Nasal congestion is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and seasonal allergies. Synthetic decongestants offer temporary relief but may cause adverse effects with long-term use. Herbal essential oils such as clove oil, mentha oil, camphor oil, eucalyptus oil, and thymol possess proven decongestant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, making them promising candidates for natural inhalation therapy. Objective: To formulate and evaluate herbal inhalation pods using selected essential oils for effective and safe relief from nasal congestion. Materials and Methods: Herbal inhalation pods were prepared by impregnating a porous cotton base with a standardized blend of clove, mentha, camphor, eucalyptus oils, and thymol in optimized ratios. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical characteristics (odor intensity, weight uniformity, and oil retention), in vitro aroma longevity, and evaporation profile. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while preliminary decongestant efficacy was evaluated through sensory relief and inhalation tests. Results: The optimized formulation exhibited sustained aroma release for 6–8 hours, stable physicochemical properties, and significant antimicrobial activity against tested strains. Sensory evaluation indicated rapid nasal clearance and improved breathing comfort within 5 minutes of inhalation. Conclusion: The developed herbal inhalation pods provide an effective, natural, and portable solution for nasal congestion relief. Their synergistic essential oil composition ensures prolonged aroma diffusion, antimicrobial protection, and quick symptomatic relief without the side effects of synthetic decongestants.