I use the head soothing essential oil because headaches often come along with colds. And I use these shower steamers when I'm feeling a cold coming on. However, if you don't have that one, you can use your favorite essential oils or make your own essential oil blend. Personally, I would suggest fragrant essential oils that will get into your nose when you take really deep breaths in the shower. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil are really good suggestions for sinus congestion from this article.