A Beginner’s Guide To Using Essential Oils for Respiratory Support
Essential oils are an amazing way to support your body. This guide will help you learn how and which essential oils to use for congestion relief and to support your respiratory system.
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Don’t let a stuffy nose get the best of you. I always turn to essential oils to improve our health, support our immune systems and provide respiratory support when it’s needed. Eight years and going strong!
When you are uncomfortable due to seasonal threats or general respiratory support, essential oils, aka nature’s medicine, have us covered. Read on for my go-to essential oils for respiratory suppot, the best methods to feel healthy, and a few handy diffuser blends to promote a restful night of sleep.
Why Essential Oils For Respiratory Support
Ever since we started using essential oils, those really nasty respiratory related issues are easily managed and never last long. We use essential oils to relieve congestion, boost our immune system, provide relief of any head tension going on and also to help us sleep through the night comfortably.
My philosophy is – try something natural first and if it works, great. If not, then we can explore other options. Luckily in the past eight years, we haven’t had to explore other options.
What essential oils are good for respiratory support?
You know when you get a whiff of Vick’s Vapor Rub and feel immediate relief? Well, that’s Eucalyptus at work my friends! Instead of using a synthetic version loaded with who knows what, let’s go right to the source. Real, sustainably sourced Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary are going to be the main essential oils that will promote clear respiratory function aka, help you breathe. Eucalyptus is by far my favorite because it has the added bonus of promoting feelings of relaxation. Lord knows, when I’m feeling gross I could use some stress relief.
Tea Tree Oil is high on the list for respiratory support as well as immune support. You might be thinking, how is tea tree oil going to help me? Well, my friends, this oil is full of powerful immune-boosting properties so while it’s not going to promote clear breathing, it will help support your respiratory system. And that’s what we want right?
Lemon Essential Oil is another powerhouse oil. Lemon cleanses your system and clears the pathways to promote a healthy respiratory system.
The Best Way to Use Essential Oils for Respiratory Support
So how the heck are you supposed to use these essential oils for respiratory support? Let me break down my favorite methods for ya.
Cup hands and inhale
The easiest, quickest way to get relief. Put a drop of Peppermint in your hands, rub them together (avoiding your fingertips), cup your hands, hold them over your nose and take a few deep breaths. Instant relief!
Apply to your chest with a carrier oil
Put one drop of Eucalyptus or Peppermint in your hands (or whichever oil you have), add a couple of drops of fractionated coconut oil and rub it all over your chest and neck. You will feel the effects of this for hours. You could pull your shirt up over your nose and take a few deep breaths for extra relief.
Make a DIY Cough and Sore Throat Salve for soothing comfort and relief.
Sinus Steamer
Warning: this is not for the faint of heart. A sinus steamer will clear out the nasties and provide relief in no time, just be prepared to be uncomfortable for a few minutes.
You will need four oils: Oregano, Tea Tree, Lemon and Peppermint.
Make a mug of boiling water like you would for tea. Add ONE drop of each oil to the mug. Close your eyes (or they will burn like crazy) and get your face right down in the steam coming off the mug (as close as you comfortably can). Take a few really deep breaths so you get the oils in your system.
Your nose will start running immediately. Blow your nose and take some more deep breaths. You will be clear in no time! Do this three times a day if you can. Sinus steamers are ahhhmazing for respiratory support.
I wrote a whole post about the sinus steamer method because it’s so effective!
Epsom Salt Bath
A great way to detox and boost your immune system is by taking an Epsom salt bath with essential oils. My favorites for this are Lavender and Eucalyptus.
Run a bath and add about 1/2 cup of Epsom Salts and 3-5 drops of essential oil. Soak in that for a while, relax, breath. You will sleep like a baby!
Diffuse
Diffusing essential oils is key when you are congested, especially at night. I love this inexpensive diffuser and so do my kids.
Here are a few of my favorite diffuser combinations for respiratory support:
Tea Tree (3 drops)
Lavender (3 drops)
Eucalyptus (2 drops)
Orange (2 drops)
Lavender (2 drops)
Peppermint (2 drops)
Lemon (2 drops)
Lavender (2 drops)
Rosemary (3 drops)
Eucalyptus (3 drops)
Essential Oils are Amazing for Respiratory Support!
I hope you got some tips for using your essential oils to support your body.
Related:
How To Quickly Get Over the Flu
The Best Essential Oils to Soothe Ear Pain
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