Essential Oils for Respiratory Care

There are many ways to support respiratory health if you or someone you know is experiencing lung or sinus congestion.  Our favorite respiratory EO's are pictured above. 

• RC (stands for "Respiratory Congestion") and RAVEN are both blends for respiratory congestion, respiratory health, asthma.  Choose the one that you like best and have it on hand.  Our family generally uses RC--some people prefer Raven.   We've diffused RC during many sleep overs with kids who have asthma and it has eased symptoms and helped reduce or eliminate the need for meds during that time.
• ​Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Blue and others.  All Eucalyptus' generally promote health, well-being, purification and healing of the respiratory system.  I've found Eucalyptus Blue particularly potent when added to steam (see below) for congestion issues.  Other people find Eucalyptus Radiata or Globulus to be most supportive for them.  
• Dorado Azul has anti-inflammatory properties, and is particularly helpful in controlling asthma and emphysema. (Ref. Guide for Essential Oils, Alan and Connie Higley)
• Peppermint (not recommended for use if people have high blood pressure--use with caution during pregnancy, not for use in kids under 6).  This EO drives other oils deeper into tissues.  The menthol property supports opening airways.  It is strong, so if diffusing stick with one or 2 drops added to Lavender or RC/Raven/Thieves.  

We generally add Thieves to these options if congestion has been hanging out for a while (close to a week) and I want to add anti-bacterial support as well.  WITH ALL OF THESE THINGS--REMEMBER TO BLESS YOUR LUNGS AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND YOUR SELF CARE.  You are the magic of all true healing.  Learn about the respiratory system as well--it is your body and the more you know the better you can envision alveoli exchanging air, bronchi opening, mucous clearing, sinuses restoring clear breathing.

Ways to use essential oils to reduce congestion

​Some suggestions for loosening congestion/opening airways:

• Diffusing:  add 3-6 drops or more and diffuse in closed space to maximize EO concentration in air: generally single oils can be mixed, blends should be alone or a single oil can be added for extra impact.  Diffuse as often as possible (2 times or more a day) and keep it where you are.
• Put 3-5 drops into steaming water, make a tent over your head and pot of steam using a large towel, sit as close as comfortable--it does not need to be super close--simply tent and sit where it's comfortable to breath in the essential oil steam.  Do for 5 minutes if possible, or until the intensity of oils has lessened.  You may find it more comfortable to close your eyes once you are set.  NOTE: Have all the items ready before you add the EO.  EO's are volatile and adding to steaming water means they become airborne very quickly.  The heat and moisture help loosen congestion and provide a great medium for getting EO's into the respiratory system.  We generally do this 1-3 times a day.  Always listen to your body and it will guide you to what works best for you.
• STEAM (above) delivery of EO's is a great way to deal with congested sinuses.  The sinuses are hollow cavities with minimal blood flow Steam and EO's are particularly effective for sinus health if experiencing sinus pressure, congestion.  Be sure to breath through your nose not mouth for this.
• EO's on chest with dry, warm heat before bed.  Just before heading to bed or when you can rest for 20 minutes or so: Place a cotton towel on oven rack (away from heating element) in a PREHEATED (250 F) oven THAT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF.  Let set 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.  While the towel is heating, put 2-3 drops of RC or Raven, (layered with a Eucalyptus, Ravinsara, or Dorado Azul)  mixed with a little coconut or olive oil, on your chest and neck.  Top with a drop of Peppermint if desired.  Peppermint tends to drive other oils deeper into tissues.  (Keep it away from your eyes.)  Remove the towel from the oven and check for temp.  It should be pleasantly warm.  Use your common sense and be sure the temp is comfortable for you.  We generally put it under PJ's and head right to bed.  
• VitaFlex Points on the feet.  Put a drop of above EO's on vitaflex points and rub in to lung points (see picture below).  Your entire body is reflected on your FEET.  Putting EO's on the feet and accessing the organ points desires by rubbing vigorously.  For respiratory system steam is most effective.  This is a good extra support--and it feels GREAT!