Alleviate Congestion Naturally with Essential Oils

Congestion occurs when there is a blockage in the nasal passages, sinuses, or upper respiratory tract (chest). This blockage is caused by inflamed tissues and blood vessels due to increased mucus production.

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Symptoms of congestion:

• Stuffiness
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness

Causes of congestion:

• Exposure to cold temperatures
• Allergies/allergens (food, pet hair, milk, medication, smoke, dust etc.)
• Fragrances (perfumes, colones, air freshers, laundry soap, fabric softeners)
• Household cleaners
• Cigarette smoke/smoking
• Common cold/Influenza

Congestion usually responds to essential oil treatments because many of them have anti-inflammatory and expectorant (loosens and clears mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract) properties.

There are three different methods of application that can be used to treat congestion with essential oils.

• Steam treatment
• Chest/back rub
• Diffusing

Here are my favorite essential oils for the symptoms of congestion:

• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
• Marjoram
• Cardamom

 

Congestion Steam Treatment (my favorite for immediate relief)

• 2 cups of hot water
• 2 drops Rosemary
• 2 drops Cardamom
• 1 drop Peppermint
• 1 drop Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
• 1 drop Frankincense

1. In a glass bowl, add the hot water along with the above essential oils and stir.
2. Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
3. With a towel, make a tent over your head and bowl with hot water.
4. Breathe in the aroma for about 5-10 minutes.
5. Repeat the treatment every 2-3 hours as needed.

Have Kleenex handy!

 

Congestion Chest Rub

• 2 ounces carrier oil ( I use organic Grapeseed or Sunflower Seed oil)
• 4 drops Eucalyptus
• 2 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
• 2 drops Rosemary
• 1 drop Marjoram
• 1 drop Frankincense

1. In a dark-colored glass bottle (I reuse my empty oil bottles), combine the carrier oil and essential oils, shake to blend.
2. Add several drops to the palm of your hand and rub on your chest and back.
3. Repeat several times a day as needed.
4. Store in a cool, dry place.

 

Congestion Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops Eucalyptus
• 2 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Myrrh

Fill your diffuser with water as directed by the manufacture and then add the essential oils. Place in the room where you spend the most time. Diffuse in the morning and at bedtime.

 

Are you ready to take control of your congestion symptoms naturally?

You can order these amazing essential oils directly from my site: doTERRA

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Smoking Recovery with Essential Oils

Cigarette smoke has a wide-rang of health effects on the body, lungs, and airways. When a person inhales the chemicals found in cigarettes, the lung’s delicate lining becomes inflamed and irritated. For several hours after inhaling the smoke, the cilia that line the lungs slow down and become temporarily paralyzed. This causes the cilia to be less effective at cleaning out mucus and other substances, such as dust particles, from the airways.

The road to smoking recovery should include essential oils to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, calm anxiety,  aid the body in releasing the toxins, and improve motivation to overcome the addiction without added stimulants.

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The body starts to experiences changes within a short time after smoking the last cigarette:

• 20 minutes:
  • Heart rate and blood pressure drop to a normal range.
• 12 hours:
  • Carbon monoxide levels drop to normal.
• 24 hours:
  • The lungs can now inhale and exhale deeper.
  • Lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
• 1 week:
  • The cilia in the lungs start to work again which may cause a cough to develop to clear excess toxins that have built up over the years.
• 2-3 weeks:
  • Daily activity without feeling out of breath.
  • The body is starting to regenerate and the lungs are functioning much better.
  • The lungs will feel clearer and breathing will be easier.
  • Circulation improves.
• 1 month:
  • Lung capacity increases by 20% and are in full repair mode.
  • Lower risk of lung infections.
  • Less episodes of coughing.
• 1 year:
  • The tiny cilia have re-grown and are now fully functional like a non-smoker.
  • Cough and shortness of breath are gone.
  • Reduced the risk for a heart attack by 50%.

 

With time and the use of doTERRA essential oils you can provide multi-dimensional benefits to your lungs when using the essential oils aromatically, topically, and internally.

 

AromaTherapy (aromatically) is perfect for when you are at the office and in the car.

Car Diffuser

Table/Desk Diffuser

• Black pepper
  • Reduce cravings for nicotine.
  • Help calm withdrawal anxiety.
  • Increases cellular oxygenation.

• Clove
  • Aid in healing mouth tissues.
  • Lessens the desire to smoke.

• Roman Chamomile
  • Calm anxiety, irritability, and nervousness.
  • Reduce depression and creates emotional stability.

• Detoxification Blend (Zendocrine) 
  • Reduce toxic build-up in cells and organs.

• Cleanse and Restore Kit
  • Supports healthy lung and respiratory function.
  • Purifying and detoxifying to the body’s systems.
  • Supports healthy cleansing and filtering functions of the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin.
  • Supports conversion of food nutrients to cellular energy.
  • Protects the body and cells from oxidative stress.

Read a case study about how AromaTherapy was used to help with nicotine cravings. Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

FREE Aromatic Use of Essential Oils: Audible eBook or PDF eBook

Are you ready to stop smoking?

Respiratory Aromatherapy Treatment Methods

The method in which you apply essential oils has a direct effect on how they impact your respiratory needs.

Aromatherapy is a aromatic method of inhaling essential oils in some form. Some methods expose your respiratory system to more of the essential oils than others. You will want to choose a method that will best meet your needs and symptoms.

FREE Ebook: Emotional Benefits of Aromatherapy

 

Diffusion (diffuser):

This is the most popular method of aromatherapy treatments. Not all diffusers are equal, you can find them in many different colors and styles, water and water-less, and in a wide price range. Make sure you choose a diffuser made of medical grade plastic and a cold-air diffuser that breaks the oils up into a fine mist by using ultrasonic vibrations. This method allows essential oils to stay suspended in the air for hours so you can benefit from the therapeutic properties of the essential oils.

The aroma from the suspended essential oils improves the room’s atmosphere by removing airborne pathogens that causes odors and colds. Essential oils do not mask odor like commercial air fresheners, they interact with molecules our bodies recognize as odors.

 

Direct inhalation:

This is a method all of us do any time you sample a perfume, bottle of essential oils, any time we smell any product. Direct inhalation is a powerful, effective, and simple method for receiving the benefits of aromatherapy. Place a drop or two of essential oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup your hands over your nose and mouth, inhale deeply, repeat with three to five deep breaths. One of my most favorite oils to use for this is peppermint and wild orange. Peppermint first then wild orange. This mixture is known as the energy shot.

The direct inhalation method allows close-up exposure to the essential oil’s volatile molecules which allows you to experience health benefits immediately.

 

Hot water vapors (steam treatment):

Hot water vapor treatments is the use of steaming hot water in a glass bowl with a few drops of essential oils. You place your face over the steam and inhale while a towel is covering your head, shoulders, and bowl. This allows the essential oils to make contact with the respiratory tract tissues. This method is best for colds, allergies, and any other respiratory aliment that affects the upper respiratory system. When essential oils are delivered to the respiratory system in this manor they aid in relieving congestion and decreasing mucus membrane inflammation.

 

Are you ready to begin your aromatherapy journey?

FREE Ebook: Emotional Benefits of Aromatherapy

There are two different ways to order doTERRA essential oils: individually or a starter kit.

A starter kit is the most economical way. Below are my two favorite starter kits.

Home Essentials Kit

This kit includes 9 full size (15ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, and On Guard.

1- 5ml bottle: Deep Blue

Petal Diffuser

Part Number: 41180001
Wholesale: $275.00
Savings: $86.25

 

Family Essentials Kit

This kit includes 10 sample size (5ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, On Guard and Deep Blue.

1- Peppermint Beadlets,

1- doTERRA On Guard Beadlets

Part Number: 60200540
Wholesale: $150.00
Savings: $37.00

Bronchitis and Essential Oils

Bronchitis  is an inflammatory disease that affects the respiratory system which causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes causing excess mucus and coughing. Acute bronchitis is normally caused by a virus and may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or the flu. Bronchitis can also occur when liquid for food are aspirated in the lungs or after exposure to irritants such as heavy smoke or chemicals.

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As soon as the symptoms begin, start defusing eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It helps ease coughing, acts as a decongestant and expectorant, and acts as fever reducer.

 

 

 

 

 

Remember the chest rub our Mom’s and Grandmother’s would put on our chests as kids when we were sick? It is still a wonderful way to help sooth inflamed airways, break up the mucus, and help the bronchitis from getting worse.

Eucalyptus and Lavender Chest Rub

• 1 ounce carrier oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops melaleuca (tea-tree) essential oil

1. In a dark-colored glass bottle (I reuse my empty bottles my oils come in) add the carrier oil along with the three above essential oils, place lid on bottle, and shake.
2.  Add a few drops to the palm of your hand and rub over the chest area and back.
   
3. Apply this rub every couple of hours as needed until symptoms subside.

 

Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful medicine. This inexpensive extract is effective against bacteria and viruses. It can be found in over the counter modern medicines including cough drops, mouthwashes, and antifungal body powders.

 

Are you ready to add essential oils to your bronchitis regimen?

There are two different ways to order doTERRA essential oils: individually or in a starter kit.

A starter kit is the most economical way. Below are my two favorite starter kits.

Home Essentials Kit

This kit includes 9 full size (15ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, and On Guard.

1- 5ml bottle: Deep Blue

Petal Diffuser

Part Number: 41180001
Wholesale: $275.00
Savings: $86.25

 

Family Essentials Kit

This kit includes 10 sample size (5ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, On Guard and Deep Blue.

1- Peppermint Beadlets,

1- doTERRA On Guard Beadlets

Part Number: 60200540
Wholesale: $150.00
Savings: $37.00

Sign up for my email subscription and receive a FREE Essential Oils Ebook for Beginners.

Asthma and Essential Oils

Asthma is a condition in which narrowed, swollen airways, and the production of excess mucus make breathing difficult. During an asthma attack, a sufferer may experience wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, along with tightening of the chest that can lead to panic.

Asthma can be triggered by allergens and it is very important to reduce these triggers at home, at work, and everywhere you can. Dust mites, cockroaches, indoor/outdoor mold, pollen, stress, cleaning supplies, beauty products, and pet dander are among the most common asthma triggers.

Sign up for my email subscription and receive a FREE Essential Oils Ebook for Beginners.

If you have asthma, you may find yourself sensitive to strong odors and chemicals in the air. If possible, avoid wood- burning stoves, kerosene heaters, and fireplaces. Try to stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, hair spray, and paints. Ask your family members and friends to limit their use of perfumed products when they are around you.

It is important not to smoke and to avoid exposure to second hand smoke when you have asthma. Cigarette smoke irritates the airways which can cause bronchospasms. Smoking may also permanently damage your airways. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stop smoking if you do, and ask people not to smoke around you. Read my blog post: Smoking Recovery with Essential Oils, to learn how essential oils can help support you with your decision of stop smoking.

Common colds, respiratory infections, food sensitivities, weather, and stress are also asthma triggers. Try using a lavender essential oil steam treatment to help relax lung spasms, open the airways, and reduce the panic feeling that often accompanies an asthma attack. Lavender is the only essential oil recommended for use during an asthma attack.

Lavender Steam Treatment

• 2 cups of hot water
• 3-5 drop of lavender essential oil

1. In a large, shallow glass bowl add hot water and the essential oils and stir to combine.

2. Tent your head with a towel over the bowl and breathe deeply for several minutes, emerging for fresh air when needed.

3. Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply to the soles of your foot help with relieving tension.

4. Repeat the steam treatment through out the day as needed.

In between the lavender steam treatment and at bedtime, use this chest rub to encourage deep breathing and help the chest to expand. Peppermint essential oil is a strong decongestant that can help prevent asthma attacks. This rub is an excellent way to sooth cold and flu symptoms.

Chest Rub

• 2 ounces carrier oil (I use grapeseed oil)
• 12 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops geranium essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops marjoram essential oil

1.  In a 15ml dark-colored glass bottle, add the carrier oil along with the essential oils, and shake to blend. (I reuse my empty essential oil bottles for my rubs and make my own labels.)

2. Add a few drops of the mixture to the palm of your hand, apply to your chest, and massage in.

3. Repeat in between the lavender steam treatment and at bedtime. Store bottle in a cool, dark place between uses.

 

Are you ready to add essential oils to your asthma regimen?

There are two different ways to order doTERRA essential oils: individually or in a starter kit.

A starter kit is the most economical way. Below are my two favorite starter kits.

Home Essentials Kit

This kit includes 9 full size (15ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, and On Guard.

1- 5ml bottle: Deep Blue

Petal Diffuser

Part Number: 41180001
Wholesale: $275.00
Savings: $86.25

 

Family Essentials Kit

This kit includes 10 sample size (5ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, On Guard and Deep Blue.

1- Peppermint Beadlets,

1- doTERRA On Guard Beadlets

Part Number: 60200540
Wholesale: $150.00
Savings: $37.00

Sign up for my email subscription and receive a FREE Essential Oils Ebook for Beginners.

Oxygenating Molecules and Essential Oils

Have you ever wondered why so many people are using essential oils these day? When I was first introduced to them, I asked myself the same question. I even thought my friend of four years had lost her mind and fell off the hippy wagon when she introduced them to me. It’s okay to have these feelings and thoughts!

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Curiosity got me… I had to know why people were using essential oils for their medical needs especially since I am a respiratory therapist and I had not heard about this form of medical treatment.

Essential Oils have been used for thousands of years providing individuals a safe and natural alternative to chemically based medications. They are used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness needs and have few, if any, undesirable side effects when used as directed.

Our immune systems are the body’s defense system. They are designed to protect us against threats from outside the body.  Essential oils are antibacterial and antiviral which means they can directly attack germs and kill them at the root. While the essential oils are attacking germs within our bodies, they are also stimulating the immune and respiratory systems so they will be better prepared to fight off future illness.

Once essential oils reach the bloodstream whether it’s through aromatic, topical or internal use; they promote whole-body healing by working at a cellular level. Essential oils have 50 times more oxygen than what plants provide. As the blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells, it is the oxygenating molecules that allow the essential oils to penetrate and carry nutrients through the cell wall to the cell nucleolus for feeding and oxidation. This makes them nature’s most effective catalyst and delivery agent for feeding our cells.

What an amazing way to protect our immune systems!

Are you ready to start protecting your immune systems with essential oils?

There two different ways to order doTERRA essential oils: individually or in a starter kit.

A starter kit is the most economical way. Below are my two favorite starter kits.

Home Essentials Kit

This kit includes 9 full size (15ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, and On Guard.

1- 5ml bottle: Deep Blue

Petal Diffuser

Part Number: 41180001
Wholesale: $275.00
Savings: $86.25

Family Essentials Kit

This kit includes 10 sample size (5ml) essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, On Guard and Deep Blue.

1- Peppermint Beadlets,

1- doTERRA On Guard Beadlets

Part Number: 60200540
Wholesale: $150.00
Savings: $37.00

Sign up for my email subscription and receive a FREE Essential Oils Ebook for Beginners.