Images on the news and social media about so many patients on respirators that need support with breathing due to COVID19 can leave us gasping and thinking twice about our own respiratory system. Right of the bat I can tell you that essential oils is not a treatment or a cure for COVID19. There has not been any scientific research done on using essential oils during this pandemic. That being said you can however use essential oils for respiratory support.
Let’s have a look at the best ones to use to help you with your breathing. I realize that this is quite an extensive list and I do get the question of where to begin and how do I know which ones to choose a lot. You do not need all the oils that I am discussing here. I would probably recommend having Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lavender in your cupboard for starters.
My rule of thumb is always that you need to be mindful of the oil that you are using. If you can’t stand the smell of a particular oil, then use another oil instead.
My personal recommendation would always be to use organic essential oil especially for steam inhalation. I have some affiliate links below if you want to order any oil. It just means that I might get a small commission for that with no extra cost to you.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil contains D-limonene which is a monoterpenol. Lemon oil is great to clear nasal passages and to get rid of phlegm which makes it easier to breath. Acts as a natural immune support and can also help with the movement of our lymphatic system. Therefor it is a great oil to use when in isolation and not moving as much. Your movement has a direct impact on your lymphatic system. Lemon oil can reduce a fever and is used to bring relief for throat infections.
Diffuse lemon oil to use it as an air purifier. I need to point out that diffusing lemon oil will not kill any viruses though. Lemon oil is a natural anti-depressant so smelling the lovely citrus fragrance can lift your spirits. Lemon oil has powerful anti-microbial properties that is why Lemon oil can be use as a surface cleaner instead of nasty chemicals.
Organic Lemon Essential Oil 30 mL
Lemon is one of the most easily recognized oils because of its refreshing, energizing a… [More]
Basil essential oil
Ocimum basilicum is fit for a king’s house due to the fact that it is considered a royal remedy. Basil essential oil is a fantastic oil to use for respiratory issues such as bronchitis, whooping cough, chest infections and respiratory infections because of its expectorant as well as antispasmodic properties.
Basil oil is has antimicrobial properties so diffuse Basil throughout the home to fight the common cold and to prevent the spreading of the common cold to other family members.
Basil oil is both stimulating and a tonic so great to clear your head. I know I certainly need help with clearing my head being cooped up inside 24/7.
Basil oil is high in linalool which make this a great oil to diffuse or do a steam inhalation just before bedtime.
Avoid using basil essential oil during pregnancy
Organic Basil Linalool Essential Oil 30 mL
Organic Basil Linalool Essential Oil is more gentle than other forms of Basil essential… [More]
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has anti spasmodic properties which make it very good for coughs and clearing the lungs of phlegm. It works as an expectorant to get rid of harmful microorganisms. It has decongestant properties so fantastic to open up the airways. A powerful oil with antibacterial and antiseptic properties but do remember just because it is a fantastic oil doesn’t mean you need lots of it. A couple of drops in a bowl of boiling water is sufficient to do a steam inhalation. In fact if you add too much it will irritate the airways.
Eucalyptus can dilate the blood vessels to allow more oxygen to reach the lungs. One of the chemical properties of Eucalyptus oil is 1.8- cineole which has an anti-inflammatory effects on the airways.
It can be used as a febrifuge, which means you can fight a fever with it because Eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect on the skin. Now, a note of warning here. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy and should not be used instead of professional medical treatment.
Eucalyptus Dives Essential Oil 30 mL
Originated in Australia, this steam distilled oil comes from the leaves and twigs of th… [More]
Peppermint Essential oil
The main chemical constituent is Menthol which makes it a very therapeutic oil.
Peppermint oil is a decongestant and expectorant which means it can open the sinuses and the airways. Peppermint can also help ease a sore throat. The antimicrobial properties make this an effective surface cleaner to use at home instead of chemically laden cleaners. Peppermint oil has antispasmodic properties which help with breathing easier than well. It can be used to aid in relieving fevers than well.
Organic Peppermint Essential Oil 30 mL
Peppermint is a fresh, stimulating oil, and when diffused can help enhance alertness an… [More]
Ginger Essential oil
The chemical constituent pinene is the reason for the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties of ginger oil.
Ginger oil also is a bronchodilator and can reduce mucous. The anti-inflammotory properties that can alleviate allergy symptoms.
Traditionally used for its warming action, Ginger Root CO2 aids digestion, stimula… [More]
Thyme Essential oil- Thymus Vulgaris
Thyme oil will support the draining of the lymphatic system and is an excellent pulmonary disinfectant which is great for respiratory infections. The Thymol in Thyme oil gives it its anti inflammatory properties. Thyme oil has been proven to be very effective to get rid of a cough.
Thyme Thymol Essential Oil 30 mL
Thyme Thymol is one of the very best essential oils for supporting the immune system an… [More]
Oregano Essential oil
Oregano oil is often referred to as nature’s antibiotic. It is because it contains antibacterial and anti fungal properties because of the chemical constituents Carvacrol and Thymol. To support the respiratory system against infections and viruses and is a cough treatment. It can loosen up the mucous and phlegm due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Very strong word of warning of Oregano oil – it always has be diluted. Never use Oregano oil undiluted on your skin it will burn your skin. Well, don’t use any essential oil undiluted on your skin really.
Warning: Do not use Oregano oil when pregnant
Organic Oregano Essential Oil 30 mL
Oregano is a very powerful essential oil and its use should be approached with care. Or… [More]
Now I do not recommend taking any essential oil internally and I have seen that Oregano oil is one of those that a lot of bloggers and MLM people advocate to use. Oregano oil is a very powerful oil so you have to be taken care when you use it. It is considered a hot oil. Now there are Oregano supplements and oils and tinctures available but those are not essential oils. You can check out some of those supplements here:
Lavender Essential oil
So the trusted Lavender is also another great essential oil to use for respiratory relief especially if you struggle with hay fever. It is a decongestant and have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender oil is also very good to use when a lot of catarrh is present.
Organic Lavender Essential Oil 30 mL
Lavender is perhaps the most well-known of the essential oils and for good reason. Lave… [More]
Rosemary Essential oil
This is absolutely my go to oil for when I need a pick me up and have to focus. Well, for respiratory health it is a great oil because of its antispasmodic properties so very useful for asthma and bronchitis. It also has antiseptic qualities which makes it very therapeutic for colds, coughs and influenza.
Organic Rosemary 1,8-Cineole Essential Oil…
Rosemary 1,8-Cineole Organic is stimulating, warming and refreshing and can be used to … [More]
Black Pepper Essential oil
Not a lot of people have Black Pepper essential oil in their collection but it is another one of my favorites. This warming oil has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties and is good to use for coughs with pain in the chest. It is a good choice of oil to support your body if you have a cold or influenza. It can also be effective when you struggle with headaches and mild intermittent fevers.
Once again, do not use essential oils as a replacement for medical treatment. See your medical practitioner if you need to.
Black Pepper Essential Oil 30 mL
The warm, mild aroma of Black Pepper will remind you of freshly ground peppercorns comb… [More]
Tea tree Essential oil
Last but not the least. Tea tree oil is an allrounder to be used for all three categories of infectious diseases – bacteria, fungi and viruses. Tea tree can assist the body in fighting a cold and influenza. Steam inhalations are very helpful to get rid of catarrh and open the sinuses.
Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil 30 mL
Organic Tea Tree is one of the world’s best known and beloved essential oils. Native … [More]
How can I use these oils?
1. Topically
Dilute the oils with a carrier oil such as Almond oil, or Grapeseed oil .
For 25 ml of carrier oil I would use 3 drops of an essential oil.
Mix it in a glass bottle
Apply to the bottom of the feet, the chest and abdomen and/ or back.
2. Diffuse them in a diffuser
Put a couple of drops in a diffuser and diffuse for an hour or two at a time.
Warning: diffusing essential oils can contribute to poor air quality. Indoor air quality can be affected by things such as body odours, VOC’s found in cleaning products and other household items such as new carpets. Molds and fragrances from deodorants and perfumes and air fresheners can also contribute to poor indoor air quality especially if we spend 24 hours of everyday inside. So be very careful not to overdo your diffusing of essential oils. Run your diffuser for an hour or two and then turn it off and run it again a few hours later for an hour or two. Don’t run it the entire day and make sure you invest in a good quality diffuser.
TerraFuseâ„¢ Cream Diffuser and Essentials…
Get all your essential oil staples with Essentials Gift Set with our TerraFuseâ„¢ Essen… [More]
3. Steam inhalations
This is a very effective method to use essential oils when it comes to respiratory issues. Breathing in the tiny water droplets it can actually go deeper into your lungs and get rid of the phlegm and mucous and open up the airways.
It is a very simple method:
Pour boiling water in a bowl, add a couple of drops of essential oil of choice. I would not add more than three drops in total in the water. Put the bowl in the basin of your vanity so that it is safe and secure and you don’t risk burning yourself. Throw a towel over your head and breath in the vapor for at least 2 minutes.
DO NOT
- lean in too close to the steam. If the steam burns your face it will irritate your nasal cavaties
- use too much oil in the bowl
- leave a child unattended with the hot water
4. Castor Oil packs
Using a Castor oil pack is another great and effective way to apply essential oils topically.
Post Covid I had all these muscle aches in my back. It started to spread over to my chest and breast area. This was probably systemic inflammation from the covid. I should have used a castor oil pack but I disregarded it and it was only when I developed pneumonia that I utilise the castor oil packs on my back. So although the directions are to use the packs on your tummy area it can also be used very effectively on the back area. Simply lay down directly on the prepared pack for about 30 min. Then afterwards you can take a shower.
Essential oils can be mixed in with the Castor oil to reap the benefits of using a Castor oil pack.
Remedy recipes
Allergies
6 drops Lemon essential oil
6 drops Lavender essential oil
6 drops Peppermint essential oil
Mix together with 30 ml of carrier oil and rub it under your feet.
Asthma
4 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
4 drops Peppermint essential oil
4 drops Thyme essential oil
4 drops Ginger essential oil
Dilute in 25 ml carrier oil and store in a glass container. Rub some of this mixture on your chest and neck to open the airways.
Warning – please follow your medical practitioner’s advice when it comes to your asthma plan and what to do in case of and asthma attack. This remedy is just for supportive measures. DO not replace your medical treatment with essential oils.
Sinusitus
5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops Peppermint essential oil
5 drops Thyme essential oil
5 drops Lemon essential oil
1/4 cup almond oil or grape seed oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup grated beeswax
Place the almond/grapeseed oil, the coconut oil and the beeswax in a glass container in a pan with water to melt it down.
Remove from the heat when it is melted and let it cool down for a bit.
Add 5 drops of each of the essential oils to the oil mixture and stir it in,
Let it cool down completely
Rub the mixture on the chest and sinus areas – cheekbones and forehead a few times a day.
Drink plenty of liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids is a great way assist the body to get rid of phlegm and thins the mucous. I can recommend a few that will help to support the respiratory system. Please check out some wonderful and beneficial teas here.
Take care of you so that you can take care of those you love
Elize
