Whether it's pollen, dander, or germs that are flying, plenty of things in the air can give us cause to search for something to support our respiratory systems. Before I had my toolbox of dōTERRA's natural solutions, I used to be frustrated that nothing I tried (natural or synthetic) seemed to help much. Now that I've been using dōTERRA essential oils for almost 4 years, I feel confident and empowered to support my family's respiratory needs as they arise.
The primary purposes of the respiratory system are to deliver oxygenated blood to all parts of the body and to eliminate carbon dioxide. Through inhalation and exhalation, the respiratory system facilitates the exchange of gases between the air and the blood and between the blood and the body's cells. The respiratory system also helps us to smell and create sound. Since essential oils are aromatic chemicals carried through the body via blood, and because they work in the body on the cellular level, it makes sense that many people's first or most profound experience with essential oils is related in some way to breathing. Here are some recipes and tips followed by usage ideas for the most commonly used oils for respiratory support:
dōTERRA's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Hill, featured the chart to the left on his Facebook page with the following information:
"Many ketones offer unique health benefits such as relieving feelings of tension when applied topically, supporting healthy respiratory function, and exhibiting calming effects. The following table shows the proportion and type of ketone constituents in a number of essential oils."
I have also found that diffusing oils from a diffuser is important for respiratory support. My family regularly uses the Petal, Aromalite, and Ace diffusers. Click here to learn more about dōTERRA's diffusers and here to see a helpful guide to the differences between the diffusers. (Note that dōTERRA no longer carries the Cloud diffuser.) This article will also give you some tips regarding how to take care of your diffuser.
Tips from Experienced Oil Users on My Team
I gathered the following tips and testimonials regarding respiratory support from my oil usage Facebook group of customers and team members, many of whom shared their personal experiences:
Spearmint, Rosemary, and Lime can provide great support as a blend (equal parts).
Some great respiratory support oils to diffuse include Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Rosemary, Thyme, White Fir, Peppermint, Lime, and Frankincense. Pick 2-3 that you have.
For extremely sensitive skin, try diluted Lavender on the feet and chest. It is a mild oil.
Put a couple drops of oil in steaming water and inhale the vapors. Breathe is good for this, or a blend of Lavender, Melaleuca, and Rosemary.
For stubborn issues, I heat a cup of water and put 1 drop of each: Breathe, Oregano, Melaleuca, Lemon, and On Guard and breathe that in for about 15 minutes.
My favorites are Eucalyptus on the sinus areas and Breathe on the chest.
TriEase is our go-to for seasonal threats associated with trees, dander, and pollen.
Breathe promotes open and clear airways and offers great support for all things respiratory.
I love the Breathe Vapor Stick. You may want to do a skin test first and layer FCO (Fractionated Coconut Oil) over top if necessary.
I decided to put Arborvitae and Breathe in the diffuser. This morning I noticed remarkable improvement for the respiratory system (clear breathing and more!)
Thyme and Breathe in the diffuser and massaged into big toes before bed helps support my respiratory system at night.
My top suggestions would be Frankincense, Eucalyptus, and Breathe. Some people prefer Myrrh over Frankincense for respiratory support. Other possibilities could include White Fir, Cypress, Rosemary, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Douglas Fir, or Helichrysum.
When seasonal threats are high, I include a drop or two of essential oil in my saline sinus rinse (or Neti Pot). If you try this, be sure to use a mild oil and not any hot oils. I prefer Melaleuca, Frankincense, Lavender, or Rosemary.
Top Oils for Respiratory support
Maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing
Minimizes the effects of seasonal threats
Calms senses and promotes a restful night's sleep
Also comes in a vapor stick and lozenges (see below under Other Products)
Consists of Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Ravensara Leaf, and Cardamom Seed essential oils
Helps clear the mind
Promotes feelings of relaxation
Promotes feelings of clear breathing and open airways
Has purifying properties that can be beneficial for the skin and for cleansing surfaces and the air
Studies have shown that Eucalyptus is effective in helping lessen tension.
Often used in mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote oral health
Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing
Repels bugs naturally
Use a drop of Peppermint with Lemon in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse.
Take 1-2 drops in a Veggie Cap to alleviate occasional stomach upset.
Add 1-3 drops to your favorite smoothie recipe, coffee, or tea for a refreshing twist.
Place 1 drop in palm of hand with one drop Wild Orange and one drop Frankincense and inhale for a pick-me-up.
Can be stimulating to the senses while helping the body relax
After strenuous activity, massage into skin for soothing comfort.
Diffuse for energizing effect and respiratory support.
Apply to feet, nose, or chest topically with Fractionated Coconut Oil when facing seasonal threats or respiratory discomfort.
Aromatically, White Fir evokes feelings of stability and energy.
Diffuse or apply topically to promote feelings of clear breathing.
Use internally to help ease indigestion and maintain overall gastrointestinal health.
Promotes clear breathing and respiratory health
Flavorful spice for cooking and baking (Add to bread, smoothies, meats, and salads to enhance food flavor and aid digestion.)
Diffuse or inhale for a sense of mental clarity.
Supports healthy respiratory function when diffused or applied topically
Supports healthy digestion and internal organ function
Diffuse while studying to maintain concentration.
Take internally to help reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue.
Add 1-2 drops of Rosemary essential oil to meats and favorite entrées for flavoring and to support healthy digestion.
Diffuse and apply topically to feet, chest, and back (diluted as it may cause skin sensitivity) to promote healthy respiratory function, especially when you also want to support a healthy immune system.
Add 2 drops to Veggie Caps and take during winter time to support a healthy immune system.
Use when gardening to naturally repel insects.
Use 1-2 drops in meat and entrée dishes to add a fresh herbal flavor.
Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil and then apply to targeted areas on the skin to purify and promote healthy-looking skin.
Diffuse and apply topically to support the respiratory system (a milder alternative to peppermint for younger children or those who have skin sensitivity with peppermint).
Diffuse to uplift mood.
Apply to toothbrush before brushing teeth for fresh breath.
Add a drop or two to any dessert, drink, salad, or entrée for flavoring and to promote digestion.
For occasional stomach upset, add 1-2 drops to water and drink.
A favorite for skin issues, Melaleuca is also great to help combat effects of seasonal threats.
Taken internally, Melaleuca promotes healthy immune function. Add 1-2 drops to water, citrus drinks, or Veggie Caps.
Melaleuca can be used throughout the home to protect against environmental threats. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces.
Frequently used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin
Diffusing Melaleuca will help purify and freshen the air.
Combine 1-2 drops with your facial cleanser for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin as a blemish spot treatment.
Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and keeps nails looking healthy.
Douglas Fir has a unique chemical composition that's particularly rich in beta-pinene, contributing to its ability to promote feelings of clear airways.
Combine Douglas Fir with Wild Orange, Lemon, or Bergamot in a diffuser to freshen the air, uplift mood, and promote a sense of focus.
Add 1 drop to facial cleanser, bar soap, or body wash for added cleansing benefits and an invigorating aroma.
Diffuse 2-3 drops Douglas Fir with 2-3 drops Eucalyptus, or rub into hands and inhale deeply, to promote feelings of clear airways and easy breathing.
Combine with 1-2 drops of Wintergreen for a relaxing massage experience.
Provides internal cleansing benefits and can be diffused to help purify the air
Combines well with mints and eucalyptus for respiratory support
Diffuse to cleanse the air and lift the mood.
Put some Lime on a cotton pad and use to help remove grease spots and sticker residue.
Add a drop of Lime to your drinking water for enhanced flavor.
Add 1 drop to your facial cleanser or shampoo for added cleansing properties.
Supports healthy cellular function
Take 2 drops under the tongue daily to promote cellular function and maintain a healthy nervous system, inflammatory response, and immune system.
Apply to chest for respiratory support.
Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening for a warming and soothing effect.
Helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood.
Take one to two drops in a Veggie Cap to support healthy cellular function.
Supports healthy cellular integrity
Helps protect the body against oxidative stress to cellular DNA
Provides antioxidant protection and supports a healthy response to cellular stressors
Contains powerful antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress
Consists of Clove, Thyme, and Wild Orange, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Summer Savory, and Niaouli essential oils
Also available in a softgel for internal consumption
Other Products for Respiratory Support
TriEase Softgels were developed to protect against seasonal and environmental elements and to promote a healthy respiratory system when needed most. Each softgel contains equal parts of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils, known for their ability to maintain clear breathing and a healthy immune response when combined together. Take 1-2 per day as needed.
The natural formula of this vapor stick glides on the skin with ease without leaving a greasy or sticky after-feel. The power of dōTERRA Breathe essential oil blend can be felt immediately, providing a cooling effect both topically and aromatically. The vapor stick works in conjunction with the other dōTERRA Breathe products for powerful support for you and your family.
doTERRA Breathe Respiratory Drops are formulated from specific oils from dōTERRA Breathe proprietary blend and are wonderful aids in promoting clear airways and supporting respiratory health. Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Melissa, and Cardamom essential oils all help to clean and soothe airways, and now they can be delivered straight to your mouth and throat in these great-tasting lozenges.
To order any of the oils or products listed, feel free to contact me or visit my dōTERRA online store. However, if you're already working with a Wellness Advocate, I encourage you to continue working with that person and still use my site as a resource on your journey.