Loving your Lungs: by Ariana Harley
If you LOVE your lungs and want to support them naturally, this is for you!
Here is a list of some great ideas for sinus steams & diffusing. I would start with Breathe blend, AromaTouch, & Adaptiv but any and all of these oils ideas are good. Consult the list below to choose your oils. If you haven’t steamed before, this is your go-to guide!
What you’ll need:
A pot of water
doTERRA essential oils
A towel
How to Steam:
Boil a pot of water. Once it’s boiled, turn off the burner and remove from heat. Then add a drop of your favorite essential oils! Note: You only need a few drops of essential oil in your steaming water to feel results.
Once your oils are added, dip your head over the steaming water and use the towel to cover your head, making a tent to trap the steam inside. (Make sure your eyes are closed). Gently inhale the steam!
Which oils do I choose? A simple guide:
Basil – A natural expectorant, basil works is great for chest congestion, lung, and respiratory issues. It is naturally antiseptic, antibacterial, and a decongestant.
Chamomile – A natural antihistamine and anti-convulsant, chamomile also helps to calm the mind so that you can get a good night’s sleep!
Cinnamon – Naturally antiviral and antiseptic, Cinnamon is also a great decongestant. Its warming properties help to increase circulation.
Clove – A natural expectorant, clove is also highly antiseptic and warming, just like cinnamon.
Cypress, Fir, & Pine needles – You can forage around your backyard or nearby woods for these if they grow locally! Cypress is a natural antiseptic and expectorant. Fir needles are a natural cough suppressant and expectorant. Pine needles are a natural decongestant and expectorant. All of these are naturally antiseptic and are great for coughs and congestion.
Eucalyptus – All versions of Eucalyptus, including lemon eucalyptus, are fabulous for chest congestion, coughs, and stuffy noses.
Lavender – One of the gentlest essential oils that pretty much goes into every single recipe I make, lavender is highly antiseptic and antibacterial. As a member of the mint family, lavender does a great job of opening up the airways while also helping to calm you for a good night’s rest.
Lemon, Lime, & Orange peels – Highly antiseptic and antibacterial, citrus peels contain the fruit’s essential oils, which help break up mucus and ease congestion.
Sweet Marjoram – Highly antiseptic and antiviral, sweet marjoram is a great expectorant that helps open up the airways and relaxes the body for a good night’s rest.
Peppermint – One of the mints with a higher menthol content, peppermint is naturally antibacterial and a natural expectorant.
Rosemary – Highly antiseptic, rosemary is another mint family member that is great at opening the airways and easing congestion.
Spearmint – Much gentler than peppermint, spearmint is still great for opening up the airways. A natural expectorant, spearmint is less harsh than peppermint and better for the young ones.
Thyme – Highly antiseptic and antiviral, thyme is a natural expectorant and used throughout the ages for chest congestion and coughs.
Also: Douglas Fir, Siberian Fir, Ravintsara, OnGuard, and Tea Tree are all great!!
We also suggest using these oils in a steam bath to ease muscle discomfort, support your sinuses if you’re stuffed up and comfort you emotionally…
Herbal steam baths have been popular all over the world in many ancient civilizations and cultures.
From the Mongols to the Mayans, and the Romans to the Native Americans, steam baths have been used for more than just beauty and luxury; they were originally utilized for the healing properties that steamy, fragrant baths provide. With the steam, ancient herbalists were able to extract some of the fresh plant’s healing constituents into the air (pretty much essential oils) to be breathed in.
During times of illness, steam was used along with other herbal concoctions to help relieve congestion, loosen muscles, and soothe the mind and soul.
Many of the above oils are great choices for a bath but my favorites are lavender, marjoram, basil and eucalyptus! Try adding a drop of each of those to your next steamy bath and let us know what you think in the facebook group…