Essential Oils for Healthy Respiration

Looking After Respiratory Comfort

As cold and flu season arrives, looking after ourselves before we feel under the weather is a sensible priority. Essential oils make pleasant companions for the colder months, with fresh, clearing aromas that can make a stuffy room feel a little brighter. Comfortable, easy breathing is central to how well we feel day to day, and a few well-chosen oils can bring a welcome lift to your self-care routine during the chillier weeks of the year.

Essential Oils to Enjoy This Season

Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is one of our top picks for this season. Its crisp, camphoraceous aroma feels wonderfully fresh and clearing, which is why it is such a classic choice in the colder months. Dilute 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a facial steam or into 30ml carrier oil for a cooling, refreshing massage blend.

Organic Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil is cooling and refreshing, with a bright, citrus aroma that lifts the mood and brings a sense of brightness to a space. Its energising scent makes it a wonderful oil for any time of day. Dilute bergamot into a carrier oil for the bath, a facial steam or a diffuser for a refreshing aromatherapy moment.

Organic Myrrh and Frankincense Essential Oils

Since ancient times, frankincense and myrrh have been treasured as incense in ceremonies and prayers, and even featured in the embalming traditions of the ancient world. Myrrh essential oil and frankincense essential oil share captivating, grounding, resinous aromas that feel warm and contemplative. Dilute up to 5 drops of myrrh, frankincense and bergamot into your diffuser to scent your home while soothing your senses.

Organic Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil is warming and stimulating, with a spicy, penetrating aroma that feels especially welcome in cold weather. Blend ginger essential oil with citrus, spicy and woody aromas for an invigorating, warming aromatherapy blend that brings a cosy lift to the room.

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

Cooling, refreshing and reviving, peppermint essential oil is another of our favourites for the cold and flu season. Its bright menthol aroma feels instantly fresh and clearing. Dilute 5 drops into warm water, grab a towel and drape it over your head, then breathe in the aroma of peppermint and let it refresh your senses.

Antiviral Essential Oil Blend

Our antiviral essential oil blend is our go-to for the cold and flu season. It brings together a thoughtful mix of oils including ravensara, tea tree and cedarwood for a fresh, purifying aroma. Dilute the blend into your diffuser to scent the air of your home, blend it into a carrier oil for a comforting chest rub, or dilute 5 drops into warm water for an at-home facial steam.

Breathe Easy Chest Rub Recipe

This refreshing, cooling blend is a lovely way to enjoy essential oils during the colder months and bring a moment of calm clarity to your day.

Ingredients

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil
• 30ml carrier oil of choice (such as jojoba, sweet almond or olive oil)
• 30ml amber glass dropper bottle

• Combine the ingredients in an amber glass bottle. Shake well, label and store in a cool, dark place.
• Use as needed, massaging gently over your chest towards the direction of your heart.

Stimulating Facial Steam

Facial steams are a refreshing way to enjoy aromatic oils and a fresh, clearing scent. Blend bright citrus aromas with spicy ginger for an energising self-care treat.

Ingredients

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 2 quarts (64 fl oz) warm water

• Pour the warm water into a heatproof bowl and blend in the essential oils.
• Sitting comfortably, position your face over the bowl, close enough to the rising vapour but not so close that it feels too hot. Test the temperature beforehand to make sure it is comfortable.
• Drape a towel over your head and the bowl to hold in the aroma.
• Steam for 5-10 minutes, then splash your face with cool water once you have finished.

Safe Use

Essential oils are concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and kept well away from the eyes. Take care when steaming so the water is warm rather than scalding, and keep oils out of reach of children and pets.

*Please do not disregard professional medical advice. This information is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. Always consult a healthcare practitioner for appropriate care. Take particular care, and seek advice first, if you are diabetic, epileptic, pregnant, breastfeeding or facing any serious health issue.

FAQs

How do I do a facial steam safely?

Use warm rather than scalding water, keep your face a comfortable distance from the vapour, close your eyes, and steam for no more than 5-10 minutes.

How should I dilute oils for a chest rub?

Blend the essential oils into a carrier oil, as in the Breathe Easy recipe, at a low dilution. Never apply essential oils neat to the skin and patch test first.

Which oils are popular for the cold and flu season?

Eucalyptus, peppermint, bergamot, ginger, myrrh and frankincense are well-loved choices for their fresh, clearing or warming aromas.

Can children use these recipes?

Many essential oils are not suitable for young children. Keep oils out of their reach and seek guidance from a qualified practitioner before using them around children.

Can I use these oils if I'm pregnant?

Some oils, including a number listed here, are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check with a qualified practitioner first.