The Respiratory System

Lesson 11, Page 17 of 19

Respiratory conditions in which there is a excess of mucus are said to be wet conditions.

Aromatherapy for the Respiratory System

Essential Oils, distilled and pressed from herbs, flowers and plant parts, are uniquely suited for respiratory problems. For the respiratory system, essential oils can be used in any or all of the following applications:

Diffusion: Place 10-25 drops of undiluted essential oil in a Nebulizing Diffuser.

Massage: Mix approximately 7-15 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of Massage Oil (for a 2-4 percent dilution) and apply amount desired for massage. Increase or decrease measurements proportionately for larger or smaller quantities. If Massage Oil is not available you may use almond oil or any high quality vegetable oil (preferably not mineral oil).

Bath: Draw bath, then add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Agitate water in a figure-eight motion. Or use a sitz bath adding 5 drops of essential oil and just enough water to cover lower body.

Inhalation: Place 6-8 drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl and inhale for five minutes. Be careful not to allow essential oil to irritate eyes. You may also inhale oils directly from the bottle; or place two drops of oil in the palm of one hand, rub both palms together, then cup both hands over nose and mouth and inhale the oils.

Direct Application: Most essential oils are too potent to use undiluted directly on the body. There are a few exceptions, including the three oils/blends mentioned below for the respiratory system; eucalyptus, Breath Free, and Tei-Fu.

Notice! Always follow all safety precautions when using essential oils. Be careful not to get oils into the eyes. If this happens, flush eyes for 5 minutes or longer with clean water. If irritation persists see a doctor. Reduce strength of essential oil proportionately for children. Keep essential oil supplies and containers away from children. Don't apply pure undiluted essential oils directly to the skin unless it is an oil or blend that is appropriate for direct application.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) oil is a pungent oil that stimulates the entire respiratory system. It is also a strong expectorant and decongestant with antiseptic properties, (antibacterial and antifungal.) Eucalyptus oil can be used for diffusion, massage, bath, inhalation, and direct application. Massage on feet, neck, chest and back.

Breathe Free is an essential oil blend containing geranium, niaouli, peppermint and rosemary. It provides warming, stimulating and clearing support for the respiratory system. It helps fight respiratory infections and relaxes bronchial spasms. It also helps with the expectoration of mucus from the bronchial tubes and sinuses. Breathe Free can be used for diffusion, massage, bath, inhalation and direct application. Massage on feet, neck, chest and back. (Notice! Not for use by those with high blood pressure or epilepsy.)

Tei-Fu is an essential oil blend containing safflower oil, menthol, wintergreen oil, camphor and other essential oils (a proprietary blend and Chinese family secret that dates back over 1,000 years.) From antiseptic to mood enhancing, Tei-Fu is famous for its many benefits, including those for the respiratory system. Apply a small amount under the nose to help clear sinus congestion. For an asthma attack, place two or three drops of Tei-Fu essential oil blend in the palm of one hand, rub both palms together, then cup both hands over nose and mouth and inhale the oils. Also rub a few drops onto the chest area and back.


For respiratory problems, essential oils are used in the following way:

diffusion
massage
in the bath
inhalation
All of the above.

(Select the best answer and click on the "Continue" button.)

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