RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

The arrival of colder weather often arrives with respiratory problems. The congestion doesn’t surprise us much. We consume more nose tissues in a week than in the past six months. We breathe on one nostril, or barely breathe, while the other is congested and useless. Sinuses are loaded, with headache instead of good morning. Face is swollen – the eye area, cheeks, nose and forehead feel puffier than usual. Relief comes as it goes, its short-lived.

COLD WITHOUT DISCOMFORT

Most people know the misery of a cold and go all-out to find remedies. If your go-to cold medicine isn’t providing relief, consider using alternative methods to treat your symptoms. Essential oils may treat symptoms like congestion and even shorten your cold’s duration. Essential oils are excellent helpers for respiratory problems – they can clear the airways and carry plenty antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

EUCALYPTUS IS NOT JUST FOR KOALAS

When it comes to essential oils, less is more. Thus, only one essential oil is enough to purify the airways - eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus). It is rich in the chemical compound eucalyptol, which is highly effective in clearing the airways of all kinds of obstacles and congestion. To achieve desired effects, the best is to inhale eucalyptus essential oil. Some ways you can do this:

Hot water inhalation – let's make it ''old-school''

This is quite an effortless way you can take advantage of the effects of the eucalyptus essential oil. Bring a pot of water to boiling point and remove from the burner. Pour the water into a bowl. Wait two to three minutes for the water temperature to drop, take a comfortable position, drop one drop of eucalyptus essential oil into the hot water and place your head over the bowl. Inhale the vapors for one to two minutes through your nose and mouth. Add another drop of oil and inhale again.

• Repeat the addition of oil to the water a maximum of 4 times - 4 drops of essential oil will be enough to achieve the desired effects. Repeat this inhalation procedure 3 times a day.
• You may but do not have to cover your head and the bowl with a towel - it is enough to lean your head over the evaporating liquid and breathe. Of course, you can use your towel if you want an effect of a facial home s

Please, take caution:

• Keep a distance from the bowl of hot water not to burn yourself.
• Do not put more than one drop of oil in hot water at a time to avoid inhaling too much essential oil at once, or to avoid potential irritation to the skin and mucous membranes (reminder: less is more).
• Avoid this method of using the essential oil if you have chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma (if you do suffer from asthma, we recommend you read on, we might have a relief for you).

Diffuser inhalation

Also, a simple, but smoother way of inhaling essential oils is diffuser inhalation. Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the diffuser. Take a comfortable position near the diffuser and inhale the mist. Once the diffuser is done, take a break and repeat the process once or twice the same day. This method is safer than the hot water bowl - you will not get burned by steam; and you will not inhale too much essential oil at once.

Caution, again:

As with hot water inhalation, avoid this method if you have chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma (if you find yourself in this, we recommend reading on).

EUCALYPTUS LOVES COMPANY

So far, we have stuck to minimalism and simplicity. But with a little extra effort, or with a few extra drops of essential oils, it is possible to enhance the effects and improve efficiency. Here are some additional tips:

If you decide to inhale using hot water, you can alternately combine eucalyptus essential oil with tea tree essential oil. The procedure is the same: add it drop by drop, just alternating eucalyptus and tea tree oil. Eucalyptus will make your airways clear and free, and tea tree will add antimicrobial properties and stimulate immunity.

Do the same when using in a diffuser.

If you want to go a step further, add the following oils to the diffuser for a comprehensive approach - cleanse the airways, take advantage of antimicrobial properties, disinfect the space:

• 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops of lemon essential oil

RELIEF MASSAGE

If you suffer from chronic respiratory problems - inhalation of essential oils is not for you. Fortunately, you can use them by diluting the mixture of eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, and lemon (same number of drops) in 20 ml of base oil (almond, coconut, macadamia, or hazelnut oil) and massage on the forehead, temples and back of the neck. Be careful not to apply the mixture on the cheeks and near the eyes to avoid irritation.

READY FOR THE SEASON

We hope your airways are now clear. Or at least better than they were. With KAIAA oils, you will get through congestion and flu season faster and easier. The essential oils may be helpful in increasing respiratory rates, as well as in reducing congestion and boosting immunity. It is up to you to try and decide what is the best choice for you. KAIAA oils offer the best of nature in your own home.