Just Breathe!

Breathing, it is something that we take for granted and something that we don't really think about. That is, until we are struck with a nasty cold or our allergies kick in. I know when I get sick with a cold the worst part isn't even the sore throat, it is having a stuffy nose that I can't breathe out of and the cough that just won't go away. Our local pharmacies will usually have a good supply of nasal spray and decongestants, but what about using something that's natural? In doing some research online, I was able to find that many over the counter saline sprays have an added preservative called Benzalkonium Chloride to prevent bacteria from growing in the spray. What researchers have discovered is that this preservative actually kills off important cells in the nose that are needed to help fight off infections.

doTerra has created an essential oil blend called Breathe (Respiratory Blend) that works wonders for respiratory problems and it is 100% natural. It is commonly used as an antiviral and used to treat anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, congestion, cough, sinusitis and many other respiratory related problems. Breathe can be applied topically to the ears, chest, wrists, back or to the bottoms of the feet. It can also be used aromatically by diffusing or inhaling.

Around the beginning of the year I felt a cold starting to come on which gave me a stuffed up nose and a pretty bad cough. At work, Aimee had noticed my symptoms and had me put a few drops of Breathe on my shirt. I was surprised at how fast and how well the oil worked for me so this week, I purchased the bottle we had here at the spa. My fiance has been suffering from a cold for the past couple of weeks and he never takes my advice on what to do when he is sick. This time, I didn't really give him a choice. He stopped by the spa the other day so I put a couple of drops on the collar of his shirt before he could say "no." When I got home that evening he said "Man, I didn't think that oil stuff would actually work but it did!" I didn't want to say "I told you so," but I was certainly thinking it!

Breath is an oil blend composed of the following single oils that help to open and soothe the tissues of the respiratory system. This combination of oils also helps fight off airborne bacteria and viruses.

• Laurel Leaf (Bay) has antiseptic and antifungal properties that help with asthma, bronchitis, and viral infections.
• Peppermint is antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. This oil is soothing and cooling to the system.
• Eucalyptus Radiata is considered to have profound antiviral effects on the respiratory system and may also help to reduce inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. 
• Melaleuca Alternifolia has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It may also help with bronchitis, coughs and inflammation.
• Lemon is a promoter of health, healing, physical energy and purification. it is an antiseptic that is great for the respiratory system.
• Ravensara is a strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-infectious oil. It helps to open and strengthen the respiratory system. 

This book is an amazing source for information on essential oils!