Essential Oils for Respiratory Health
Support for respiratory health is on a lot of our minds these days, and essential oils have many benefits when it comes to keeping our airways open, clear, and soothed—not to mention their antiviral and antibacterial properties!
Take a look at some of my favorite EOs for respiratory health—and then experiment with the many ways to use them at the end of this article :)
The Trees
You might have heard people say that “trees are the lungs of the earth”. It really is true. Trees breathe, and we are able to breathe because of trees.
It makes sense then that tree essential oils tend to be extremely supportive for our lungs. They open our airways, clear congestion, soothe coughs and inflammation.
Plus, all the trees have potent antimicrobial qualities, meaning they’re helpful in preventing both bacterial and viral infections, especially airborne ones.
Energetically, trees are both grounding and revitalizing, and they help strengthen our connection with spirit.
The following trees are all amazing when it comes to the respiratory system—you really can’t go wrong. I’ve included a few energetic components for each to support your blending.
Knowing that each of these oils will support your lungs, which energetic qualities do you also want to include?
Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) — grounding and emotionally healing
Pine (Pinus sylvestris) — helps with the circulation of both our physical and energy bodies
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) — supports us during times of transition and grief
Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) — a long history of purification and protection
Spruce (Picea mariana) — revitalizes your sense of self during times of confusion
Fir (Abies sibirica) — comforting and soothing to us energetically, lifts our spirits
Larch Tamarack (Larix laricina) — supportive during challenging times and big change
1,8 cineole essential oils
Essential oils high in 1,8 cineole are wonderful choices for cold and flu. Why? 1,8 cineole is a compound known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and mucolytic properties—aka, it’s amazing for both preventing and soothing colds and coughs. As a bonus, 1,8 cineole rich essential oils tend to also be good for muscle tension and headaches.
Just be careful with these oils—many of them are too strong to use around children, babies, or those with compromised systems.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus and radiata) Hands down, eucalyptus is my favorite 1,8 cineole oil when it comes to airway and sinus support (and yes, it’s a tree, too). It’s especially good for loosening mucus and congestion. Eucalyptus is also a very uplifting oil—a quality we could all use a bit more of these days.
Other essential oils high in 1,8 cineole include:
Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans)
Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora ct 1,8 cineole)
Helichrysum (Helichrysum gymnocephalum)
Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
Niaouli ct 1,8 cineole (Melaleuca quinquenervia ct 1,8 cineole)
Hyssop ct 1-8-cineole (Hyssopus officinalis var decumbens)
Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendron var. Cajuputi)
Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Rosemary ct Camphor (Rosmarinus officinalis ct camphor)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Citrus Essential Oils
All citruses have both antimicrobial properties and uplift the spirits. Pick your favorite and add it to any blend for a boost of healing sunshine.
A few of my favorite citrus oils are:
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Yuzu (Citrus junos)
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Rhododendron (Rhododendron anthopogon)
Rhododendron is a beautiful oil, usually from Nepal. It’s both supportive for the lungs, especially with congestion, and the adrenals, making it a good choice when a lot of stress is involved with the sickness.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree can support lung health, but it’s even better known for being an antimicrobial power house. Tea tree is a great oil to add to blends when you suspect an infection is present.
Fragonia (Agonis fragrans)
Fragonia supports the breath while also carrying the antimicrobial benefits of tea tree. It’s a great oil for breaking through energetic blocks, as well.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Of course peppermint makes the list! You probably know that menthol vapor rub smell . . . well, peppermint is the original source, with peppermint essential oil containing roughly 40% menthol!
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender not only boosts the immune system, but it’s also anti-inflammatory and incredibly soothing, making it a nice addition to any steam inhalation. Plus, lavender can bring the calm you need when you’ve been sick and support better sleep.
Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Germs do not stand a chance when cinnamon leaf is around. As one of the most anti-infectious essential oils we have, I’m never without some cinnamon on hand.
How to Use Respiratory Supporting Essential Oils
First, be sure to check out my top 7 ways to use essential oils here. Using even one oil from this list will work :) But if you want to Then get creative wit your blending, here are a few tips to get you started:
Start with using just 3 oils for your blend. 3 is a magic number when it comes to blending—you’ll get a perfect synergy of benefits without a chaotic aroma.
Use what you already have. Each tree oil will have similar benefits, as will the citruses and many of the others on the list. There’s no need to rush out and get something new and exotic.
Choose a different oil from each category. Start with one tree, one citrus, and one 1,8 cineole-rich oil to start.
Need recipe inspiration? I share many recipes on my Instagram and Facebook accounts—be sure to follow and try them yourself!
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