So I've been nursing my mother in law through a spell of pneumonia for the last few days. Usually she just goes to the ER but this time when her chest got tight and she couldn't breathe I rushed to go fix it. She's an elder now and I figure if the doctors haven't fixed her up by now, it's my turn. lol! So yeah, I made a quick essential oil mixture that (she says) really helped her breathe and she just called requesting more of it. I know this time of year brings about all kinds of difficulties for our respiratory systems so I figured sharing the recipe might help some of y'all too. :)
I didn't have a carrier oil on hand at the time so I dropped the essential oils into an oil burner/ warmer filled with water. It doesn't last as long that way but it got the job done. In the mix I sent her this morning, I used coconut oil as the carrier because of it's high smoke point. She should be able to burn it for some hours without refilling. Here's the recipe and a few more tips on decongesting naturally.
SN: Essential oils are very strong so only use them drop by drop and with a carrier oil (coconut, almond, olive, etc)
I didn't have a carrier oil on hand at the time so I dropped the essential oils into an oil burner/ warmer filled with water. It doesn't last as long that way but it got the job done. In the mix I sent her this morning, I used coconut oil as the carrier because of it's high smoke point. She should be able to burn it for some hours without refilling. Here's the recipe and a few more tips on decongesting naturally.
SN: Essential oils are very strong so only use them drop by drop and with a carrier oil (coconut, almond, olive, etc)
With pneumonia, sometimes congestion isn't the issue. It's more inflammation and constricted airways. This blend helps with both and can be used in a few different ways. An oil warmer is great for use with adults. For children, a few drops in a steam vaporizer is safer, because they touch everything.
In addition to burning oils, I blended an herbal tea for her to drink. I'll share that recipe here as well.
Oil Blend for easier breathing:
7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 Tbsp carrier oil of choice
Drop into your chosen carrier oil and stir slightly. Pour into oil warmer and let the scent fill your space. Eucalyptus works wonders opening the airways and making breathing easier. I have found this to be safe to use with my sons. However, if your child suffers with allergies you should consult your pediatrician first.
My grandmother also shared the hot water method when we didn't have a vaporizer for the children. Bring a large pot of water to boil and turn off the heat. Drop your oils into it (a natural cough drop works just a well if you don't have oils on hand) stand over the pot, close enough to get some steam but far enough not to burn and inhale. This works to loosen up stuffed noses, it's soothing and moisturizing to your upper respiratory system too. I have tried it with my one year old recently and other than him thinking I was trying to boil him, it worked perfectly.
SN: This method works with plain water as well and if by chance you don't have access to a stove you can also sit in a closed bathroom with a hot shower running.
Here is the tea recipe. I blended it for her specific symptoms which were strong and uncontrollable cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain and trouble sleeping. I used all dried herbs and a Tbsp to measure my 'parts'. This is a loose tea and should be used in a tea bag, mesh ball or diffuser....unless you like your tea loose for real :)
Cold and Flu tea:
3 parts yarrow (flower and leaf)
2 1/2 parts catnip (flower and leaf)
2 parts eucalyptus (leaf)
2 parts chamomile (flower)
1 part lavender (flower)
1 part nettle (leaf)
Boil water (DO NOT MICROWAVE) and pour over tea in a mug. Do not boil herbs! Cover the mug and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey (or pure honey). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will kick up the vitamin C, which our immune systems use to help fight disease. This tea is also safe for children and will help them to calm down and rest during seasonal ailments.
I hope this has been helpful for y'all. I know how it can get when everyone (or any one) is uncomfortable and feeling under the weather. I hope these recipes help you to nurse and ease yourself and your family. :)
Health&Peace fam.ily
In addition to burning oils, I blended an herbal tea for her to drink. I'll share that recipe here as well.
Oil Blend for easier breathing:
7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 Tbsp carrier oil of choice
Drop into your chosen carrier oil and stir slightly. Pour into oil warmer and let the scent fill your space. Eucalyptus works wonders opening the airways and making breathing easier. I have found this to be safe to use with my sons. However, if your child suffers with allergies you should consult your pediatrician first.
My grandmother also shared the hot water method when we didn't have a vaporizer for the children. Bring a large pot of water to boil and turn off the heat. Drop your oils into it (a natural cough drop works just a well if you don't have oils on hand) stand over the pot, close enough to get some steam but far enough not to burn and inhale. This works to loosen up stuffed noses, it's soothing and moisturizing to your upper respiratory system too. I have tried it with my one year old recently and other than him thinking I was trying to boil him, it worked perfectly.
SN: This method works with plain water as well and if by chance you don't have access to a stove you can also sit in a closed bathroom with a hot shower running.
Here is the tea recipe. I blended it for her specific symptoms which were strong and uncontrollable cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain and trouble sleeping. I used all dried herbs and a Tbsp to measure my 'parts'. This is a loose tea and should be used in a tea bag, mesh ball or diffuser....unless you like your tea loose for real :)
Cold and Flu tea:
3 parts yarrow (flower and leaf)
2 1/2 parts catnip (flower and leaf)
2 parts eucalyptus (leaf)
2 parts chamomile (flower)
1 part lavender (flower)
1 part nettle (leaf)
Boil water (DO NOT MICROWAVE) and pour over tea in a mug. Do not boil herbs! Cover the mug and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey (or pure honey). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will kick up the vitamin C, which our immune systems use to help fight disease. This tea is also safe for children and will help them to calm down and rest during seasonal ailments.
I hope this has been helpful for y'all. I know how it can get when everyone (or any one) is uncomfortable and feeling under the weather. I hope these recipes help you to nurse and ease yourself and your family. :)
Health&Peace fam.ily
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