It is that time of year when individuals start showing symptoms of colds and other viruses that often affect the upper respiratory system. While many individuals might use essential oils, they may not know which ones to use or how to use them safely.

Today, I am going to share a few safe essential oils for the average adult to help with your cold and also how to properly use the steam inhalation method. Before we begin, it is important to define “average adult.” The average adult is a person who does not take any prescription medication regularly for a diagnosed medical condition such as high blood pressure, renal disease, etc.

Before I share a few oils that can be used for making a stock blend to use in steam inhaling, there are a few things to keep in mind. When blending for a cold, remember, the body is designed to find its natural homeostasis. Often, it requires extra rest, so be mindful of using essential oils that can be awakening or overstimulating like Peppermint. Another thing to keep in mind, is that while Rosemary can be quite helpful for decongesting, it should be used at no more than 15% in your stock blend due to its camphor content. Also, while spicy oils do smell great, those should be avoided as they can irritate mucous membranes when using the steam inhalation method.

Great Oils For a Steam Inhalation Stock Blend

Lavender: It can be soothing and helpful in resting, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and helpful in relieving irritation in the upper respiratory system.

Roman Chamomile: It can have a deeply soothing and sedative effect, can be antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory.

Douglas-fir: It can be helpful in stimulating the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestive, and expectorating.

Cedarwood: It can be very soothing and sedative, decongestive, expectorating, and helpful in stimulating the immune system when dealing with upper respiratory concerns.

Eucalyptus: It can be clearing and decongestive for the upper respiratory system, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.

Things you will need:

• One 5 ml bottle with orifice reducer
• Essential Oils
• Ceramic Bowl
• Hot Water
• Towel
• Tissues

Directions for your stock blend:

• Choose 3–5 oils to blend in your steam blend “stock” bottle. Using one 5 ml bottle with orifice reducer, blend the oils you have chosen. Keep in mind, you can use others that I have not listed. These are just a guide to get you thinking about which would be helpful for you.
• Heat up some water in a teapot or pan. Fill about half of a ceramic bowl with steaming hot water. Make sure you wait a few moments to use the water if it was boiled. Using water that is too hot can burn your face!
• Add one or two drops of your stock blend to your bowl of hot water. Caution: Do not use more than two drops. If you accidentally get three in the bowl, you will need to start again. Simply leave this bowl out to disinfect the air while you make another. More essential oil does not equal better when steaming. Significant research has shown that you can overwhelm the little nose hairs, causing them to “lay down” at which point you no longer get the benefit of the steam. We don’t want those little hairs lying down!
• Put the bowl on a counter or table where you can lean over it. Before putting the towel over your head, make sure the water isn’t too hot by leaning over it in close proximity with your eyes closed. If it is comfortable, cover your head, lean over, close your eyes, and breathe. Relax and breathe for a minute or two. If you find yourself start to cough, this is normal and is just your system trying to eliminate the congestion. You may also feel the need to clear your sinuses by blowing your nose.

My Synergia blend is already blended and is WONDERFUL for this if you do not want to blend your own. 

TIP: For those of you with littles, try using hydrosolsin your steam tents!