Winter winds, chapped lips, sore throats and chest cough – not my favorite part of this season! Holistically, let’s find ways to keep ourselves strong.

Here are my three favorite essential oils:

• Peppermint Oil – cleans bacteria from the air; clears the mind
• Eucalyptus Oil – great for respiratory ailments; helps a sore throat
• Oregano Oil – clears chronic issues; asthma, bronchitis and more

These three ‘miracle’ workers help with a number of issues, including aiding digestion and clearing skin rashes. But my focus is on the respiratory tract.

Breathing air is necessary for life – and when it is inhibited, we have an internal fear switch that can go on that basically says, “I am not well – I am not surviving.” Even if you are not aware of this thought consciously – your instinctual side is – and this can begin to color how you see your day, your week, your world.

To remove the struggle, let’s clean up the air, and help our lungs!

First – I want to be clear that I am recommending Peppermint oil and Oregano oil be used in diffusers to put the scent into the air. Eucalyptus oil can be used on the body, rubbed into the chest as long as you add another diluting-type oil. Also, if you are pregnant, read about these oils carefully, as they may not be recommended during pregnancy.

Second – I will refer to diluting oil, and that means using more of this oil and only a couple of drops of the essential oil. Diluting oils can be Jojoba oil, Almond Oil, Sesame Oil, Coconut oil (liquid) and even Olive oil. Vitamin E oil may be too thick to spread.

Third – I mention diffusers. If you don’t know what diffusers are, you can check out this information on different types of diffusers, and also visit your local organic products store, and you will find lots of options as well.

PEPPERMINT:  I have used peppermint oil for years. I love this oil! As a fan of the old fashioned water with tea candle below-type of diffuser, this is my oil of choice daily in my home. It assists in cleaning the air as it has anti-fungal properties, so my husband’s allergies are lessened. This oil also stimulates and refreshes the brain, so it is great to put into the air when you are mentally fatigued. MORE ON PEPPERMINT

I do NOT put peppermint on my body, as it is very strong and can burn. Even with a diluting oil, I feel this is too strong for me. If you see it recommended that way and want to try it on your chest, temples, etc., please have plenty of diluting oil handy.

EUCALYPTUS:  Every time I have a sore throat and chest cough, I turn to eucalyptus essential oil. With this oil, I always use a diluting oil and my favorite is Jojoba oil. It is relatively inexpensive and spreads very well. Also, jojoba oil regenerates the skin tissue. MORE ON EUCALYPTUS

As soon as I put this on my throat (outside, not inside!), I feel immediate relief. Remember, essential oils penetrate the skin in 30 seconds, so it is on its way to providing relief to your internal organs. Eucalyptus is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in properties. ALWAYS wash your hands completely with soap & water, as you do not want to rub your eyes later and accidentally put oil in your eye area. SAFETY GUIDELINES

OREGANO:  As a new fan of Oregano oil, I am hooked! This essential oil is amazing, and the results are quick for chronic issues (two to four weeks). Oregano oil is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in properties. I have been dealing with bronchitis on and off for two years and this was recommended to me recently. I was informed that the best format for me was to inhale it. Caution alert – sniffing right from the bottle can cause burning in the nose!

I have been putting this in my diffuser in my home office daily and I use about 10 drops in the small water container. It is strong, so I can smell it continuously. Since I am in my office for about 6 hours per day, this is a lot of infusion. Inside of 2 weeks I noticed immediate results. I can breathe deep and there is no tightness in the bottom of my lung area (the alveoli). I have been outside on some sunny February days to do two-mile walks, and there is no struggle with breathing. Thank You, Oregano!! MORE ON OREGANO

Again, I highly recommend you read the SAFETY GUIDELINES on using the oils before getting started.

Clean Air, Clear Lungs and we are set to BREATHE in and be joyously present every day!

Blessings, Robin