Are you looking for an effective essential oils recipe for year-round use in a vaporizer or a diffuser? We have used this with success many, many times as our alternative to antibiotics, in particularly, with respiratory issues (both viral and bacterial pneumonia).
I’ve been hyper-allergic to antibiotics since my 20s and have had to rely exclusively on essential oils until I learned about homeopathy, silver, and other natural remedies in my medicine cabinet. I hope this will be of help to you if you also react to antibiotics or just want to avoid them.
(Also, in the last few years, we have discovered the power of elderberry tincture and syrup, and add it to the regimen.)
As cold temperatures and increasingly sunless days cause vitamin D levels to drop, it’s a great time to diffuse essential oils into heavily-used room spaces or to inhale them. As the trend is to build our homes more tightly for energy savings, internal air quality suffers and so does our body’s ability to heal itself.
Essential oils like these listed below which have tremendous anti-viral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties to help disinfect and freshen stale air.
And I run my nebulizer in the bathroom or kitchen (for 12-14 hours or so) when I feel surfaces need an overall purification after flu or a round of nasty colds.
The oils in this recipe work together to combat germs in the air and on surfaces. They are gentle to the body and also delightful to the senses!
Warnings: Do be aware that some essential oils are harmful to pets. This explains. Also, be careful if you have a newborn to 8 month old – only run a nebulizer for short (10 minute) periods and not in the same room.
Respiratory inhalation or topical application of essential oils are certainly the simplest and most common means of using therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Respiratory Formula For Personal Vaporizer (or the Topical Application below)
• Lavender: 3-drops
• Lemon: 3-drops
• Rosemary: 2-drops
• Tea Tree: 2-drops
• Eucalyptus, 2-drops if there’s congestion
• Clove: 1-drop (optional) for more broad-spectrum coverage
• Cinnamon: 1-drop (optional) for more broad-spectrum coverage
• More optional: P73 wild oregano (1-drop), thyme linalool (1-drop), or Grapefruit (2 drops).
Add all these oils to a small glass bottle with a dropper top. To save time, you can make 2-3 multiples of this recipe and have enough for years of use.
Label your bottle so you will know what it is next time you need it.
You will only put 2 drops of this blend into the vaporizer each time you use. For diffusing, you would use more than a few drops.
Directions for Inhaling Essential Oils:
We were given a Steam Inhaler by my mom (pictured is our older one), and which we still use. There are now newer versions of Steam Inhalers
• Fill the holding reservoir with just enough water so it doesn’t overflow
• Inhalers vary, but some water is needed to act as the carrier for the oils you will add
• Add 2 drops of blended oils (as per recipe above) into the water-filled reservoir of your vaporizer
• Turn the vaporizer on
• The steam will rise delivering the oils so you can inhale them deeply into your lungs
For sore throats, flu, or sinus infections:
• Hold your mouth and nose over the face rest and take 5-10 minutes with the oils so they can perfuse your lungs, bloodstream, and cells.
• If it gets too hot or steamy, just turn it off or adjust the steam vent for a minute before resuming and continue to inhale as deeply as possible.
• It may make you cough (or feel like coughing), but that means it is doing its job and breaking up congestion. The vapor will continue to rise until it cools.
• Do this several times a day. Wipe the reservoir clean after each day’s use.
Essential oils don’t give the apparent immediate results of antibiotics, but they allow the body to heal itself and result in a strengthening of the whole system.
Topical Application of Essential Oils
I use my blend (recipe above) topically the most often.
This blend applied topically to the skin has brought members of our family back from the abyss of flu many times through the years.
Directions:
• Dilute these same oils in 1 rounded TBSP of a carrier oil
• Apply generously with warm hands to the chest, underarms, the soft skin under the upper arm and/or to the soles of the feet
• Wear an old tee shirt or socks as the carrier oil will stain them
• Always use a carrier oil when applying topically
According to researcher Jean Valnet, M.D., an essential oil in a carrier oil that is directly applied to the skin (or breathed/diffused) can pass into the bloodstream and diffuse throughout body tissues in 20 minutes or less.
Essential Oils Might Be the New Antibiotics
Congestion, Too?
If congestion accompanies the cold, flu, or bronchitis, add 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil. As a little girl, my grandmother taught me to put a several drops of this wonderful oil on the collar of my pajamas. It always makes me think of her now when I am stuffy-nosed or congested.
Which Essential Oil Brands Do I Use?
Note: I have used essential oils for many, many years and am familiar with many of the companies out there. Though I feel especially good about Young Living essential oils, I’m not one to just buy exclusively from one essential oil company. I’ve also grown to trust Mountain Rose Herbs and Plant Therapy which are pure and 3rd party tested always. I don’t want to pay higher prices than necessary, but do NOT buy cheap imitations which can be contaminated.
Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.My Purification Blend of Essential Oils
Also, for making a pre-mixed quantity of Purification for extended room diffusing, check out My Version of Purification Essential Oil Blend (and save $)!
“The person who takes medicine (pharmaceuticals) must recover twice, once from the disease and once from the medicine.” -William Osler, M.D.
Several excellent resource books to help you get started with essential oils:
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Kate
We’re really enjoying your blog! So much helpful information! 🙂
Helaine
Great weblog; I must say I look forward to fresh news by you.
Jacqueline
Hello, Helaine,
I look forward to writing…I have all kinds of things perking in my brain 🙂 Thanks for the feedback…I’d love to know your interests as this goes along.
Jacque
Kristian Marcinkiewicz
And, 1 more crucial point which one should know. Keep dispensers tightly closed for greater result of aromatherapy.
TS
I think Air Purification Using Essential Oils – Recipes | Deep Roots at Home is a well written article. This has spurred my interest to learn more about the oils.
Greenmom
Thanks Mrs. Jacqueline! I’m using your inspired blend to care for my coughing little girl. Your knowledge and spiritual maturity are an inspiration! Praise God for your radiance!
Jacqueline
Dear Greenmom,
I am thankful this could be of service! Thank you for your very kind words. Soli Deo gloria!
Sara Gulliford-Gosnell
If you have not yet been introduced, I would like to invite you to learn about the CPTG quality difference that doTERRA offers. So you can make an informed decision about which essential oils you feel are best for you and your family. <3
http://www.mydoterra.com/effectiveessentials/companyCPTGEssentialOils.html
I hope this isn't considered spamming! I only wish to make you aware that this option is available to you, as I believe they are the safest oils available.
Warmest Wishes.
Thank you for your blog!
bobbie
i was wondering if i could use those oils in an air purifier ? i won one at a women’s health expo and would like to use the oils.
Jacqueline
Bobbie,
If the air purifier has a place for adding an absorbent card to hold the oils, yes. Before I had a diffuser, I’ve added drops of purifying oils to a jar of boiling water and placed it near our dehumidifier where the air carried the molecules to all parts of the large family room. It made a big difference for us in times of the flu and colds or when we had guests that were sneezing and coughing!
I hope this helps!! Blessings!
Ali
I am so greatful for your blog… it has been a much-needed Titus 2 influence in my life. Blessings to you! I have a question about Thyme essential oil… in this post on air purification, you note that it is not to be used for small children, but in your post on “Safe Essential Oils for Babies and Children,” Thyme is included on that list. I was confused by this discrepancy. I have used Thyme (the whole herb) with my young children when they are sick, and I just recently diffused the thyme essential oil in my home… my small children (and baby) did not have any bad reactions, but since reading this post with a warning against Thyme essential oil for little ones, I am concerned. Can you please clarify this difference/discrepancy in information about Thyme essential oil for me? Thank you in advance, and again… thank you so much for your blog! ~Ali
Jacqueline
Yes, Ali,
You picked that up and correctly, BUT there is a distinction between Thumus vulgarus ct linalol (as in the infographic I made) and regular thyme (which is not the safest for children. I did not add thyme to the written-out list for babies or children for the following reasons. Thyme Linalool is especially appropriate for aromatherapeutic formulas for children and the elderly. I learned this long ago and never forgot it with our children…I presume it stresses them in some way but it may not produce a reaction that we ‘see’. http://www.edenbotanicals.com/thyme-ct-linalool-organic.html
Caution is advised when thyme is used in medicinal amounts in women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, due to the possibility of negative effects on fertility and/or potential to stimulate abortion. There are many, many side effects and problems to be aware of with regular thymus vulgarus, thus I use it with caution and respect…mainly in household products. It will severely burn the skin if applied ‘neat’. http://www.wellness.com/reference/herb/thyme-thymus-vulgaris-l-thymol/dosing-and-safety
I hope that helps 🙂
sharon
I found ur web site by accident yesterday and was blown away. I love it. Ive used essential oils on and off for 10 + yrs but never knew much about them. Didnt know u could use them to clean the air and heal sickness. I am chemical free bodily and have been for 14 yrs. I have been wanting a lot of the blends that YL carries but no way can I afford those prices so was thrilled to find ur recipe for purification. If u have any more recipes for YL plz tell me where to find. Ty
Jacqueline
Hi, Sharon 🙂
Wow! You are so kind, new friend. You are wise to be chemical free!
I do have another blend recipe, and it is Thieves: https://deeprootsathome.com/my-version-of-four-thieves-oil-blend/
Maybe you will find that helpful, too. To me, Thieves is essential for prevention and mitigation of illness, particularly viruses.
Another post would be this one: https://deeprootsathome.com/20-safe-antibacterial-antiviral-herbs-quick-guide/
Blessings!
Nancy
Hi Jacqueline,
In your recipe for the air purification I went to the Mountain Rose from your site and saw only cinnamon leaf or cinnamon bark essential oils. I’m not sure what to order. Or am I looking for just “cinnamon” essential oil, and they just don’t carry it.
Thank you for your reply.
Blessings,
Nancy
Jacqueline
Hi, Nancy! I’m sorry I am behind in answering…we’ve been away for 5 days! Thank you for pointing out the ‘page not found’ and for your question. I wrote this post a while ago and was just learning to blog. I use cinnamon bark for this recipe (it is stronger and what I use in my Thieve’s blend recipe). Now I get my EOs from MRH most of the time. I am fixing the links now. I apologise!
http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=129614&Redirect=/products/cinnamon-bark-essential-oil/profile
Kathleen Bass
My husband sent me your blog today. I instantly felt connected…mostly through our faith but also in our search for healthy alternatives. Your blog posts are awesome. I will be referencing them often.
I just wanted to say “May Yahway Bless you and keep you, may He turn His face upon you and give you peace”.
That’s all. Be blessed.
Kathleen Bass
(private)
Sonja
Thank you for your post. I am new to essential oils. I am also a mom of nine looking to prepare for the future. I was looking at buying Plant therapy essential oils (because of the price) but wondering if they can be ingested – diluting in water or taking in a capsule?
Thank you for knowledge and being willing to sharing it.
Jacqueline
Hi, Sonja,
I know a lot of people/and one company in particular say you can ingest EOs, but I do not for quite a few reasons I can’t get into here. Oils like lemon and tangerine and orange are fine, but the medicinal oils are very potent and should not in my opinion be taken orally. One exception I think of right off is oregano. In that case you need to only do a few days and take a probiotic to restore gut flora… so many variables.
We use them in a diffuser or applied in a carrier oil to the skin of to the soles of the feet.
Blessings,
Jacque
Sonja
Thank you for your quick response! I bought your book suggestion The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy ~ very well organized and easy to follow for newbies like me!
Alysson
Thanks for this post. I just found your site today and have subscribed. I look forward to exploring further.
One question for you: Is a nebulizer the same thing as a vaporizer?
Jacqueline
Hi, Alysson,
No a vaaporizer and a nebulizer are different. See this post: https://deeprootsathome.com/dr-mercola-nebulized-peroxide-the-single-most-effective-early-strategy/
Blessings,
Jacque