Is the idea of creating your own inhaler unsettling? When I first learned about it in an aromatherapy course, it unnerved me, but I soon realized that these are tiny, potent tools that fit a lot of benefits into something the size of a lipstick tube. These are held up to your nose instead of being oral inhalers, which is probably what you think of when you hear the word "inhaler." They make use of the amazing power of essential oils to help you heal, and in this recipe, the combination of oils is especially targeted at treating severe cold and flu symptoms.
Many germs have found that a great way to infect a host is through their airways. When you breathe them in, they quickly go about spreading the illness and making your life miserable. In the case of the cold or flu, you’ll be run down, congested, coughing, achy, exhausted, and listless. The beauty of essential oils is that there benefits are airborne as well, which means that when you breathe them in, they set to work wiping out the bad guys and easing your discomfort. This inhaler contains 5 essential oils to quickly and effectively relieve you of your symptoms. The blend below is my favorite and I have found it to work the best for me, but always feel free to tweak it to your preferences.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus does an incredible job at really opening up your sinuses and clearing out any congestion. It’s a lifesaver with anything “stuffy.”
Black Spruce: The wonderful aroma of black spruce will also open up your sinuses, and is one of the best antispasmodic essential oils out there (meaning it will really calm down a cough.) if you have a cough in which you are coughing up mucous or phlegm, do not suppress it.
Tea Tree: The antimicrobial master of essential oils (well maybe not there is no “master” oil, but it’s still pretty incredible.) When you inhale the tea tree oil you inhale the airborne particles that will help actively wipe out the germs that are making your sick.
Lavender (add at night): Use the soothing lavender if you want to use this inhaler to help you sleep, and it’s wonderful, soothing aroma will help you drift off and make it through the night.
Lime: Lime essential oil helps boost your immune system by increasing white blood cell production.
Substitutes: Pine needle or fir for black spruce, mandarin or lemon for lime. You can use these substitutes if you happen to be missing one of the other and have these on hand.
For Adults
You will need…
- -1 blank inhaler
- -5-7 drops of Eucalyptus
- -4 drops of Black Spruce
- -5 drops of Tea Tree
- -2 drops of Lavender
- -1 drop of Lime
For Children (Over 5 Years of Age)
You will need…
- -1 drop of eucalyptus
- -2 drops of black spruce
- -4 drops of tea tree
- -2 drops of lavender
- -1 drop of lemon or lime
Directions
There are 2 ways to go about setting up your inhaler. The first is to pre-mix your oils in a small, narrow, glass bottle. You can then insert the cotton and allow it to soak up the oils. The problem with this method is that you will leave some oil behind.The other method is to drop the oils directly onto the cotton after you place it inside the inhaler. They come out fast, so go slowly and carefully-an extra drop or two isn’t a big deal! After you cap the inhaler swirl it around to pick up any oil that may have stuck to the sides.
To use, hold the inhaler up to one nostril, plugging the other with your finger. Take 1 deep breath in and remove the inhaler before breathing out. Repeat with the other nostril. Use every 4 hours as needed for acute flue and cold symptoms. If you use your inhaler once a day it will last anywhere from 3-6 months. The shelf life is up to 1 year, but if left out in heat, uncapped, or in direct light, you may notice the potency goes downs.
The versatility of inhalers is truly incredible. Yes, it can look a little weird to somebody who doesn’t know what you’re using, but that’s why I tend to label mine. Over the next few weeks I’ll be doing some more inhaler blend recipes to address sleep troubles, anxiety, motion sickness, and other common ailments. I think once you use them once, you’ll be totally hooked. Enjoy!
