In this post, I am going to talk about the uses and function of these essentials from my collection and why I choose them.
As mentioned, I have a 34 month boy at home who is frequently down with running nose and cough with phlegm almost every month. So these are the oils that I have chose for him. I will talk about what I know about them and what information I found when i google-ed them.
CAUTION: Whatever discussed here are solely meant for Young Living’s Therapeutic Oils. The application methods do not apply for other oils that are in the market as we do not know what is their ingredients.
1) RC (which represents Respiratory Congestion)
R.C.™ contains powerful therapeutic-grade essential oils that are invigorating when applied, especially to the chest and throat area. R.C. is a wonderful blend to diffuse during winter.
What I know: RC is used to open up the airway. So when you are having blocked nose or running nose, RC is the blend for you. You will find that it’s function is similar to vick (however vick is petroleum based, any oil-based medication shouldn’t be used under or inside the nose, inside the mouth or swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly)
How I use it: For children, we will need to dilute them. As for my 34 month boy, the dilution ratio is 1:1 with V6 veg oil and then apply it to his chest and back. And I will ask him to inhale the oil that is left on my hand.
What I google-ed and found useful:
(source: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/rc-essential-oil.html)
What is in RC essential oil? There are nine different essential oils in RC Blend. They are listed below along with a brief description of each oil.
- Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil – has mucolytic, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is a strong antimicrobial germ killer. It reduces any throat infection!
- Eucalyptus radiata Essential Oil (Black Peppermint Oil) is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an expectorant. It combats bronchitis and sinusitis.
- Eucalyptus citriodora Essential Oil (Lemon Eucalyptus) has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and antispasmodic properties. It decongests and disinfects lungs and sinuses.
- Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis) has antiseptic, antibacterial and decongesting properties. It oxygenates and expels mucus from the respiratory system.
- Pine Essential Oil (Pinus sylvestris) has antiseptic, antibacterial antimicrobial antiviral and expectorant properties. Dilates and opens up the respiratory system, particularly the bronchial tract.
- Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana) has antibacterial and anti-spasmodic properties. It reduces spasms and is relaxing to the body.
- Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps relief stress, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and nervous tension in the body.
- Cypress Essential Oil (Cupresus sepmervirens) strengthens the vascular system. It increases circulation and supports detoxification of the lymphatic system.
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita) has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain blocking properties. It is soothing, cooling and dilating the respiratory system.
What are the Documented Uses for RC Essential Oil? Bronchitis, allergies, colds, cold sores, pneumonia, sinusitis, sore throat, mucus, respiratory inflammation and congestion, decongestant, expectorant, lung infection, sleep apnea, snoring, bone spurs (dissolves), acne, bacterial and viral infections, chronic inflammation of the mucus membranes, breathing, coughs, deodorant, emphysema, fungus, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, lymphatic congestion, nose polyps, pancreas, pimples, tuberculosis and typhoid.
What Body Systems are Affected? Respiratory System
What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? Uplifting and energizing.
What is the Spiritual Influence? RC essential oil opens the solar plexus and heart chakras. It helps us to express our self better in the world better by releasing congestion of the lungs and lymphatic system and embracing joy and hope.
Those who feel depleted and are holding deep sadness and grief in the heart and lungs can see relief with this oil.
How do I use it?
Use diluted – 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of vegetable oil). Then,
- Apply several drops (2-4) on ears, wrists, neck, forehead, temples or feet
- Apply to chakras/vitaflex points
- Directly inhale, or
- Diffuse.
2) Myrtle
What I know: In the case of cough, we usually would use eucalytpus. However, eucalyptus is not suitable for children below 3 years old due to its strong menthol ingredient. Hence, myrtle is a replacement for younger children with cough to help them dissolves phlegm. I later on found out that is also very good for ladies as it helps to prevent thyroid problems.
How I use it: I use myrtle together with RC using the layering method. To layer means to apply one oil, wait 1-2 minutes for the oil to absorb and then apply the second. With 2 benefits of both oils, they help to battle the cough, the runny nose and the phlegm.
What I Google-ed and found useful:
(Source: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/myrtle-oil.html)
What are the Documented Uses and Benefits of Myrtle? Bronchitis, coughs, flu, hypothyroidism, insomnia, infection (throat, lung, sinus, respiratory, ureter), prostate conditions, hormone balancing, skin conditions (acne, blemishes, bruises, oily skin, psoriasis,) cancer (prostate and breast) and muscle spasms.
What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? It is uplifting and euphoric. Has a sweet, slightly camphorous aroma with a light floral overtone.
What is the Spiritual Influence? Myrtle oil helps balance the male and female energies of the body by releasing anger and inner conflict. It will help those who feel suppressed or confused by life as well.
Balancing the male and female energies is important to becoming whole in our spiritual evolution. Often times we are taught to be one sided and avoid masculine or feminine traits. This creates unbalance in our body and is often manifested in our lungs/heart (respiratory conditions) or the endocrine system (thyroid, hormonal imbalance).
3) Thieves
What I know: Thieves is comes from the story of 4 thieves who stole dead bodies for profit but didn’t get infected. When questioned, they revealed that they rubbed a combination of oils on them to protect them. This is how thieves came about. Thieves is the only essential oil that is able to kill air-borne bacteria when diffused.
How I use it: A drop on the sole for my boy every morning before he goes to child care and at night before bedtime. Keeps him protected from germs, bacteria and virus in school. Lowers his risk of getting infected by other children and also the risk of HFMD. During this period, everyone in the family was down with cough. I diffuse Thieves every night as we all sleep in an air-conditioned room and I didn’t want my virus or my hubby’s virus to spread to my boy.
Caution: Thieves is a hot oil, always dilute when applying on the body. I tried to applied on my hubby’s sore throat and he said it was very hot. My boy accidentally took the cap of the bottle to sniff and rubbed some oil on his nose and upper lips then he was crying in pain. Luckily I had a bottle of v6 to help him dilute the pain.