Last post I promised I would give you some recipes for using your infused oils. I came down with whatever bug is already circling locally. So, the first recipe doesn’t actually use infused oils, but it could. This is a salve for opening the respiratory system. Whether you are beginning to feel it in your sinuses or your chest, this recipe will help.

Chest Rub (2 oz.) Adult Use Only

1 oz. organic coconut oil
.5 oz. jojoba oil
.3 oz. organic shea butter
.2 oz. beeswax

4 drops Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)
4 drops Rosemary (Rosemary officinalis ct camphor)
4 drops Cardomom (Electaria cardamomum)
2 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
2 drops German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Ravintsara is an essential oil high in 1,8 cineole. Rosemary is an essential oil that can be high in 1,8 cineole or as in this recipe, camphor. Both are very good for clearing congestion and helping clear phlegm. However, they should not be used with children under the age of 6 and with caution in children ages 6-10. A more gentle Rosemary would be Rosemary ct. Verenone (Rosmarinus officinalis ct verbenone/Salvia rosmarinus). Substitute the harsh oils like Ravintsara with Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) from the Cupressaceae family or Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) from the Pinaceae family. White Pine (Pinus strobus) or Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica) are also great.

If you decide to use Rosemary for children ages 6-10, use only 1 drop per ounce or 2 drops for this recipe, and DO NOT USE near the face. DO NOT use on children under the age of 6. I always err on the side of caution and say do not use if pregnant or nursing. Essential oils are carried through the blood and could travel through the placenta to the baby. Nursing baby’s noses are right there breathing in any oils that you have put on your chest.

If there are small children in the house and you want to use essential oils to open up your airways, try a personal inhaler.

I just whipped up one that is very nice.

4 drops Rosemary ct. camphor ( you can substitute the ct verbenone)
4 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives) is safer for children
4 drops Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica)
3 drops Cardamom (Electaria cardamomum)
2 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

My sense of smell is much different from a normal person (in case you don’t know). I am attracted more to woodsy, deep earthy aromas. I love the pines and I love rosemary so I tend to gravitate toward those more. Lavender is not one of my favorites alone but it blends well with these oils and it softens the scent very nicely.

I buy a fair amount of my oils from Aromatics International. They are a reliable, sustainable, company which does their research. They have a whole section of their website set up for cold and flu. This makes searching for oils so much easier.

I do also buy from Starwest Botanicals and Rocky Mountain Oils. I have heard that Amrita is a good company to purchase from. I have not used them, but after a quick look at their site, I’m going to give them a try. They also offer 15% off your first order.

Cold and flu season is upon us. Get a jump on fighting off those nasties with homemade vapor rub, personalized inhalers to help breathe, and anti-viral diffuser and cleaning blends.

Remember it is important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids (herb teas hint hint), limit that sugar intake, and be ready with some natural remedies.