It seems like EVERYONE is sick lately — I guess they didn’t get the memo it’s spring! I’m helping teach a drama class and their play performance is in 2 days, and it’s getting dicey….laryngitis, coughs, fevers….fingers crossed they can stay healthy!

No one likes that awful feeling of not being able to breathe with the cold or flu. Stuffy, burning nose, cough that won’t let you sleep, and post nasal drip are the worst! There is a way to get some relief however, and it’s not with Vicks vaporub.

Why not use Vicks? Well, it’s based in petroleum jelly, a byproduct of gas and oil production, that is really just…icky. It’s not good for your body, nor the planet. While it’s useful in a pinch, there are better remedies that are actually becoming more and more common in conventional stores…essential oils!

Now, my favorite oil for breathing easier is actually Doterra’s Breathe blend, but it is more expensive and you have to actually plan ahead to make sure you have it on hand. Eucalyptus oil, however, can be found readily. I’ve gotten it at Rite Aid, Target, Kroger…lots of options to just grab it!

It really helps to use an essential oil diffuser in the bedroom. Just follow the directions for your diffuser, but it’s usually a few drops in the water you add to the diffuser, and then just sit back and wait for relief! This has helped us through many illnesses, my kids all ask for it when they are sick.

If you don’t have a diffuser, or want some extra concentrated treatment, you can use it as a chest rub. You don’t want to put the oil directly on your skin alone, as it can burn since it’s so concentrated. Instead, put a little coconut oil, olive oil, or other oil you have in your pantry in your hand and add about three drops of eucalyptus, rub your hands together, and then apply the mixture to your chest and neck. Sweet relief!

Hope this helps you through your next illness, but please be well!