10/16/2025
If I am having some seasonal respiratory issues and feeling a little congested in the chest, these are my top picks that I will take!
Fire cider:
Immune support: The ingredients may have immune-supporting properties. Garlic, ginger, and hot peppers are thought to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, while lemon provides vitamin C.
Aids digestion: Apple cider vinegar and ginger are believed to promote better digestion.
Reduces inflammation: Ginger, garlic, and hot peppers may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Clears congestion: Spicy ingredients like horseradish and hot peppers can act as natural decongestants and help clear sinuses.
Improves circulation: The warming properties of ingredients like cayenne pepper can stimulate blood flow.
Tightness in Chest Inhaler:
Kunzea: Rich in the compounds alpha-pinene and 1,8-cineole, which have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It is used to help with congestion, coughs, and other respiratory complaints.
Black Spruce: Acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Its invigorating, woody aroma can help ease breathing.
Sweet Orange: Used in traditional aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms of congestion, though with less scientific evidence than the other two. Its uplifting aroma can boost mood and promote a sense of well-being while you are feeling ill.
Respiratory oil:
Black spruce
Properties: Expectorant and decongestant. It has a grounding, woody scent.
Uses: Supports the respiratory system and is helpful for congestion associated with colds, asthma, and bronchitis.
Scots pine
Properties: Expectorant and anticatarrhal, with a refreshing, forest-like scent.
Uses: Traditionally used for coughs, bronchitis, and sinus pressure to help loosen phlegm.
Rosemary
Properties: Contains cineole, which helps break up mucus, relax the muscles of the trachea, and ease breathing.
Uses: Effective for chest and sinus congestion when inhaled or applied topically (diluted).
Basil linalool
Supports respiratory health: The oil can help clear breathing passages, ease congestion, and may help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it beneficial for colds and asthma.
Lavender
Properties: Anti-inflammatory and calming. Its relaxing scent can help soothe coughs, particularly if they are causing irritation or discomfort.
Uses: Soothes irritated airways and promotes relaxation, which can be helpful for getting a good night's sleep while congested.
Herbal steam:
Thins mucus: The warmth and moisture from the steam help to loosen thick mucus in the sinuses, throat, and chest, making it easier to expel.
Reduces inflammation: Steam can help soothe the irritation and swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages that cause a stuffy nose.
Delivers therapeutic compounds: When aromatic herbs are steeped in the hot water, their volatile (or essential) oils are released into the steam. Inhaling these compounds can provide targeted antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects directly to the respiratory system.
Supports respiratory health: Beyond treating a specific cold or flu, regular steam inhalation is an ancient practice used to support healthy breathing and immune function, especially during dry or cold season
****As always, this isn't meant to replace medical care, but to assist the body in healing. Always talk with your healthcare provider before trying any regimens that weren't prescribed by them. Especially if you are pregnant/nursing, taking medications, or have a condition that is being treated by your provider.*****