Essential oils and breathing
How we sense breathing through the nose
A blocked nose is usually swollen tissue rather than mucus alone: the blood vessels in the nasal lining widen, the lining thickens and the airway narrows. How blocked it feels, though, depends on more than the size of the airway. The nose senses airflow largely through cold receptors in its lining. Each breath cools the lining slightly, and the brain reads that cooling as air moving freely.
What aromatic compounds do
Several constituents of essential oils act on the same cold receptors. Menthol, from peppermint, is the best studied. Research by Professor Ronald Eccles at Cardiff University showed that menthol makes breathing through the nose feel clearer, while measurements of nasal airflow resistance change little. The effect is on sensation: menthol activates the cold receptor (TRPM8) directly, so the nose registers cool, moving air.
1,8-Cineole, the main constituent of many eucalyptus oils, gives the sharp, cool, clearing aroma people associate with winter. Camphor, found in rosemary and spike lavender, has a similar cooling character.
This is why fresh, cooling oils are the traditional choice in the cooler months, and why it helps to be precise about what they do.
The oils
| Oil | Botanical name | Key constituent | Aroma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus Certified Organic | Eucalyptus radiata | 1,8-Cineole | Fresh, sharp, unmistakably Australian |
| Peppermint | Mentha × piperita | Menthol | Cool, sharp, intensely minty |
| Tea Tree Certified Organic | Melaleuca alternifolia | Terpinen-4-ol | Fresh, green, medicinal |
| Rosemary Certified Organic | Salvia rosmarinus | 1,8-Cineole, camphor | Herbaceous, camphoraceous |
| Pine Needle | — | α-Pinene | Resinous, forest |
| Thyme | Thymus vulgaris | Thymol | Warm, herbal, strong |
Ezi-Breathe
Ezi-Breathe is the Springfields product listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, AUST L 58585, listed since 1997.
- Traditionally used in aromatherapy to relieve nasal congestion.
- Traditionally used in aromatherapy to relieve mild upper respiratory tract congestion.
Lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint oils.
For inhalation and topical use. Not to be used in children under 2 years of age without medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Ezi-Breathe 10 ml → — also boxed with a diffuser as the Winter Edition set.
How to use
| Method | How | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Diffuser | 4–6 drops; run 30–60 minutes, then rest | Ventilate the room |
| Tissue | 1 drop on a tissue, breathe in gently | Keep the tissue away from the eyes |
| Steam | 2–3 drops in a bowl of hot water, towel over the head, eyes closed | Adults only |
Safety
- Children. Eucalyptus is the oil most often involved in essential oil poisonings in Australia, and most calls involve children under 15; as little as 5 ml can be life-threatening to a child. Store bottles out of reach and apart from medicines. Keep eucalyptus and peppermint away from the faces of babies and young children. Steam inhalation is for adults: bowls of hot water scald.
- If swallowed, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- Strong aromas. Some people are sensitive to strong smells. Start with a small amount.
- Pets. Diffuse where pets can leave the room. Cats are especially sensitive; see Essential oils and pets.
- See a doctor or pharmacist if you have a fever, difficulty breathing, symptoms that keep getting worse, or a baby or young child who is unwell.