At this time of the year, colds, coughs and viral infections are in full force. They have certainly had their mischief with the staff at Shop Naturally, myself included. While time and rest (both free) are vital parts of any strategy in fighting off a viral infection, managing symptoms is also necessary if you're still to function while you're unwell.

Helping to clear the airways and assist with clearer breathing can be achieved with the use of essential oils. When we looked through our store today, we realised we have quite a lot of different options available, so we have put them all in one blog post to help you quickly and easily choose which one suits your needs the best.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: most of these include eucalyptus oil. It is a cooling essential oil and should not be diffused for long periods of time or around babies and children under 10 without professional advice.

From left to right ....

Simple As That Vapour Rub - adult and baby version

Using essential oils and rubs on babies should always be done with great care. When we get calls asking about using these products on babies, we only ever recommend the use of the baby vapour rub from Simple As That.  It is completely free from petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients and the essential oils in this are diluted down, by a compounding chemist, to be safe to use on babies. Using the adult version is not advised, nor is using diluted essential oils unless you are experienced in the safe ways to dilute them.

Simple As That is formulated by a compounding pharmacist who understands the science and chemistry and also skin care. They are also responsible for our favourite natural baby sunscreen and one of the cleanest natural skin care brands on the market.

Eco Aroma Sinus Clear Blend

This is the only blend in the range that is eucalyptus oil free, but it still contains a cooling essential oil, peppermint, so do not diffuse for extended periods of time. Eco Aroma Sinus Clear Blend contains lemongrass, lime, grapefruit and peppermint essential oils and can assist with the breathing symptoms associated with hayfever, sinus, cold and flu.

doTERRA Easy Air

Next is the first of three products in the line up from doTERRA in the Easy Air range (in the USA this one is named Breathe). The first one in the photo (3rd from the left) is a pre-diluted roller ball and is suitable for topical application on adults without the need to dilute in a  carrier oil. Two places up in the white tube is a solid vapour stick that is also suitable to apply to the chest and neck without the need for dilution. 2nd from the right is the full strength, undiluted version of Easy Air for your diffuser or ultrasonic vaporiser.

Lively Living Winter Rescue Remedy and Breathe

Two similar blends from the one brand, there are subtle differences which we will outline.

Breathe - Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Orange, Lemon, Cinnamon Leaf
Winter Rescue Remedy - Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree

Both have Eucalyptus at their core. The first blend has a citrus focus where the second has the lavender floral scent to help to soothe the mind and calm and the tea tree for the bugs and germs. The Breathe is a gentler aroma all round.

Shop the full range from Lively Living including a vast array of diffusers.

Mt Retour Breathe Roll-on

A super budget friendly pre-diluted roller ball with Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Cedar wood, Lemon, German Chamomile and Lavender in a base of camellia and almond oil.  This is the entry level product in the range and is suitable for topical application only and not for a diffuser.

Mt Retour Breathe Better Roll-on is just $9.95