It’s no secret that our respiratory system is often forced to confront pollutants created by engine exhaust, cigarettes, haze or dust, seasonal threats, and more. In this presentation, we are going to talk about the respiratory system and what can be done to help support healthy respiratory function. RESPIRATORY HEALTH

What is the Respiratory System? The respiratory system is made up of the nose, nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs. These bodily structures and organs are designed to take in air, deliver oxygen to the body, and expel carbon dioxide, which is a natural product of cellular processes.   The nose is vital to the respiratory system because it is the primary point of entry for air into the body. Just past the nose is a mucus-lined space known as the nasal cavity where air is circulated, moistened, filtered, and moved down to the trachea. This cavity is also lined in mucus. Mucus helps clean, warm, and moisten incoming air. After traveling down the trachea past small projections called bronchi, air enters the lungs. Eventually, air will end up in microscopic sacs in the lungs where oxygen can be passed into the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood to the lungs and expelled when we exhale. A healthy respiratory system is important because we cannot live without it.

Now that we understand the respiratory system’s composition and function, let’s talk about how we can keep it healthy. Three main components help keep your respiratory system functioning optimally. First, regular exercise to improve respiratory system function. Second, controlling your exposure to environmental or seasonal threats. And third, using dōTERRA® essential oils.

Exercise Exercise can help maintain and increase respiratory health by strengthening the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (a group of muscles that lie between the ribs). The diaphragm is a muscle directly under the lungs. As it contracts, the lungs are filled with air; as it relaxes, air is pushed from the lungs. The intercostal muscles also assist in the expansion and compression of the chest cavity to facilitate breathing. As the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles are strengthened through exercise, the lungs increase in capacity. In other words, they can hold more air when you inhale, allowing for more oxygen to be delivered to the body. Similarly, exercise increases the ability of the lungs to expel air while exhaling, which can result in more efficient elimination of carbon dioxide. Both of these lung functions are important parameters in gauging respiratory health.

The Air We Breathe Even while maintaining healthy exercise habits, respiratory health can be challenged by air pollutants like environmental and seasonal elements. These pollutants can cause temporary discomforts. There are several ways we can improve the quality of the air we breathe, from opening windows to let fresh air in, or to simply changing air filters regularly. Another way to help keep the air we breathe clean and refreshing is to diffuse essential oils. Purify, Wild Orange, Arborvitae, Juniper Berry, Lime, and dōTERRA On Guard® essential oils are all great for this purpose. Place diffusers in areas of high activity in your home or in areas where you spend prolonged periods of time. Essential oils can also be mixed with water in a fine mist spray bottle and sprayed in the air to give targeted purifying effects.

Seasonal and Environmental Threats Seasonal discomforts can manifest in different ways that vary from person to person. There are, however, natural methods to maintaining respiratory wellness and clear breathing. TriEase® Softgels were developed to protect against seasonal and environmental elements and promote healthy respiratory system function.* Each softgel contains equal parts of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils to help maintain clear breathing and a healthy immune response.* Used by both veteran and novice essential oil users, this well-known blend is frequently mixed together to promote respiratory health.* Now, with TriEase Softgels, this combination can be consumed quickly and easily when needed most, such as when traveling or attending outdoor events. TriEase Softgels can be consumed on a daily basis during times of seasonal discomfort to promote clear breathing and overall respiratory health.* Taking TriEase Softgels is as easy as swallowing one or two capsules on a daily basis when needed. It is most useful to take the softgels consistently at the same time every day to ensure constant benefits. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

At times, we may experience a lack of clear breathing At times, we may experience a lack of clear breathing. This can be uncomfortable and frustrating. With the many challenges to respiratory health that we face every day, it’s good to know that many essential oils can help to either support the respiratory system* or to restore feelings of clear breathing. In the following slides, we will focus on individual blends or oils and learn more about how they contribute to wellness. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

dōTERRA Breathe ® dōTERRA Breathe® is a blend of essential oils specially formulated to maintain feelings of clear airways and easy breathing. Including Laurel Leaf (bay leaf), Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, Ravintsara, and Cardamom essential oils, this remarkable blend can be used both topically and aromatically. To use dōTERRA Breathe topically, apply the oil to the chest, back, or soles of the feet, making sure to dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil for sensitive skin. For aromatic use, add dōTERRA Breathe to a warm bath or diffuse in your home or at work for an uplifting aroma. This oil is especially good to diffuse throughout the night.   For feelings of clear breathing on the go, dōTERRA Breathe Vapor Stick can be used without the mess of topical oil application. Try rubbing dōTERRA Breathe Vapor Stick on the chest or back, as needed. Finally, dōTERRA Breathe Respiratory Drops can be used internally to promote clear breathing and clear airways while simultaneously providing a cooling and soothing sensation to the mouth and throat. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Eucalyptus & Other Essential Oils Eucalyptus essential oil can also be utilized during times of high seasonal threats. The dominant chemical constituents of Eucalyptus essential oil are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol, which make this essential oil ideal for promoting feelings of clear breathing and open airways through topical or aromatic use. Studies have also shown Eucalyptus to be effective in helping lessen feelings of tension. Make sure to dilute for sensitive skin when applying Eucalyptus topically in order to best experience this powerful oil.   Other oils that can be used for promoting feelings of clear breathing include Douglas Fir, Cardamom, and Peppermint. These oils, as well as Eucalyptus, can be effectively diffused. Consider diffusing them during the day and especially through the night to support respiratory function. If a diffuser isn’t available, apply a few drops to your hands and cup them around your nose while inhaling deeply. These oils can also be applied to the chest, back, or soles of the feet. Each of these oils can be added to a warm bath to provide both topical and aromatic benefits.

Cardamom and Peppermint Essential Oils Cardamom and Peppermint essential oils are appropriate for internal use as well. Cardamom is well-known for its profound effects on the respiratory system, a feature Cardamom owes to its high 1,8-cineole content, which promotes clear breathing and overall respiratory health.* Peppermint essential oil can also help promote healthy respiratory function and clear breathing.* However, not all Peppermint essential oil is created equal. Many of the health benefits offered by Peppermint essential oil are owed to the constituent menthol. dōTERRA® Peppermint essential oil is sourced from the Northwestern United States, where climates promote a particularly high level of menthol.   One way to use Cardamom or Peppermint internally is to make tea. Simply add a drop of Peppermint or Cardamom essential oil to hot water and inhale as you drink to experience clear breathing and respiratory support.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Recap Respiratory health depends on: Exercise Limiting effects felt from environmental/seasonal threats Using essential oils to provide added benefit Keeping your respiratory system healthy can be a daily challenge. Let’s recap what we’ve learned. We know that the quality of the air we breathe can have a serious effect on the health of our respiratory systems. Maintaining a healthy respiratory system can depend on regular exercise and limiting the effects of environmental and seasonal threats. It can also depend on the use of essential oils to provide added respiratory benefit.* To learn more about the dōTERRA® oils and products designed to help support the respiratory system or to download and share this presentation with friends and family, use the links above under “Presentation Resources.”   Thank you for participating in this Essential Wellness Education presentation.