Breathe Easier

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) seems to be in the news lately. What is it exactly and who does it effect? According to the American Lung Association RSV is a “common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. Most people develop mild symptoms similar to that of a common cold with congestion.” They also state “most healthy patients are expected to fully recover from RSV. But it can be severe among the sickest patients.”

Prevention is worth a pound of cure—we’ve all heard the saying, but it definitely does help, especially with respiratory issues to keep our systems in topnotch order so that when the cold winter months come we won’t be hit as hard with illness.

As The Melaleuca Wellness Guide states, astragalus “is suggested for people who have chronic recurrent infections, especially respiratory infections…echinacea, astragalus, and a good vitamin program are an excellent start for a good immune stimulant program.” These can be found in Melaleuca’s Activate. For more information on building your immune system read “You Can Activate Your Immune System” in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide.

What you use to clean your house can also play a major role in your respiratory health. The pamphlet “Let’s Stop Poisoning Our Children!” and the chapter by the same title in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide, states “researchers discovered that the use of common household cleaners could deteriorate lung capacity.” To better your lung health, use of safer products is another building block toward prevention. For more information on why toxic cleaners are harmful, see also the chapter entitled “A Healthy Home Means a Healthy You,” in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide.

When They Do Hit

When a respiratory illness does come about there are many things that can help alleviate and speed recovery. In The Melaleuca Wellness Guide there are fourteen essential oils listed that have been found effective to fight against bacteria that causes respiratory infections—thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, perilla, and peppermint oils.

Research has shown that the use of eucalyptus oil may be a timely treatment to reduce or eradicate nasal congestion, coughing, and other symptoms related to sinusitis. Diffusing the oil prior to bedtime can contribute to a restful sleep due to clearing the nasal passages.

For more information on other essential oils that are helpful during a respiratory infection or cold, check out the chapter “Essential Oils” in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide.

Taking care of your respiratory health is not just preventing RSV or a common cold, it is also important as it is a major system in our bodies that help us to live and work with ease. So taking preventative measures and then taking care of ourselves when illness does strike is important.

~ Richard M Barry