Cayenne is about as close to a cure-all herb as there is in nature. If I could only have one herb in my house, Cayenne would be the one that I would choose.

Taken as a cold or fever begins, Cayenne fights the infection while inducing a beneficial and bacteria-killing sweat. Cayenne is an excellent digestive and reproductive stimulant herb. In respiratory illnesses, Cayenne acts as an expectorant, thinning the mucus in the lungs and making it possible for the body to expel it. In the digestive tract, Cayenne promotes the secretion of digestive juices and improves the ability of the body to absorb nutrients. Cayenne is often used—usually in capsule form—to cauterize and heal stomach ulcers.

Cayenne is an accentuator and will increase the healing properties of the other herbs. By adding a touch of Cayenne to a respiratory formula, for example, the respiratory herbs will reach the lungs and begin their healing action much more quickly. Cayenne, in small parts, is in many of the Butterfly formulas.

Cayenne is the #1 stimulant herb. It is the purest and most powerful of all the medicinal herbs. The best description I have ever read of Cayenne is that it causes “the fires of life to burn more brightly.” Cayenne rebuilds (yes, rebuilds) vein structures, removes plaque from veins and sends the blood rushing along carrying nutrients to every cell of the body.

Cayenne and HVC

HVC is a wonderful way to get the incredible herb, Cayenne, into your system. HVC should be used cold for bleeding, insect bites, shock, and blood clots. It can be used warm or cold for flu, increasing energy, relieving sore throat pain, and improving circulation. Drink 1/2 to 2 cups as needed, up to 1 qt or more during a day.

**Note: Warmth increases circulation—do not use hot, or even warm, when trying to stop a hemorrhage or excessive bleeding of any kind.

I could write a whole blog on Cayenne. Since this is a blog about Respiratory/Flu, I will move on to the other products and leave you with this Link to the Cayenne Information Page if you want to read more.

Physically, ^LeCinnamonBear acts as a stimulant and tonic for circulation, and for the immune and lymphatic systems. Diluted well, this blend is an excellent choice for massage. The effects will be gently stimulating. ^LeCinnamonBear is especially beneficial to sore muscles and joints stiffened by arthritis or rheumatism.

Cassia, and this ^LeCinnamonBear blend containing it, stimulate T-lymphocyte activity and immunoglobulin production by the B-cells of the immune system. These are key elements of effective resistance to disease by our bodies.

This blend, with its stimulating, mood-lifting, and immune-building properties is an excellent oil for the convalescent stage of illness. The emotional aspects of ^LeCinnamonBear do not allow for discouragement and can help us thrive, not just survive, an illness or difficult place in our lives.  Be sure and dilute well if applying to the body.

^LeExhale is useful for clearing phlegm from the lungs and sinuses.^LeExhale should be diluted and rubbed on the chest or back. It can be diffused or placed on a cotton ball and inhaled or place a drop on your pillow.

^LeExhale is a combination of stimulating and soothing that is useful for relieving congestion, colds, or coughs.  The Ravensara in this blend helps fight viral strains and, along with Tea Tree, aids in tissue rebuilding, while killing some of the nastiest microbes on the planet. ^LeExhale is antibacterial, helps encourage lymphatic drainage, stimulates the immune system, aids circulation, and brings a high percentage of cineole with the Eucalyptus Radiata in it that is believed to be the component that relieves colds and congestion.

^LeExhale is cool and soothing when we are feeling stuffed up and unable to allow our repressed or pent-up emotions to flow. Colds and congestion often occur when we are feeling “congestion” somewhere in our lives. ^LeExhale stimulates our minds to look for fresh new ideas and emotions that will serve us better, allowing the body to return to a state of wellness.

^LeThermaCare was specifically designed to aid in gently reducing the very high fevers we often see with the high-powered and quick-onset flu “bugs” that are so prevalent in the world today. The use of this essential oil to reduce fever is especially nice with children. The essential oils contained in ^LeThermaCare are gentle. They stimulate the body’s defense while calming the nerves and soothing the spirit. In addition to the fever-reducing properties of the Yarrow and the Peppermint, the Coriander is well renowned for giving strength both during an illness and during the convalescent stages.

It is better to apply this essential oil blend to the body. Diffusing might be pleasant but may not give you the results in fever reduction that you need. ^LeThermaCare should be diluted well and applied to the back of the neck and down the spine. It is also effective to apply ^LeThermaCare to the bottom of the feet.  One of my favorite ways to use it is to put a drop or two in the bathtub.

Marjoram eases respiratory distress and infections such as bronchitis. It is often beneficial for spasmodic dry coughs. The analgesic properties of Marjoram make it an appropriate choice for muscle aches, sprains, strains, and arthritis. Marjoram essential oil helps bruising to clear and fade more quickly. Marjoram increases the dilation of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and eases heart palpitations. It can ease headaches that are caused by muscle tension or lack of circulation.

Marjoram oil increases the tone and effectiveness of parasympathetic nerves. One benefit of healthy parasympathetic nerves is an increase in the peristalsis in the colon. Marjoram regulates the menstrual cycle, and relieves pain and cramping.

Marjoram is quieting to obsessive worry where negative thoughts circle repetitively in the brain hour after hour. This type of obsessive worry is an indication of depleted or stressed earth energy.

Oregano, in either herbal or essential oil form, has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Oregano essential oil balances metabolism, strengthens the vital centers of the body, and is an immune stimulant. In the respiratory tract, Oregano is useful for treating chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, colds, and flu.

Be sure to dilute very well before applying to the feet or to the body. Oregano is not pleasant diffused by itself. However, the antimicrobial properties make it worth it. You can also add a few drops of a more pleasant-smelling oil to the diffuser with Oregano. It is too strong to use during pregnancy.

Oregano essential oil promotes a feeling of strength and stability.

Ravensara is strongly antiviral. It really gets in and kills “critters.” Ravensara then supports the kidneys and lymphatic system in getting rid of the “dead bodies” of the invaders. It has an affinity for the lungs and is useful in chronic respiratory conditions. I love love love this oil and all blends containing it.

Ravensara is often used to bring relief from shingles.  It kills the attacking viruses and brings relief from the pain.

Ravensara is listed throughout the literature for use with chicken pox, measles, and all viral infections. This oil has brought relief from mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Ravensara acts as an expectorant and helps to promote a healthy fever. A blend containing Ravensara would be a good thing to dilute and rub on yourself if you are showing any signs of coming down with the flu.

Eucalyptus is a traditional Aboriginal remedy for infections and fevers. It is popular throughout the world for many ailments. The astringent properties of Eucalyptus make it effective against colds, flu, sore throats, and bacterial infections of many kinds.  Eucalyptus is a strong expectorant for the respiratory system.

Eucalyptus is energizing and promotes feelings of steadfastness and confidence in oneself. The aroma of Eucalyptus can help us release resentment calmly, without the usual explosions of temper and hostility. Diffused it purifies the air. This oil should be used for any problem in the respiratory system. It is also one of the best oils for bringing down a fever and can alleviate mental exhaustion and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

Which Eucalyptus should I choose?

Note: Butterfly carries a wide variety of Eucalyptus oils with several Latin names.  Let me tell you why I chose Eucalyptus Blue Gum. It is authentic Eucalyptus Globulus which means that it is the first distillation and has not been rectified. Most Eucalyptus oils are rectified (redistilled and mixed with other distillations) to get a cineole content of 80% or more. The first distillation of an oil is usually more therapeutic, but also more expensive. Eucalyptus Blue Gum has a softer, more complex aroma and is considered to be the most therapeutic of the Eucalyptus oils.