I favor oregano oil over eucalyptus, and not just because it makes me think of furniture polish. Oregano oil is an unfriendly pathogen genocider. I've never seen a better silver bullet for prevention except maybe Xlear. And I've certainly never seen anything that will nip an already acquired respiratory infection in the bud like oregano oil.
Now, when LJ says steam inhalation I gather it's something close to "huffing". What you do is get a barely simmering pot with about 1/4 inch of water in it that your face will sort of fit over. I like a 4 cup sauce pan. Barely simmering means just when you start to see tiny bubbles in the pot or right when you can start to see wisps of steam. You do not want this real hot because 1) you waste your oil to evaporation fast, and B) said quick evaporation will cause discomfort. These oils are harsh when breathed into your throat and sinuses.
Now that you have a pot of water simmering, place 2 or 3 drops in the water. Put your face over the steam and SLOWLY breathe in. Alternate between sinus and tracheal breathing. Oregano is harsh, so go slow and learn how YOU can pull in as much evaporating oil into your respiratory tract as you can. You'll get good at it, but you WILL cough when learning. Like I said, it's harsh but worth it. Repeat will more drops of oil once you can't smell the oil in the pot.
You want to do the above protocol once you KNOW you have something to lessen the duration, or when you SUSPECT you might have something to nip it in the bud. Everyone knows their trigger symptoms that they may have caught something. For me it's a scratchy throat and watery ears. Better safe than sorry I say.
LJ I've tried other oils to lessen the harness of the oregano oil to no avail. Any tips?
Numberonepal, you are more scientific than I am. :-D I just sort of muddle along, usually a heavy stainless steel bowl (so it keeps the heat), bring water to almost boil, put on kitchen table, and sprinkle in EOs.
I’ve tried using oregano oil and it is... too tough for me straight. I use it in small amounts in blends. I mix with others that help respiratory function and usually prefer blends for many purposes.
Hot moist compresses on upper back and chest (alternating) with a small bit of eos in the water can be very good for breaking up lung/bronchial congestion.