[Samwise]

Also having eucalyptus oil around - I put a drop on collar or shirt neck and breathe the smell - it can help clear the bronchials right up.

The scent from the eucalyptus doesn't bother you? Potpourri makes my sinuses hurt so I'm skeptical that it would help me. However, I may try that when I'm feel like experimenting.

[little jeremiah]

Most potpouris are made of some natural plant materials plus artificial perfumes added. I can't stand them either (Choke...Gag...Gack). They also usually have strange dyes added.

But pure essential oils (the bottle has to say natural or pure) are made out of plant material only, and most not only don't bother me but many help. Good ones smell like you're out in the forest - eucalyptus, spruce, fir and pine. Nautral food stores are the place to get them. I use them in a very basic way - mostly sprinkle them on the woodstove! Or just put a drop on a shirt. I find they really help open up breathing passages, sinuses, and also they kill germs so they're handy to have in the air anyway.
If you have more questions about their use you can FReepmail me as I have studied them a bit.