Using essential oils for cold care is fast becoming more popular than other well known remedies. In fact, there are a number of products available over the counter for relieving symptoms that are made with essential oils. One can easily utilize the oils themselves, which gives one the flexibility of several means of applying them.
There are a number of essential oils that have different healing properties. Many of them are helpful in treating the common symptoms of head and chest colds and different combinations of the substances will benefit different types of colds. The three most commonly used are peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender.
Found in throat lozenges, cough syrups, balms, and inhalants, eucalyptus possesses anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There are published studies also indicating eucalyptus “radiata” will stimulate the body’s immune system, perhaps removing bacteria and viruses from the system faster. A steam inhalation can be made by dropping eucalyptus oil into boiling hot water to produce a steam that clears stuffed noses and other bothersome symptoms. Eucalyptus is a remarkable decongestant and is effective when used with a compress applied to the chest to relieve upper respiratory congestion, and a stuffed nose.
Using peppermint oil is very good for helping to clear head congestion. Peppermint is about one third menthol and most individuals recognize the aroma as that ingredient used in balms that are commonly sold as cold remedies in drug stores. Lavender can be very helpful when you are not able to get a good nights rest due to a cold. A few drops in a warm bath will help you relax and offers antiseptic properties for healing.
Even though there are several ways to use them, the most effective way to use the vital oil is with steam inhalation. This is the best application for treating head and chest congestion, stuffy nose, and coughs. The remedy is one of the simplest yet it is the most successful. An inhalation requires a bowel of boiling water, the right combination of oils, and a towel to cover your head while you lean over the vapor.
To use steam inhalation, place several drops of peppermint and eucalyptus in a bowl of boiling hot water. Next, with your head covered with a towel, bend over the bowel and form a tent around the bowel with the towel. Begin inhaling deeply for quite a few minutes. This remedy is quick to produce results and is very effective.
Additionally, bathing in a warm tub of water with a few drops each of lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, is extremely therapeutic. The eucalyptus and peppermint will clear head congestion, a stuffy nose, and quiets coughs, and the lavenders calming properties are relaxing while its antiseptic qualities go to work. Calming the symptoms and relaxing the body, it is possible to get the rest needed to get better.
Because of the remarkable healing properties, it is worth considering using essential oils for cold care as an alternative to over the counter remedies. There are several additional oils regarded by aromatherapists to have potent immune-boosting actions, while actually destroying viruses. While not commonly found in over-the-counter remedies, bay laurel and melissa essential oils may help in more dramatic ways than simply managing cold symptoms.
More natural health information is available from the author at Ananda Aromatherapy Essential Oils and at the organic medicinal herb blog.
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