Winter is the time when coughs, colds, flu, sneezes & sniffles are plentiful. The use of essential oils can be a pleasant & effective way to combat & relieve these symptoms. Benzoin, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender & Tea Tree oils are just 6 of the oils which can be helpful.
Benzoin is thick, gloopy oil with a subtle ‘vanilla’ like aroma. It has a soothing action upon the throat, easing coughs. Add a couple of drops to a diffuser, especially at night to ease coughing & aid a restful night’s sleep.
Cinnamon is a warm spicy oil & can help to relieve aches & chills which can occur at the onset of colds & flu. Added to a massage blend, cinnamon can relieve joint & muscular aches & pains. Use only in small quantities to avoid skin irritations or add 2 drops to a diffuser.
Eucalyptus has a clean sharp aroma & is used in many over the counter remedies for colds, flu & catarrh as a decongestant. As well as easing congestion in the nasal passages, it can stop the cold virus from multiplying. Add to water in a spray bottle (shake well before spraying) & diffuse into the air or add to a diffuser to give a measure of protection against airborne viruses. Add 1 or 2 drops to a hanky & inhale to ease a stuffy nose.
Ginger is a hot spicy oil & inhaling the oil can help to quell feelings of nausea. It can be soothing for sore throats when added to a gargle. (Add 1 drop to 1 tsp vodka, dilute in a small amount of hot water). Adding 1 drop of ginger oil to a massage blend can ease muscular & joint pain.
Lavender has a flowery, relaxing aroma. Add 3-4 drops to a facial steamer & inhale the vapours to relieve catarrh, colds, coughs & flu, by utilising the anti-bacterial, antiseptic & antibiotic properties. Massage 1 drop of lavender into the throat to relieve tickly coughs. 1 drop at either side of a pillow can ease sleeplessness.
Tea Tree has a sharp medicinal aroma & has powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral & immuno-stimulant properties. Use at the first sign of colds & flu to stimulate the body into fighting against these organisms more effectively. Add a few drops of oil to a bath, to induce sweating, which is the body’s natural healing action to bodily infections. Add to a diffuser to combat airborne viruses.
All of the oils can be used individually or blended together. The body will guide the individual oil molecules the areas they are needed. Using the oils in conjunction with each other can enhance their properties, enabling them to help us more effectively.
Pure essential oils should be used to gain maximum therapeutic value.
