(ARA) - The arrival of cold and flu season doesn’t mean you have to choose
between pharmaceutical drugs and the misery of colds or flu. With aromatherapy,
you can use totally natural essential oils to relieve congestion, sore throats
and other symptoms.
Aromatherapy is a natural healing therapy that utilizes essential oils from
aromatic plants to help you literally smell your way to good health. Essential
oils, which are antibacterial by nature, can be used in a number of ways during
cold and flu season, including simply diffusing them into the air and inhaling
their aromas.
Herbalist and aromatherapist Tim Blakley recommends tea
tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary. He has written extensively about
aromatherapy and taught at conferences, schools and stores around the country --
using aromatherapy and herbs to maintain his health while traveling.
“Tea tree has anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant
and immune-stimulant properties, making it one of my key essential oils for
fighting colds and flu,” he said. Here are some strategies Blakley recommends to
ward off the flu bug.
An Ounce of Prevention . . .
Of course it's
better to prevent colds and flu than to cure them. In addition to a healthy diet
that's rich in preventative nutrients such as vitamin C, there are several ways
aromatherapy can be used to help boost your ability to fight off colds and flu.
You can use a diffuser to fill the air around you with natural scents
that stimulate the immune system, such as scents of lavender, lemon, tea tree,
cinnamon or eucalyptus essential oils. Also, gargling daily with one drop each
of lemon and tea tree essential oils diluted in a half glass of water can be
helpful. Be sure to stir the solution well before each gargle, and be careful
not to swallow any of it. A calming lavender and marjoram evening bath promotes
immunity through both its aromatherapy effects and by relieving stress that can
weaken your body's defenses. Simply place four drops of each oil in the tub
after running the bath. To maximize therapeutic benefits, keep the water
comfortably hot.
Treat Yourself Right
Sometimes -- despite your best
efforts to prevent catching a cold or the flu -- you may find yourself feeling
under the weather. At the first signs of symptoms, try these simple, natural
remedies to get yourself on the road to recovery.
You can relieve
congestion while on the go by placing a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus
essential oils on a tissue and inhaling throughout the day. When you're at home
with enough time, give yourself a full treatment of steam inhalation. Prepare by
simply placing five drops of peppermint, eucalyptus or other essential oil in
three cups of simmering water. Remove the water from heat, and place your face
over the steam with a towel draped over your head. Inhale the steam through your
nose for at least five minutes, taking breaks as necessary to break up your head
and chest congestion.
If you have a sore throat or cough, mix three
drops of tea tree, eucalyptus or ginger essential oil into a glass of cold
water. Gargle with this solution several times a day, without swallowing it.
Repeat as often as necessary. As with any illness, if symptoms continue after a
few days of home treatment or you begin to feel worse, you should seek medical
attention.
Effective Essential Oils
To be effective therapeutically,
essential oils should be of the highest quality and cultivated in the best
conditions. When buying essential oils, your best bet is to choose an
established company with a reputation for quality. Aura Cacia, which sells
essential oils online, uses sophisticated testing like gas chromatography to
ensure quality and offers a guarantee that their essential oils are 100 percent
pure and authentic. You can get more information on essential oils and their
uses at www.auracacia.com or by calling (800) 669-3275.
(ARA) - The arrival of cold and flu season doesn’t mean you have to choose
between pharmaceutical drugs and the misery of colds or flu. With aromatherapy,
you can use totally natural essential oils to relieve congestion, sore throats
and other symptoms.
