When winter season is round the corner, most of us look forward to all the festive occasion. But some of us dread as winter is always accompanied by cold, flu and many other respiratory problems. But, to our great relief, all these problems can be kept at bay with the use of aromatherapy. It helps the immune system in various ways to fight against the microbes that causes common cold.
The essential oils can be used as anti-bacterial and anti-viral as well. More than one essential oil can be used at once as a therapy however, it is suggested that a combination of not more than 3 essential oils should be used.
The essential oils can be used for the treatment of common cold either as congestion rub, inhaler, bath treatment or air diffuser. You will easily find the essential oils in the local drugstore. Though there are a number of medications available for common cold but most of us prefer to go for alternative treatment if there are any. Steam inhalation with essential oil is one of the most effective treatments for cold and sinuses. Most of us are already aware of the essential oils that are effective for treating common cold. Among the widely known, eucalyptus is quite popular for its effectiveness.
Some of the essential oils that are used for the treatment are pine, tea tree, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, thyme etc. You can use these essential oils easily at home as a home remedy. One way is to inhale the steam by adding about 3-4 drops of essential oils in hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for about 5 minutes. Another way out is to add about 10-12 drops of the oils into your lotion and massage it. Rub it mainly on the chest and back to relieve chest congestion. Or add 2-3 drops of oil in a diffuser so that when it blows the air is filled with the oils and helps in getting relief.
Tips:
1) Choose the essential oil(s) from the recommended ingredients that most appeal to you for your oil blend.
2) Avoid rosemary oil if your have high blood pressure or epilepsy.
3) Consult your physician and an Aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.
4) Do not rub your eyes after using essential oils. (Rinse your eyes with cold water if you get any essential oil in your eye.)
5) Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, i.e. Oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.
6) To get relief from cold the easiest way is t blend eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint and rosemary essential oil.
7) Cold Rub for children. Blend 5-6 drops of eucalyptus, 4-5 drops of rosemary, 4-5 drops of geranium and 3-4 drops of peppermint to 2 oz of carrier oils.
8) For adults add the same amount of essentials to 1 oz of carrier oils.
For your children, aromatherapy is of great benefits. However, children below 6 years of age should not be allowed to go for the inhalation process though, you can massage it but make sure that the dilution is milder. Instead of 3 drops, suffice it with a drop. Using a diffuser is the best way out as it will protect the atmosphere as well as the child to cope up with the problem.
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