GIVE CHANGE-OF-SEASON BUGS A KICK IN THE BUTT
Often with a change in season, respiratory colds prevail. Essential oils are most helpful as the respiratory system is directly affected by them as they are easily inhaled and reach lower and upper tracts practically intact. Thus, essential oils have been used extensively in scientific and medical studies to alleviate respiratory problems.
Safest and Most Effective
Method: Inhalation.
Sinusitis Sufferers:
Decongestent oils are the best. Use Eucalyptus,
Rosemary or Spike Lavender to unblock. Peppermint is great in blends to give sensation of easier
breathing. It also helps with the
dreaded sinus headache.
Use
decongestant blends to break up thick, difficult to clear mucus.(See an Aromatherapist).
The Difference in
how Oils are Classified:
Expectorants – loosen mucus in the lungs, for you to cough up.
Mucolytics – break down mucus, making it more
liquid.
Anti-tussives – stop coughing
Anti-spasmodics
– for cough found in asthma or whooping cough
Most
oils traditionally used in aromatherapy for the respiratory system, are highly
immuno-stimulating. Reference – “Aromatherapy for
Massage Practitioners” by
What About Bronchitis?
Bedrest,
if there is a fever. Keep air moist –
steam inhalation and a humidifier. Aromatherapy
can combat infection, reduce fever, ease cough and expel mucus. First, by steam inhalation, when is dry and
sore. Ie
In
later stages, it is very important to eradicate mucus from the lungs – ie
basil, cajeput, eucalyptus, spike lavender, rosemary. If you suffer from acute bronchitis –
bedrest and warmth are imperative. A humidifier can be simply made by placing a
bowl of hot water and adding 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
Mucusy Lungs: Asthma, Colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusiti, rhinitis
Adding to dietary and lifestyle factors,
long-term treatment by Aromatherapy, uses detoxifying oils – particularly
encouraging draining of the lymphatics, diuretics and immuno-stimulating
oils. Inhalations of any of these: cajeput, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, pine,
rosemary or tea tree. Get a blend made for the upper back, chest
and shoulders using any of the aforementioned oils as an example.
Finally, massaging the face, namely around the
sinus area, helps drain away mucus.
What About Sore Throat?
Inhalations – ie lavender, tea tree. A blend for massaging the throat
and chest – again, see an Aromatherapist. Also use oils in a vaporiser.
Very
effective method is to use 3 drops tea tree oil (or lemon oil) in warm water and gargle.
Repeat
2 or 3 times a day until the condition has cleared up.
For more information on how Kirsten Pirie Therapeutics can assist you, check out the short video below:
