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How to stay Healthy through Winter, naturally…………using essential oils
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Hi Everyone,
The days have become very grey, damp and cold. Winter is definitely upon us, and with it comes the usual coughs, colds, flu and various other viruses. However this need not be a 'fait accompli", meaning it's not a given! There are many natural therapies that can help prevent the onset of illness and if you do succumb, they can help shorten the duration and severity.
One of these is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are aromatic liquid substances extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees. These concentrated liquids are used in medicine as an active ingredient of many drugs, are used to give aroma and flavour to food and drinks, act as preservatives, and are used in the cosmetic industry for their cell-rejuvenating and beautifying properties and as fragrances in perfumes.
They are powerfully antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and a natural antibiotic. They need to be used diluted and with care but they are a wonderful ally in the war against bugs, particularly in winter.
The oils listed below are some of the most effective to use for sore throats, fever, colds and the flu.
Lemon: Great for throat infections, colds, flu, fever, bronchitis.
Eucalyptus: Is an immune stimulant. Great for fever, sinus and throat infections, soothes the respiratory tract.
Peppermint: Good for fever, headaches caused by congestion from head colds, sinusitis.
Thyme: Another Immune stimulant, good for Bronchitis, tonsillitis, coughs.
Tea Tree: An immune stimulant, great for colds, flu and sore throats. Can gargle one or two drops in hot water for a sore throat, but don't swallow. Can also be applied neat to pimples and cuts.
Frankincense: Great for asthma, coughs and bronchitis.
Lavender: Another immune stimulant. Great for flu, fever and throat infections and can be applied neat to cuts and burns.
Using essential oils.
Although most essential oils cannot be taken internally, there are many other ways to benefit from their use.
Diffusion: The use of a diffuser, either heated by a candle or electricity, allows the molecules of the oil to be dispersed into the air. Add 1 to 6 drops of your chosen oil to warm water. Breathing in the aroma of the oils helps to ward off bugs before you succumb to them!
Steam Inhalation: Pour hot water into a bowl, add your desired oil, cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and breathe in. This may be an old fashioned remedy but it's really effective for congested heads. One drop each of Thyme, Tea Tree, Lavender and Clove is a great remedy.
Massage: If feeling blocked up and unwell, massage some oils onto your neck, chest and sinuses. Always dilute with a vegetable oil such as almond, grapeseed or jojoba. One drop of essential oil to one ml of vegetable oil. Lemon and Eucalyptus make a nice combination.
Bath: Adding 2 to 6 drops to a foot bath or 8 drops in a bath is a lovely way of relaxing and breathing in the aroma of the oils. Mix with bath salts to help disperse the oils in water, otherwise they sit on the top.
As mentioned, most essential oils cannot be taken internally, however there are two exceptions. Young Living and Doterra are two companies that make therapeutic grade essential oils, some of which can be taken in food or drinks. Two oils I have found really beneficial are Thieves by Young Living, and On Guard by Doterra. They both contain a combination of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary and either lemon or wild orange. They are antimicrobial so are actively said to fight bugs.
If you haven't used essential oils before, give them a try and I know that you will be pleasantly surprised. They need to be used with care as they are quite potent but they are a lovely addition to your medicine cupboard and a wonderful and natural way of getting through Winter, healthily.
Take care,
With love,
Judy
www.solevitality.com.au
Disclaimer: Please note that all information is the opinion of the author and obtained through the following references. Always seek medical advice for any health condition.
References: The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless.
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