Image from Freepik.com/awesomecontent
Go the natural route…
The use of essential oils for relief of respiratory infections has been in practice for centuries due to their antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Historically, vapours from certain plants and trees have been used to ease respiration from illnesses like the common cold, sinus pain and throat and chest infections. Here’s how they can help you…
Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Lavender
Certain essential oils are used to relieve respiratory infections, the most popular being eucalyptus. Others such as tea tree, lavender, pine, thyme, peppermint and benzoin are also effective.
Eucalyptus, one of the favourites to get rid of winter bugs, is effective to use preventatively as an immune booster. But most of it, it is mucolytic and helps to rid the airways of dryness and to trap infectious particles that are then coughed out.
READ MORE: Do You Really Need To Stop Drinking On Antibiotics?
Tea Tree has well known anti-infectious properties against bacteria, microbes and fungi. It is also non-irritant to mucous surfaces which line the respiratory tracts so is perfect in small concentrations for infections in the nose, throat or chest.
Lavender has many uses, but on the respiratory system it has anti-infectious properties. As well as being an expectorant, it soothes the mucous membranes, which is especially beneficial when treating irritated mucosa (lining of the nose, throat and chest) associated with allergies.
Application?
The oils can be used in a number of ways to treat coughs, colds and flu. They can be used in their concentrated form in an aromatherapy burner, placed in a diffuser, vaporiser, sauna or even a few drops on the shower floor. Sprinkled on a tissue, the aroma’s can be inhaled when desired.
Essential oils can also be used in a diluted form, mixed into a base or carrier oil, such as a cream or almond oil. The creams or oils can then be massaged into the chest, or around the throat or nose, and even around the ears to soothe flu symptoms. Bath oils or salts with the effective essential oils are wonderfully therapeutic as they provide the steam effect, inhalation and absorption of oils into the body.
Precautions
When essential oils are used there are a few points to bear in mind…
Combine oils for maximum effect: Essential oils are effective individually as well as when they are combined with other oils for a synergistic effect. The whole effect is more than the sum of its parts, therefore a mixture of more than one effective respiratory oil is better than a single oil.
Less is better than more: It must be cautioned that less is better than more. With aromatherapy and essential oils very little is required to have a therapeutic benefit and because of their localised action, an effect or outcome is instant. Too much essential oil can cause irritation and because the oils are inhaled directly into the nose, mouth and lungs small quantities go a long way.
Dilute oils properly: It is advised to only use oils on the skin if they have been properly diluted. Moreover if there is any adverse effect the use should be terminated immediately.
From The Brand Boutique. Please visit www.aromatic.co.za for more information.
These are officially the 8 best teas for your health. Plus: 5 amazing benefits of green tea that you didn’t know about.