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essential oils for coughs & colds

essential oils for coughs & colds

Coughs and colds are inevitable part of life and as the season changes to Autumn we seem to be more prone to catching a cough or a cold.

 

Why does this happen?

 

There are a few factors that heighten us catching a cold or cough at this time of the year.

  • Less daylight means we are being exposed to less Vitamin D, this compromises our immune system and makes us more susceptible to catching a cold
  • Some germs are more resilient in colder temperatures.
  • If you have kids, being back at school/college means coming into contact with a whole host of potential ‘new germs’

 

When we succumb to a cough or a cold our immune system gets to work, producing more mucus leaving us feeling congested and blocked. Our body aches from fighting off the ‘invader’ and we feel tired and lethargic as our body tries to rid itself of the infection.

 

Did you know, there are many ways to use your essential oils to help you combat the common cold?

 

THE ESSENTIAL OILS YOU WILL NEED

  • Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
  • Peppermint Mentha piperita
  • Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
  • Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlanticus

 

How to use them

 

INHALATION

Just inhaling certain essential oils can being relief to a blocked stuffy nose and help you breathe more easily

Method

To a heat proof bowl add the following essential oils

1 drop of Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia

2 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus

1 drop of Peppermint Mentha piperita

Then add just boiled water and carefully place the bowl on a heat proof surface. Place a towel over your head to create a tent. Close your eyes and inhale deeply.

This method is not advisable for ASTHMA SUFFERERS OR YOUNG CHILDREN.

 

DIFFUSERS

At the first sign of a cough or a cold get your essential oil diffuser out! It can be on your desk if you have to work, in the family home or put it on an hour before bed to fill your bedroom with immune boosting and decongestants aromas. Make sure you turn it off before turning out the light!

Method

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to add water to the reservoir, then add the following drops of essential oils.

3 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

3 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus

2 drops of Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia

 

TOP TIP

If you are really congested….

Add 2 drops of Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, to your pillow – away from your face- to help you breath, so that you can get some ‘healing’ sleep!

 

CHEST RUB

Coughing is no fun, and if it’s disturbing your sleep, you won’t be giving your body a chance to fight off the infection.

Making a blend to apply to the upper chest and upper back, before bedtime will soothe your cough and aid you on your road to recovery.

Method

To 20 ml of base/vegetable oil add the following drops

5 drops of Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlanticus

3 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus

2 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Massage into chest and upper back just before bedtime. (Wash your hands after application) This amount should last 4-5 applications.

 

Hopefully these tips and recipes will help you fight off seasonal coughs and colds. And if you do get a cold, help you feel better quicker!

 

NB These blends and recipes are for aged 12 and over. For advice and tips for younger children, please visit an earlier blog which explains ways to use essential oils for children for coughs and colds