ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FIGHTING COLDS

There comes a time of the year that people feel thick-headed, sore throat and blocked noses. Most people run to the doctor or pharmacy for all kinds of medicines without even giving essential oil a second thought. The most commonly used essential oils used for colds and flu are:

• Lemongrass
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary

 

Lemongrass – Cymbopogon Flexuosus - Herb

Lemongrass is often thought of in the association with food but it has many useful health related properties and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

 

Origin: Australia
Other producers are: USA, Italy

Allergy Warning: Sensitive Skin

Short History of Lemongrass

Reports that lemon grass was being distilled for export as early as the 17th century in the Philippines. The first samples of the closely related citronella oil were displayed at the World’s Fair at London’s Crystal Palace in 1951. It is favourite oil in India for hundreds of years and known locally as ‘choomana poolu’ which refers to the plant’s red grass stems. Lemon grass produces one of the 10 – largest – selling essential oils in the world, with over 1500 tons produced annually.

Try the following recipe

Colds and Flu Chest Rub

Chest massage is helpful both as a preventative and a remedy.

You will need

• 5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 50ml Petroleum Jelly
• Small glass Jar

Method 
Place the petroleum jelly into the glass jar. 
Add the essential oil and mix well. 
Rub chest and back before bed and in the morning
and wring out. 
Place gently over affected area. Repeat every 3 minutes.

Muscular Aches and Pains Massage Blend

Ask your friend or partner to help you with this session.

You will need

• 5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 2 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 25 ml Grapeseed Oil
• Dark glass Bottle

Method
Pour the grapeseed in the glass bottle and add the essential oil. 
Shake well.
Massage affected muscles in upwards strokes.

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus Globbulus - Tree

The oil of the eucalyptus tree is a highly valued versatile aromatherapy ingredient. It is most often used as an inhalant for chesty coughs and colds.

Origin: China
Other producers are: South Africa, Australia

Allergy Warning: Sensitive Skin, Do Not use when Pregnant, Do Not Use on Babies and Young Children.

Short History of Eucalyptus

The eucalyptus oil story began in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet and Surgeon-General John White.   Within a few weeks of arriving White recorded in his diary the olfactory oil in the eucalyptus.  Governor Arthur Philip sent a sample to Sir Joseph Banks in England. On 2 May 1858 the town of Kyneton, Victoria, found a novel way to use eucalyptus oil. On this date, the town’s shops, hotels and residences were lit for the first time by gas of first rate quality made from eucalyptus leaves. By the turn of the century oil was being exported to the United Kingdom, Germany, USA, Canada, South Africa, India, China, New Zealand and several countries in the Far East.

Try some of the following recipes

 

Head Clearing Room Spray

Use this blend spray in a sickroom and bathroom.

You will need

• 3 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
• 2 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Benzoin Oil
• 250ml Bottled or filtered water
• 250ml Spray Bottle

Method
Add all the oils in the water and shake well before spray.

Colds and Flu Rub for children

You will need

• 2 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
• 4 Drop Lavender Essential Oil
• 30 ml Grapeseed Oil

       
Method
Add all the oils together in the glass bottle and shake well. Massage over the chest and back at bed time and in the morning.

Stuffy Nose Steam

You will need

• 10 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• Bowl

Method
Fill the Bowl with boiling hot water.
Add the essential Oils and stir with spatula.
Cover head with towel and breathe in slowly.
Repeat.

Rosemary – Rosmarinus Officinalis -     Herbs

Rosemary is a very strong herb that must be used with caution. It is very popular for its anti-septic, stimulating, cleansing, astringent and tonic properties. Rosemary is commonly used to boost the immune system.

Origin: Spain
Other producers are: None on Record

Allergy Warning: Epilepsy, Hypertension, Pregnancy, High Blood Pressure

Parts Used: Leaves, Stem and Flowers

Short History of Rosemary

Rosemary takes its name from the Latin ros maris, which means “dew of the sea.” During the middle Ages, The oil was thought to be capable of dispelling negativity. As such, it was tucked under pillows to thwart nightmares and visits from evil spirits. It was also burned in the house to keep the black plague from entering.

Try the following recipes

Immune System Boost

Massage Blend

You will need

• 5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil
• 15 ml Grape seed Oil
• Dark Glass Bottle

Method
Add the Rosemary Essential Oil to the Grapeseed Oil in the bottle.
Shake well.

Conclusion 

So, before spending too much money, time and effort on doctors and pharmacies, try healing the natural way. But please take note, if your condition worsen, go see your doctor.

References:

The Beauty Therapy Fact File
Aromatherapy for Stress Therapists
And (Me)

TIP OF THE DAY

Tip of the day:

 

When using a candle burner, use a large enough bowl to hold at least 35ml of water, so enabling the burner to continue vaporizing for 2-3 hours before burning dry