By: Ozren Podnar, Vesna Tomašević |
Nine essential oils used against the common cold and sinus infection |
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Respiratory pathways’ occlusion, headache, annoying coughs… Common cold caused a variety of health problems.
Although there are many products for treating common cold, we recommend you to try natural remedies.
One of the best natural remedies is aromatherapy, which has proven to be really successful in reducing inflammations, nasal occlusions, cough and pressure in sinuses.
Breathe easily
Many essential oils help remove hard slime.
Oils made of eucalyptus; mint and pine are effective for removing sinus occlusions. Those are essential oils with a strong refreshing scent, which enhances their healing effects.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata) makes breathing easier; it has a powerful simulative effect on our immune system and also has antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Pine has simulative effects, alleviates pain and refreshes our organism. It has strong therapeutic effect on nasal infection, bronchitis and asthma treatments.
It is especially effective in combination with eucalyptus essential oil.
Niaouli and rosemary oils can also remove occlusions caused by the common cold.
They are very good decongestives, which means they clear nasal passages and reduce nose discharge. It is also considered they have strong antiseptic properties as well.
Niaouli essential oil can also soothe irritated and inflamed mucosa.
It has strong antiviral and antibacterial effects. It is one of the most important antiallergics among essential oils.
Rosemary oil is powerful for fighting bacteria (streptococci, Escherichia coli etc.); it soothes breathing, enhances circulation and alleviates the pain.
Stop the headache
Headache due to clogged nose and sinus infection is another frequent malice accompanied by the common cold.
Peppermint and lavender oils ease such troubles.
Peppermint is successful in treating headache and migraine because of its analgetic-cooling properties and it also has anti-inflammatory effects. It is used for sickness, fatigue, dizziness and faintness treatment.
Lavender is also effective for treating headaches and for providing inner peace, cure nervousness and sleeping problems.
Clear your throat
It is believed that lemon essential oil is good for expectoration and for clearing respiratory passageways and it can help alleviate pressure in the chest area.
Cedar and niaouli essential oils are useful for alleviating bronchi problems.
Cedar helps in common cold, cough, bronchitis and flu treatment. It has calming effects and strengthens our emotional and psychical stability.
Narrow-leaved tea-tree oil has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. This oil is long being used in Australian traditional medicine.
Australian natives have discovered that this oil helps with wound and infection treatments. Numerous modern researches confirm the efficiency of this oil as a natural antibiotic.
Essential oils that can help in common cold treatment:
- lavender
- peppermint
- rosemary
- cedar
- eucalyptus
- pine
- lemon
- niaouli
- tea-tree
Application
Steam inhalation, diffuser and warm aromatherapeutic bath are three effective ways of using healing properties of essential oils.
Essential oil inhalation is the most effective method for curing flu and the common cold.
Use essential oils alternatively since each of them has slightly different characteristic properties.
For maximum efficiency, perform five or six steam inhalations every day.
Each oil has its uniqueness when it comes to using it in steaming pot, steamer or in a bath. Before using any oil, check instructions on the label in order to avoid hot water or hot oil burns.
In this form of treatment, more does not mean better. For example, by adding excessive amounts of peppermint oil you can easily cause skin irritation and feel discomfort in respiratory pathways while inhaling.
If the steam reaches your eyes, it will cause tingling sensation so keep your eyes closed during the inhalation.
Essential oil concentrations can vary depending on the products used so always follow the instruction found on the label.
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