How to Use Essential Oils for Colds
Why not give it a try?
Most people know their cold misery and do their best to find remedies. If go-cold medicine is not providing relief, alternative methods for treating your symptoms should be preferred. Essential oils can treat symptoms such as obstruction and even shorten your cold time.
The benefits of essential oils
benefits
Essential oils can serve as an alternative to medicines.
Some oils can help you sleep which can reduce the risk of cold.
Some oils can help treat viral infections, while others may reduce fever.
Essential oils are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Some essential oils can help you sleep. Adequate sleep can help prevent colds.
Research shows that people who sleep less than six hours of sleep have four times the risk of getting seven hours of sleep or more cold than people who sleep.
Essential oils that bring relaxation and sleep include:
lavender
yellow daisy
bergamot
sandalwood
What kind of research says
Although essential oils have been used as folk remedies for centuries, there is not a lot of scientific research to support their activity against the common cold. Some studies also do not support their use.
One inhaling steam with chamomile essential oil has shown to help relieve cold symptoms. A separate Melaleuca oil, known as tea tree oil, is found to have antiviral properties.
Severe cold can sometimes morph into the worst case of bronchitis. According to a 2010 review , eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These features are used in the treatment of historical colds. Inhaled or oral eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineol, can be safely tackled respiratory problems such as viruses and bronchitis. Eucalyptus is also used to create cool compresses to reduce fever.
Peppermint oil is used as natural decongestant and antipyretic. This menthol contains a substance found in topical scourers that help relieve congestion. A 2003 in vitro study shows peppermint oil viral activity. Menthol is also used in many cough drops to help soothe the throat and silent cough.
How to use essential oils for colds
The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) proposes several methods for using essential oils.
Steam inhalation is like an essential oil sauna. For best results, follow these steps:
Place up to seven drops of essential oil in a large pot or bowl of boiling water.
Lean over the bowl (keep away about ten inches or you can get steam burns) and cover your head with a towel to create a tent.
Close your eyes and breathe through your nose for up to two minutes at a time.
To breathe essential oils directly, reach them directly from the bottle or add up to three drops of cotton swabs or handkerchiefs and suck them in. You can also add a few drops to your pillow before going to bed.
The use of essential oils is a relaxing and less dense way in the bath. Add two 12 drops of one tablespoon of carrier oil and add the bath water mixture.
If you drip diluted mint oil onto the temples, dabbing can help relieve headaches.
Aromatherapy diffusers are less direct method of inhaling essential oils. Electric and candle diffusers offer light oil distribution; The sprayer provides more intense diffusion.
Risks and warnings
risks
Applying undiluted essential oils to your skin can cause burns or irritation.
Inhaling an odor in large quantities or over a long period of time may cause dizziness.
Many essential oils may not be safe for children.
Essential oils are generally safe when used in low doses, but they're strong and should be used with caution. You should not eat essential oils. When used undiluted on the skin, essential oils can cause burns, inflammation, itching and rash. To reduce the risk of irritation, dilute essential oils such as a carrier oil:
jojoba oil
sweet almond oil
olive oil
coconut oil
grape seed oil
Before using essential oils on children or infants, it is best to consult your doctor or a trained aromatherapist. For children, NAHA recommends the use of three drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. For adults, NAHA recommends the use of 15 to 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Peppermint oil should not be given to children under six years. According to a 2007 study , menthol caused little children to breathe and stop babies to develop jaundice.
Inhalation of essential oils in large quantities or for long periods of time can cause dizziness, headache and nausea.
If you are pregnant or have a serious health problem, you should not use essential oils without consulting your doctor.
Check out: Quick tips to treat children with a cold or flu »
Traditional treatments for cold symptoms
There is no known treatment for colds. This means that if you have a cold, the only thing you can do is let the normal course. In addition to using essential oils, you can also relieve with symptoms:
acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, headache and minor pains
Decongestant drugs to relieve congestion and clear nasal passages
salt water mouthwash soothe sore throat and cough
hot tea with lemon, honey and cinnamon for sore throat in reality
liquids stay hydrated
Your mother fed you chicken soup when you were cold, it was for nothing. A 2000 study suggests that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the severity of respiratory infections. Other hot liquids, such as chicken soup and hot tea, help loosen the congestion and prevent dehydration.
According to a 2007 review , Echinacea can help prevent colds and shorten their duration. Zinc lozenges can also shorten the duration of a colds taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Immediate cold relief
If you catch a cold, try steam inhaling essential oils to help break-up congestion. Plenty and relax as much as possible. Most colds lift up in a week. If your contentious or persistent fever, cough, or breathing difficulty, consult your doctor.
The best way to prevent a future cold is to keep the immune system healthy. You can exercise regularly, get balanced sleep, get enough sleep. When you're sick it's not time to learn about essential oils and buy the ingredients you need. Find out what you do now so you are ready to use them on your symptoms first symptoms. Start with a few essential oils such as lavender, mint and tea tree.
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