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Aromatherapy at Home:
Beating the Cold Bug
by
Francoise Rapp
It seems that nearly everyone I know has been either
fighting or recovering from a cold or flu these last few weeks. And many
of my clients have been asking how essential oils can help them prevent
or heal their illnesses. There are a few things you can do to prevent
yourself from catching a bad cold:
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Diffuse eucalyptus essential oil at home to clean and
purify the air.
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Take a "winter bath" once or twice a week with the
following aromatherapy blend to boost our immune system and keep
you healthy during the chilly winter!
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils first and then add an organic
vegetable oil to fill:
· 15 drops of Ravensara
· 8 drops of Rosemary
· 6 drops of Thyme officinalis
Pour a big package of Epsom Salts into the bathtub and add your aromatic
blend. Make sure you allow at least 20 minutes to breathe in the vapors,
adding more hot water as needed to keep steaminess at a maximum. Wrap
yourself warmly when you get out, and enjoy a hot herbal tea prepared
with Echinacea and Ginseng.
Do you already feel a cold coming on? Have you been experiencing chills,
mild fever, headache, stuffy nose, dry sore throat, and fatigue? To help
you battle your cold or flu, take a hot bath with the following aromatic
recipe once or twice a day if necessary.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils first and then add an organic
vegetable oil to fill:
· 15 drops of Ravensara
· 10 drops of Rosemary
· 8 drops of Thyme officinalis
· 8 drops of Eucalyptus
Pour a big package of Epsom Salts into the bathtub and add your aromatic
blend. Make sure you allow at least 20 minutes to breathe in the vapors,
adding more hot water as needed to keep
steaminess at a maximum. Wrap yourself warmly when you get out, then
treat yourself to a good hot soup such as Miso Green Onion, Hot and Sour
(Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai), or good ol' Chicken Soup.
Don't underestimate the power of soup! In one study, participants who
consumed chicken soup experienced an increase in the flow of nasal
secretions (when compared to just plain hot and cold water). The taste
and aroma is believed to be part of the therapy, as well as the
inhalation of the vapors. In another study, researchers found that
chicken soup had anti-inflammatory properties, even when extremely
diluted.
Also, drink plenty of orange juice (rich in Vitamin C) and purchase
echinacea-goldenseal tincture that you will take according to the
directions on the bottle.
But foremost...rest, rest, rest!
| (c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in your print or electronic publications, providing you use the article in its entirety, including the brief bio trailer, all links and references within. Please let me know if you use this article by email to
francoise@aromalchemy.com.
This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at
www.aromalchemy.com/education.
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