Its dark earlier and the heaters are getting a work out. Yes winter is here! As you close up the house to keep warm let the wonderful scents of aromatherapy oils refresh your home and invigorate you and your family.
Aromatherapy is so much more than just a pleasant way to fragrance a room or home. Many essential oils have antiviral and immune-stimulating properties that help ease the effects of flu and coughs and colds. Many standard chest rubs include oils such as eucalyptus and/or menthol and other components derived from essential oils and plants. Chest rubs work by vapours rising up with the heat of your body, then being inhaled into the nasal passages and lungs to help ease coughs. Running a warm bath and adding 3-5 drops of lavender and 3-5 drops of eucalyptus will also help your body to relax and clear your nasal passages. If you can, go to bed for a good deep sleep – the rest will do you wonders.
Add 5 drops of lavender (available from Avalon Essences) to a tissue and place in your pillow slip to help the body rest and to soothe the spirit. If a cold or flu has already taken hold try steam inhalation and adding oils to a vaporiser. Fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling) and add 3 drops of Winter Ease a wonderful blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lemon & Lemongrass available from Avalon Essences. Sit at a table and cover your head with a towel. Lean over the bowl and inhale deeply for 15 minutes, allowing the aromatic vapours to coat the inner linings of your nose, throat and lungs. Ideally, these inhalations should be done 3 times a day. If you are asthmatic, exercise caution when using steam
Other Tips
- Some oils may stain, so take care with clothes or sheets
- If an infection is going around, add a few drops of tea tree and/or eucalyptus to your last rinse of a load of washing – it leaves the clothes fresh, clean and provides extra protection
Never take essential oils internally
| Article provided courtesy of Jennine from Avalon Essences |