Don’t worry, I’m not going to get into the whole ‘get the H1N1 vaccine or not’ debate – there are voices much more informed than mine out there to get your facts and theories from.
But as we are entering the traditional time for sniffles and sneezes, chills and coughing, I thought it might be worthwhile to mention some of the essential oils that can help alleviate some of your suffering.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - this oil is a wonderful oil for all manner of cold symptoms and for keeping the germs at bay. Use 8 drops in 60ml of carrier oil for a chest rub to clear breathing or on the temples and neck for fever and headache. Add a few drops to a room diffuser to ease breathing and help with cough.
*** Do not use if you have high blood pressure, epilepsy or are taking homeopathic medication.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – the well known anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal essential oil. Can be used in the same manner as the eucalyptus oil or my personal favourite, steam inhalation. Add a few drops to a large bowl or sink full of very hot water. Carefully lower your head into the rising steam and cover your head with a towel to contain the steam. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation and breathe the essential oil infused steam into your lungs to help with upper respiratory issues. Opens your pores up too!
Other useful oils include:
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – a potent aid to the immune system (***avoid during pregnancy)
Lime (Citrus medica) – an uplifting oil, lime is good for boosting the immune system (***do not apply directly to skin, avoid sun exposure)
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) – great in a carrier oil to massage the chest and throat.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – helps with colds, flu and runny noses, also helps if feeling nauseated. (*** can be irritating to the skin)
Or, if you want your essential oils quick and easy (and ready to throw in a purse/bag and go), try the therapeutic blends from Colour Energy, especially:
Immune Booster (with tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, geranium, rosemary, pine, ravensara, and cinnamon)
or
Headache Relief (for unclogging nasal passages, with peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, birch, frankincense, yarrow, and vetivert)
Both essential oil blends are already diluted in an organic jojoba oil base and packaged in a handy roll-on vial so they are ready to use ASAP.
As with any advice on health issues, please be aware that I am not an aromatherapist, just an enthusiastic user with some knowledge to share. Essential oils should be used with awareness of any contraindications and never take internally or used ‘neat’ (directly out of the bottle on the skin). Some folks will use some uncut (lavender and tea tree commonly) but it’s always better to err on the safe side, in my mind.