Precautions While Using Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a safe alternative to over-the-counter nasal decongestants. Some of these oils also have therapeutic and aromatic properties that can relieve sinus congestion.
Although there is no direct scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of essential oils in treating sinus infections, they can help reduce the severity of the condition.
Never forget that moderation is the key while using these oils. Stick to the recommended quantity, and do not overuse them.
Okay Is There Anything Else I Need To Know Before Diving In
Essential oils may interact with prescription medications and supplements, so it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first before using. Dr. Ko says if you plan on applying essential oils directly on your skin, you may also want to talk to a dermatologist. Some essential oils, like bergamot, make the skin more sensitive to light, which could lead to a sunburn, she says. Skin irritation may also occur in people with sensitive skin. Do a patch test on the inside of your forearm to check for any reactions before using. Anyone with severe allergies should be cautious when using essential oils.
If you are pregnant, you may want to steer clear of essential oils. There may be a risk that active ingredients will cross the placenta and affect the fetus, says Dr. Ko, so always consult with your ob-gyn before using.
Now that you know the ins and outs of using essential oils, here are the 16 best oils to relieve cold symptoms, from sore throat, coughs, fevers, and more.
How To Use Essential Oils To Cure A Sore Throat
A viral bronchitis infection can also give you a scratchy sore throat that makes it difficult and painful to swallow. Many of the essential oil steam inhalation recipes for bronchitis will also do a two-fold job of helping ease a sore throat.
You can also use some essential oils to make a soothing rub to help ease the pain of a sore throat. This is how to use essential oils to treat a sore throat:
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Is It Safe For Babies
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians state that people should not use essential oils with babies younger than 3 months.
Certain oils may be safe to use around older children. Always ask a doctor before exposing babies or young children to essential oils.
Some believe that eucalyptus and peppermint oils are dangerous for infants and that people should refrain from using them around children under 3 years old.
Be aware that when diffusing essential oils in the air, any children, pets, and other family members will also be inhaling the treatment.
Do not diffuse essential oils in public, such as in stores, as many people have allergies to them.
Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can trigger asthma symptoms.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree essential oil is a highly effective treatment for nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough. Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, this essential oil was first brought into the public’s eye by the famous explorer, Captain James Cook who, upon landing in New South Wales in 1770, found and brewed the leaves to make tea, hence the name “Tea Tree”.
The Aboriginal people have harvested and used the leaves and bark of the Melaleuca tree for centuries, citing incredible antiseptic and healing properties. Captain Cook learned more about its medicinal benefits during his many visits to the Australasian continent, where he met with aboriginals who shared their various healing methods with him. Subsequently, he and his crew used tea tree essential oil while at sea so prevent scurvy and to treat wounds.
Within a few years, he introduced this essential oil to those on the mainland, where it gained increasing notoriety and became a highly marketable trading commodity throughout the world. As the years went on, it was used during world wars as an antiseptic before penicillin was discovered and helped to heal many wounded and was also highly sought after by many scientists and doctors.
Tea tree essential oil can be taken internally as well, but not swallowed. If you have excess mucus or a sore throat, add 2-3 drops to a glass of water and gargle, spitting the mixture out as you go. With repeated use, you will notice quite a difference.
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Essential Oil Recipes For Sinus
Diffuser Blend for Stuffy Nose
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops oregano essential oil
Diffuser Blend for Sinus Infections
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Diffuser Recipe for Sinus Headache
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 1 drop thyme or rosemary essential oil
Natures Antibiotic Oil Remedy
- 1 drop oregano essential oil
- Veggie cap
- Food grade oil
Instructions: Place one drop of oregano oil in a veggie capsule and fill the rest with a food-grade oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Take morning and evening for no more than 2-3 days.
Sinus Relief Hot Compress
- Damp, hot towel
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil or doTERRA breathe
Instructions: Place 2 drops of oil onto a damp, hot towel. Place on forehead or chest.
Sinus Steam
- Small boiling pot of water
- 3 drops of essential oil (doTERRA Breathe/OnGuard, Eucalyptus
- Small Towel
Instructions: boil a small pot of water. Add essential oils of choice. Place towel over head and inhale steam.
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Essential Oils For Inflammation
Inflammation is your bodys automatic, protective response to injury. It occurs when cells release a signal to neutrophils at the site of trauma, causing immediate inflammation. This then allows larger white blood cells in the immune system to begin attacking harmful pathogens and dead tissue. The body will then start healing itself by repairing and re-growing cells in the area.1
We generally associate inflammation with the swelling that occurs at the site of injury such as a puncture wound, scrape to the skin, and muscle strain or sprain. This type of inflammation is known as acute inflammation, and while it can be painful and temporarily inhibiting, can subside with adequate rest and treatment. Acute inflammation can also be caused by infections, introduction to foreign bodies, and often results in immune reactions.
Chronic inflammation is often harder to treat, and is caused by repeated bouts of injury to the body. This can manifest itself from years of wear and tear from sports injuries , as well as from autoimmune issues . Autoimmune inflammation occurs when your own cells cause the inflammation due to a genetic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the bone tissue in the joints and fingers. Other examples of chronic inflammation include asthma , and multiple sclerosis .2
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Direct Essential Oil Inhalation
If steaming water is not readily available to you, weve got an even easier method to try. Apply 1 6 drops of Lime, Lemon or Peppermint essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale occasionally up to three times daily.
Lime and Lemon help to loosen mucous, while Peppermint can help to reduce upper respiratory tract symptoms from colds including sore throat and cough. All three have the added benefit of a refreshing, pleasant aroma.
Essential Oil Recipes To Use For Sinus Relief
When using essential oils for sinus headaches, congestion, or other nasal symptoms, you can employ a single type of oil or combine types so long as the total drops dont exceed the recommendations above.
Here are a few suggestions that have been found to result in particularly effective combinations.
Recipe #1
- Three drops pine or rosemary
- Three drops peppermint
- Four drops pine or rosemary
- Four drops peppermint
- Three drops peppermint
- Two drops eucalyptus
Some of these require mixtures in excess of what is advised by certain methods. In these cases, keeping to the spirit rather than the letter of the recipe will be called for. For instance, the fourth can be scaled down for steam treatment by only using two drops of each oil.
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What Essential Oils Are Good For A Sinus Headache
-Oregano Oil The carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil does wonders for sinus infections. Try 500mg of oregano oil four times per day to help ease your symptoms. Simply drop the oil into a bowl of boiling water and breathe in the steam.
-Grapefruit Seed Extract- Grapefruit seed extract is commonly used in nasal sprays for its antiviral properties. Using it directly a few times a day can help boost your immune response.
-Garlic- Okay, so this is not an essential oil or extract, but its one of natures best antibiotics and a powerful sinus headache treatment in Buffalo, NY. Not only will it help you recover more quickly, but it can also help prevent colds and sinus infections in the first place. Try get at least one clove of fresh garlic or 0.4-1.2g of garlic powder per day to get the effects.
-Echinacea-Echinacea is an herb that contains active ingredients that naturally fight viruses and bacteria and reduce pain and inflammation. Contact an herbalist to get a hold of this sinus headache treatment in Buffalo, NY.
-Eucalyptus & Peppermint Oils- Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are known to effectively help clear the sinuses. Rub a drop of food-grade oil on the top of the mouth and drink water to help wash it down.
Frankincense Essential Oil To Treat Inflammation
The therapeutic benefits of frankincense essential oil include natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. Frankincense is often used in topical formulations and regarded as one of the best essential oils to reduce swelling, promote healing and may even improve skin tenderness. A recent clinical study suggests that frankincense essential oil possesses promising abilities to influence the cellular processes of inflammation and tissue regrowth.3
A 2016 study concluded that frankincense essential oil may be useful in treating patients with inflammatory conditions. Chemical constitutes found in frankincense essential oil were shown to inhibit the release of leukotrienes in isolated cells. These constitutes may help provide relief from various inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis, and sinusitis.4
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Natural Remedies With Essential Oils For Cough Or Cold
Lets face it: whether youre in the throes of winter cold season, or youve come down with a stubborn cough or cold in the middle of summer, the waiting game is tough. Waiting for nasal congestion or sore throat and coughing to subside so you can get back to your daily rhythm, can leave you feeling restless and helpless.
Try these easy natural home remedies to help make you more comfortable the next time youre feeling under the weather:
What Causes Nasal Congestion
Sinus discomfort is common and may be caused by:
- Dust allergies
- Medications
- Thyroid problems
Allergic rhinitis is extremely common, but there is also non-allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis, on the other hand, occurs when the lining in the sinuses becomes inflamed.
If youre struggling with this type of problem and you havent been diagnosed, its important to check with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any serious health concerns.
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When To See A Doctor For Sinus Congestion
Treating sinusitis and nasal congestion with essential oils and nasal rinses can help to reduce the discomfort and speed up recovery. However, sometimes, professional medical help is needed if your sinus infection and congestion become chronic. A doctor may test for allergies or see if there are any obstructions in your sinuses that are causing irritation and inflammation.
According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, you should visit your doctor for sinus-related conditions in the following circumstances:3
- Your symptoms of sinusitis last more than 7 days and get worse.
- You have frequent cases of sinus infections and treatment doesnt help.
- You have a high fever.
- Blocked sinuses are accompanied by redness around your eyes and/or severe headaches.
- You have confusion or vision changes.
- Your neck is stiff.
Causes Of Bronchitis And Its Risk Factors
Lets look in more detail at the most common causes of bronchitis.
Dr. Charles Patrick Davis on MedicineNet says that the main cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection. The most common type of viral infection is influenza or rhinovirus. Both of these cause flu and cold symptoms. Sometimes, bacterial infections can be to blame for a cough that brings up green or yellow phlegm.3
Its important to remember, that viral and bacterial bronchitis infections are contagious. So, you should avoid coughing or sneezing on items that other people may touch.
The main risk factor of contracting respiratory infections is being in close contact with infected people. Being around people who are sneezing and coughing, or touching items that infected individuals handled can pass the virus onto you.
According to Dr. Charles Patrick Davis, the greatest risk factor for chronic bronchitis is smoking.3
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When To See A Doctor
The essential oils for bronchitis and remedies mentioned in this article should help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent bronchitis becoming more serious. Bronchitis usually takes 10 to 14 days to clear up and you should see a doctor if your symptoms last longer.
Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD recommends visiting your doctor if you have symptoms of bronchitis and the following conditions:18
- You cough up thick yellow or green phlegm or you notice traces of blood in it.
- You have a fever and night sweats.
- Along with an irritating cough, you also have shortness of breath and wheezing.
- You cant sleep because of your bronchitis symptoms.
- The cough lasts longer than 2 or 3 weeks.
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Chamomile Essential Oil For Inflammation And Swelling
Known for its analgesic properties and calming aroma, chamomile essential oil is also considered an effective essential oil for joint pain and inflammation. Chamomile essential oil contains flavonoids that act as natural relief for joint and muscle pain. These compounds easily penetrate the skins surface and help reduce inflammation, making it effective essential oil for inflammation.
Additionally, a 2011 animal study shows chamomile essential oil may help reduce paw edema, colonic inflammation and colonic mucosa. Symptoms improved with the introduction of different concentrations of chamomile essential oil.5
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Treating Sinus Infections With Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for many centuries as a natural remedy for physical and emotional health.
When people look for natural remedies for their ailments they usually turn to essential oils. There are many benefits to using them to treat sinus infections.
The oils are known to contain ingredients to help relieve symptoms of congestion.
This makes them a great alternative to treating a sinus infection compared to other synthetic medications available either over-the-counter or with a prescription.
Young Living Vs Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy is surely one popular pick for essential oils with amazing features and benefits. They come with individual oils apart from including pure blends, hydrosols, and lotions as well. A lot of people prefer plant therapy for being an affordable solution.
However, young living is an expensive choice without any doubt. But yet, the quality of manufacturing oils is unbeatable and for that sole reason, the price seems logical. If you wont compromise the slightest quality for anything else, young living is what you need in your life.
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Essential Oils For Sore Throat
Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. In a gargling solution, add 2 drops clove, 1 drop cinnamon, orange, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. If your child is too young to gargle, dilute this oil blend and apply to the neck and jawline.
Natranix includes a blend of all-natural botanical ingredients in a great-tasting respiratory support formula that provides immune support during seasonal changes.
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Table Of Essential Oil Antimicrobial Properties
Founder, Author, Lead Educator, Speaker, CTT, MBABetter Breast Health For Life!Be the Cure. Seek Prevention.303-664-1139 thermogramcenter.com
1Hammer K, Carson C, Riley T: Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. J. Appl. Microbiol. 1999, 86:985990.
2Kalemba D, Kunicka A: Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils. Curr Med Chem May 2003, 10 : 81329.
3Ouattara B, Simard RE, Holley RA, Pitte GJP, Begin A: Antibacterial activity of selected fatty acids and essential oils against six meat spoilage organisms. Inter J Food Microbiol 1997, 37:155-162.
4C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer and T. V. Riley Melaleuca alternifolia Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan, 19: 5062.
5Calabrese V, Randazzo SD, Catalano C, Rizza V: Biochemical studies on a novel antioxidant from lemon oil and its biotechnological application in cosmetic dermatology. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1999, 25:219-225.
6Aruoma OI, Spencer JP, Rossi R, Aeschbach R, Khan A, Mahmood N, Munoz A, Murcia A, Butler J, Halliwell B: An evaluation of the antioxidant and antiviral action of extracts of rosemary and Provencal herbs. Food Chem Toxicol 1996, 34:449-456.
7De Billerbeck VG, Roques CG, Bessiere JM, Fonvieille JL, Dargent R: Effects of Cymbopogon nardus. W. Watson: Essential oil on the growth and morphogenesis of Aspergillus niger. Can J Microbiol 2001, 47:9-17.
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