THIS time of year many people suffer from the miseries of a blocked nose and a stuffy head, usually the result of a headcold, sinusitis and allergy.
Inhalation, using essential oils, is particularly useful in helping to alleviate colds, headaches, blocked sinuses, coughs and sore throats.
Add five to eight drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or tissue and take four deep breaths, then inhale the scent whenever needed - an ideal, portable treatment when at work or travelling.
When the handkerchief is not in use, place it against your breastbone, where it will continue to work. It can also be placed beside the pillow at night to facilitate easier breathing.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of the appropriate oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the fumes.
Steaming, with essential oils, also offers an effective and direct method of treating respiratory and sinus problems. Oils ideal for vaporising are peppermint, eucalyptus and tea-tree.
Peppermint and eucalyptus contain menthol and eucalyptol respectively, which has a cooling effect on the tissues and tired muscles.
Other oils will smooth out that crumpled look and restore tone to facial muscles.
The action of steam is twofold: internal and external. Essences in the vapour are absorbed through the delicate membrane of the nasal passages as well as through exposed skin in the same way as a facial massage.
This type of treatment is especially effective and beneficial in dealing with skin complaints such as acne, a condition that requires scrupulously deep cleansing to cure it.
To make your own vaporiser, half fill a ceramic bowl with boiling water, add five drops of oil, hold your face about 30m away and cover your head with a towel large enough to form a tent and not allow the vapour to escape.
You should not steam your face for any longer than 10 minutes and no more than three times daily.
For colds and flu, thoroughly blend together two drops each of eucalyptus and rosemary oil, and one drop of lavender oil as the inhalation.
To treat sinusitis, use two drops of peppermint oil and two each of eucalyptus and rosemary oil.
People with overly sensitive skin, dilated red veins, or who suffer from heart problems, experience breathing difficulties or suffer from asthma, should consult with their health practitioner before using a steam inhalation
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