Lots of people use aromatherapy for colds, even if it's just a mentholated chest rub. But essential oils have symptom-relieving properties far beyond simple decongestants.
Aromatherapy cold home remedies can relieve your aching muscles, soothe your throbbing headache, clear your stuffy nose, and give you a healthy boost of energy when you really need it.
Or help you sleep if your misery is keeping you awake.
Bergamot, cedarwood, coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, neroli, oregano, palmarosa, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, rose, rosemary, sage, spearmint, spruce, tea tree, thyme
This is one of the handiest natural cold remedies you can make because you can take it to work (if you must go!) and use it whenever you need to take a breather.
Pour a teaspoon of salt or menthol crystals in a very small dark glass or PET plastic bottle and add 15 drops Eucalyptus and 5 drops Rosemary essential oil. Put the cap on and shake the bottle to mix everything together.
To use, take three long, slow, deep breaths of the aroma, trying to inhale through your nose. Take a short break, then take three more deep breaths. Do this up to three times.
In a nutshell - they're BAD for you!
Commercial chest rubs are usually made in a base of petroleum jelly (also commonly known as Vaseline) which often contains cancer causing impurities. In fact, petroleum jelly has been banned from use in cosmetics in Europe for that reason.
Here's a healthy, inexpensive alternative you can make yourself.
2 tablespoons (30g) shea butter or virgin coconut oil
1/3 cup (75ml) jojoba or olive oil
15 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
7 drops Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
1 drop Thyme essential oil
Caution: Thyme essential oil may irritate sensitive skin,
which is why it's at a low concentration. If your skin is sensitive, leave it out. Also, do not use eucalyptus if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Tea tree is a good alternative here.
Handy Hint: You can make this into a massage oil by replacing the shea butter or coconut oil with jojoba or any other carrier oil of your choice. Grapeseed oil absorbs fairly quickly.
I hope all these recipes and remedies have got you inspired... to make some chicken soup... jump into a hot bath... or take a look at some of these related pages for more interesting facts and recipes on aromatherapy for colds...
Antiviral Essential Oils
Aromatherapy Diffuser Recipes
Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath
Lavender Bath & Body Oil
Pain Relief Massage Oil
Aromatherapy Remedies Main Page
Aromatherapy Recipes Homepage from Aromatherapy for Colds
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