Using Aromatherapy for Cold and Flu: Fragrant Steam For the Stuffed Up Nose

by Guest Author Beverly Marshall

type=text/javascript></SCRIPT> src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript> </SCRIPT>

Natural Alternatives for Sinus Congestion

Winter automatically suggests cold and flu season. When our sinuses get stuffed up we will do just about anything so we can breathe in comfort. It’s easy to grab the over the counter medications that clear the sinus passages, but many people prefer not to use these or any other pharmaceutical drug if there are alternatives. The better solution to naturally clearing congested sinuses is through fragrant steam inhalation. Steam used with essential oils works wonders for colds and sinus headaches but what’s the best way to start clearing out those sinuses?

Steam inhalation therapy works by thinning the mucus in the sinuses, relieving congestion, and increasing circulation due to the hot moist steam. If you just wanted to use the steam that is better than nothing and can be achieved through a hot shower or sitting in a steam bath.

Essential Oils for a Sinus Steam

Why not make steaming more fun, fragrant and even more therapeutic? Add eucalyptus oil to the boiling water. Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree. The leaves are long and narrow, often covered with a creamy white powder. The oil is extracted by a distillation method from the leaves and twigs of the plant. This oil acts as an analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, and so much more. Eucalyptus oil is toxic to bacteria that cause colds and sinus conditions. Eucalyptus is a exhilarating, clarifying oil that rejuvenates and refreshes the body and mind. It can help weakness, headaches and fatigue. The fragrance is woody, sweet and pungent at the same time. Eucalyptus Blue Gum is probably the scent most of you are familiar with, but there are many others too.

Another fantastic aromatic for steaming is peppermint. Peppermint is a perennial herb that comes in either white or black. It is a very good analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and more. This pale liquid is very strong and blends well with other oils. It is also refreshing and rejuvenating and smells great when you use it for steam inhalation.

Rosemary is an herbaceous oil that is very aromatic for steaming. It is a shrubby bush that has silvery green leaves and many use it for cooking. Rosemary is an analgesic, antiseptic, stimulant, antimicrobial and more. These are just three of the essential oils that can be used for steaming and they are my favorites.

How to Prepare a Sinus Clearing Steam

Use a big pot of water or a tea kettle and bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat and carefully pour about 4-6 cups of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Quickly drop 4-5 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil into the water. Hold your head over the bowl and place a towel over your head. As you do this, your eyes should be closed; and breathe in the steam slowly and deeply. Keep your head under the towel, over the hot water for about 15 minutes. If the heat is too much, take a quick breather away from the steam and then resume. It’s that easy. If a hot bath is called for aching muscles, you can use 4-5 drops of the same oils in the bath as well. The steam will help relieve the nose as well as soothe the body.

There are a few things to know and remember for safety and effectiveness. It is not necessary to steam longer than 15 minutes because it will not be that much more effective. If too many drops of oil are used, it won’t be effective either. If you smell the eucalyptus or peppermint all throughout the house, you have probably used too much. People with congestive heart failure or pregnant women shouldn’t steam. People with epilepsy or infants and small children shouldn’t steam either. Essential oils should not be taken internally or directly onto the skin.

About the Author

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer, certified Aromatherapist, and Feng Shui consultant. Her many articles offer guidance, suggestions and common sense ideas to change your life. If you are interested in products and information regarding alternative medicine, natural health products and more, her many articles can be found online.

http://www.wlnaturalhealth.com/aromatherapy-articles/aromatherapy-cold-flu-sinus-steam.htm