Essential oils can be used as an additional therapeutic and prophylactic agent during the “cold”
Essential oils can be used as an additional therapeutic and prophylactic agent during the “cold”. With their help, you can reduce the manifestations of headaches, runny nose, cope with sore throat, improve mood and tone. The main condition is to use only natural oils and not exceed the dosages recommended in the instructions.
How to choose an oil?
Essential oil is a multicomponent mixture of substances different in their chemical nature. Therefore, in some cases, individual intolerance is possible (dizziness, increased heart rate, ringing in the ears, increased pressure, itching and redness of the skin, shortness of breath).
With extreme caution, essential oils are recommended for children, the elderly, patients with chronic diseases of the liver, cardiovascular and nervous systems. It is not recommended to use oils for pregnant women, people with hormonal disorders. It is strictly forbidden to use essential oils for inhalation with a nebulizer , as this can lead to the development of severe pulmonary heart disease.
Before using the essential oil, perform an individual intolerance test.
If you plan to use oil:
for steam and “cold” aromatherapy inhalations. Place one drop on a cotton pad and take 5-7 breaths. If after 5-10 minutes discomfort does not appear, the oil can be used.
application to the skin, biologically active points. Mix 1 drop of essential oil with 1 tsp. any vegetable oil. Apply some of the mixture to the fold of your elbow. If within 10-12 hours there is no irritation and redness of the skin, everything is in order.
Top 10 essential oils
Eucalyptus In medicine, the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus Labill is used , which is obtained from the leaves and branches of the tree. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used for steam inhalation.
Clove Clove oil is a powerful antiseptic. Possesses antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Can be used to scent rooms with a water- based aroma diffuser .
Geranium Oil is obtained from pink geranium ( Pelargonium roseum ). The medicinal properties are due to the presence of more than 120 terpenoids in the composition – biologically active substances with antiseptic, disinfecting, antispasmodic, expectorant effects.
Cinnamon The source of cinnamon oil is the bark of various species of the Laurel family.
Perfectly tones, gives strength, “cleans” the air from viruses and enhances the activity of other oils. Cinnamon oil is often counterfeited, choose only time- tested manufacturers.
Tea tree Essential oil of tea tree leaves ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects; increases the body’s immune defenses.
Lemon A well-known antiseptic and powerful antioxidant. Spraying lemon essential oil will help fill the room with freshness and relieve headaches.
Lavender Source of oil – medicinal lavender ( Lavandula officmalis ). The oil contains about 300 different organic compounds: vitamins A, C, E, acids, tannins. Lavender oil helps to cope with nasal congestion, so you can do “dry” inhalation with it: drip 3-4 drops onto a handkerchief, inhale for 1-2 minutes.
Rose It has a tonic and tonic effect, relieves fever, harmonizes and improves mood.
Mint Facilitates breathing with nasal congestion, has a mild vasoconstrictor effect. It is used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, relieves headaches.
Thyme Wild or wild thyme oil ( Thymus serpyllum ) contains a large amount of thymol, therefore it has a strong antiseptic effect. Used for the prevention of bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis.