FHT Vice President, Mary Dalgleish has written an article about the use of aromatherapy oils to help cure the winter cold.
“Essential oils are aromatic plant extracts that can be easily added to a bath or gently inhaled, to boost the immune system and help ward off colds and flu during the colder months,” Mary Dalgleish, Vice President of the FHT (fht.org.uk), explains.
By stimulating our immune system and promoting healing, the right sort of essential
oils can have a profound impact on the way we feel.
“A warm bath combining Epsom salt and essential oils at the first sign of a
cold or flu can often stop symptoms developing,” Mary says. “The best
oils to use have antiviral and antiseptic properties, such as ravensara,
eucalyptus, niaouli or tea tree. Mix together up to five drops of your
chosen essential oils with a teaspoon of sunflower oil, then stir
through a large mug of Epsom salts and add to bathwater.
“A steam inhalation is also great when you have a cold,”
she adds. “Add two to three drops of your chosen essential
oils to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and inhale for five to
10 minutes. Drape a towel over your head to keep the steam
in but keep your eyes closed, as essential oils can cause a
burning sensation to the eyes.
“Gently inhaling ravensara or eucalyptus is another
quick and easy way to clear the sinuses when you are out and
about. Simply add one to two drops of essential oil to a tissue
and inhale.”
