How To: Relieve Colds and Congestion Naturally
As warm weather fades and the colder months approach we have to ensure that our bodies' immune systems are fully prepared, locked and loaded to take on winter season! Since our environment and surroundings are often compromised, the food available to us can be more harmful then good, we have to take our health and wellness in our own hands and provide our body with the tools needed to prevent colds, illnesses and any diseases.
Peppermint is loaded with nutritional and healing benefits that are effective for our overall health but it can also be used as an essential oil to combat colds, headaches, and congestion. Menthol provides effective relief from respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and the common cold and cough. The menthol properties found naturally in peppermint can also be found in many over the counter pharmaceuticals to help alleviate symptoms as well.
*However, if you know me and/or follow my blog, I personally avoid store bought brands and pharmaceuticals all together because many of them contain artificial ingredients, colors, flavors and generally are more harmful than helpful - so I stick to being my own doctor, as I know and understand my body best, and choose to look to all that nature has provided me to achieve and sustain optimal health.
The colder months are primetime for a compromised immune system, if we do not check in with our bodies daily, we can leave ourselves susceptible to the common cold. While there is nothing wrong with getting sick occasionally, in fact, it exercises the immune system, we shouldn't get comfortable reaching for the most convenient solution to treat our symptoms. We should find the power within ourselves and what the earth has provided us to heal our bodies naturally..and we totally can!
How To: Relieve Colds and Congestion Naturally
-Massage 2-3 drops of Peppermint essential oil (I use the brand Now, and doTerra) along with a carrier oil like almond essential oil, or rosemary essential oil onto the chest directly or into an essential oil diffuser to help clear sinus and lung congestion. I am particularly obsessed with my essential oil diffuser..and I dont' remember life before it! *Peppermint oil can be very potent to the senses so carrier oils to combine with the peppermint are advised.
-If your head is feeling congested, or you cannot combat your cough, try a peppermint oil steam. Pour boiling water into a metal or glass bowl, add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil and 2 drops of rosemary oil. Put your hair back, drape a towel over your head and position your face 10-12 inches above the bowl, deeply inhaling the steam to help break up congestion.
*This also helps to open the pores in the face and will help detoxify toxins in the skin