Winter is a great time to cuddle up with a good book, but it can also be a time of year that makes you feel like your head is going to explode. That’s because the cold air, dry heat from your furnace and other environmental factors can cause sinus pressure and congestion that brings on colds and coughs. If you have one of these ailments, you can buy essential oils for relief and here are some tips for soothing relief:
Honey
Honey is not only a natural cough suppressant, but it also has antihistamine properties. It can be used to treat sore throats and is an expectorant to help you cough up mucus. For sore throats and coughs, you can take honey by putting two tablespoons in a warm glass of water and drinking it slowly while relaxing before bedtime.
If you have a stuffy nose due to allergies or the common cold, try taking one teaspoon of honey with warm water every morning before breakfast for a few days until your symptoms subside.
Honey should be avoided by people with diabetes because of its high sugar content!
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. They can help with congestion and cough by reducing mucus production in the respiratory tract. In addition to that, garlic contains allicin which helps kill bacteria that cause colds or flu. Onions also contain quercetin compounds, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Hot beverages
Hot beverages can be a great way to soothe your throat.
- Hot chocolate: Mix together cocoa powder and hot water in a mug. Then add some milk, honey and vanilla extract if you’d like.
- Tea: Brew your favourite tea bag or loose-leaf tea in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
- Lemonade: Squeeze lemon juice into boiling water until it’s the strength you like (1-2 lemons). Add sugar or stevia to taste if desired. If you don’t have lemons available, freshly squeezed lime juice will do just fine!
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds and coughs, especially in Asia. Ginger can help to relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as pain.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil may help you feel better by clearing your congestion. The oil can be applied to the chest and neck to help clear the sinuses and eases breathing. To make a steam inhalation, add one drop of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water, then lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel (this is important so as not to burn yourself). Breathe deeply for 10-15 minutes for most relief from cold symptoms.
For best results, buy essential oils online or at your local health food store instead of purchasing an inferior product that may contain chemicals used for fragrance or colouring.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a great way to soothe a sore throat and it can also help you feel better when you have the flu. Chicken soup is easy to make and can be customized to your tastes. If you want to add vegetables or noodles, that’s fine too!
The tips here might have helped you find some relief from your cold or cough. Remember that you don’t need to go overboard with any of the treatments mentioned above; just do what feels right for you!