Autumn is here and winter suggests the cold and flu season is on it’s way. 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 effective natural alternatives. Steam inhalation with essential oils works wonders for colds and sinus headaches and is a better solution to naturally clearing congested sinuses.

How to use essential oils for inhalation

Bring water to a boil and carefully pour about 4-6 cups of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Quickly drop 4-5 drops of for example eucalyptus or peppermint oil into the water. Put a towel over your head and hold your head over the bowl. Keep your eyes closed and and breathe in the steam slowly and deeply. Keep your head under the towel, over the hot water for about 15 minutes and if the heat is too much, take a quick breather away from the steam and then resume. You can use 4-5 drops of the same oils in the bath as well to soothe aching muscles and the steam will help relieve the nose as well.

Warning: People with congestive heart failure or epilepsy shouldn’t steam. Pregnant women, infants and small children shouldn’t steam either. Essential oils should not be taken internally or directly placed onto the skin.

Aromatherapy for colds
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Cajeput (Melaleuka leukadendron)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Helichrysum or Immortelle (Helichrysum agusifolium)
Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
Lemon (Citrus lemon)
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Aromatherapy for sinusitis
Basil Ocimum basilicum Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Cajeput (Melaleuka leukadendron)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Helichrysum or Immortelle (Helichrysum agusifolium)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Aromatherapy for flu
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium)
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Helichrysum or Immortelle (Helichrysum agusifolium)
Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
Lemon (Citrus lemon)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Source

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