Saturday, December 22, 2018

Preventative Measures for Optimal Health

If your New Year's resolution is to live a more healthy life, a common sense approach to maintaining optimal health always includes basic preventative measures. We all know: eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs and processed foods; drink plenty of water; exercise; get plenty of rest, fresh air and sunlight. But did you know essential oils can also help in your efforts in a number of ways, especially during the cold and flu season?
Not only can essential oils prevent infections, but in some cases, they can fight off one that has already invaded. The oils used for cold and flu prevention include tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, myrrh, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit, frankincense and bergamot. Tea tree and eucalyptus oils are the most useful for preventing upper respiratory infections, and for treating them once they have set in.
Steam inhalation is the best method, or placing a few drops of either oil in your humidifier also works very well to sanitize the air and you will also inhale the molecules of the oils. For children or anyone who may object to the odors of tea tree or eucalyptus, try lemon and lavender oils instead. Any citrus oils such as grapefruit, sweet orange or bergamot also work well.
Any of these oils can be added to a suitable base oil to make a comforting chest rub. Reduce fevers by adding lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus to sponge baths or compresses. To ease general muscle aches that accompany cold and flu, bathe with a combination of rosemary and lavender. Any symptoms that do not respond to your own home cures (such as prolonged chest pain or congestion) can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia. Use common sense, listen to your body and seek professional advice when needed.
Aromatherapy is a subtle yet effective method of maintaining your health without the side effects of drugs or the expense of other medical treatments. Continue to adopt preventative measure to improve your general level of health and let Chicory Hill Herbs be a part of your success.



by Judy Burger