{"id":44074,"date":"2019-05-01T21:30:12","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T21:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pranarom.ca\/blog\/?p=44074"},"modified":"2019-06-25T15:38:09","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T15:38:09","slug":"aromatherapy-to-the-rescue-the-common-cold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pranarom.ca\/blog\/aromatherapy-to-the-rescue-the-common-cold\/","title":{"rendered":"Aromatherapy to the Rescue: The Common Cold"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We’re all familiar with the common cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specifically, its symptoms: sore eyes, sore throat, headaches, congestion, runny nose, coughing, earache, (sometimes) fever, fatigue, minor body aches, and a general feeling of \u201cyuckyness\u201d, sort of like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The common\ncold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (i.e. upper respiratory\ntract).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Essential Oils Really Work for Colds?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of essential oils in dealing with respiratory problems, especially the symptoms that are associated with the common cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, in Germany an ointment containing essential\noils of eucalyptus, pine needles, and menthol was found effective in adolescents\nwith upper respiratory infections[1]<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also long-standing evidence for the benefits of inhaling certain essential oils to relieve coughs and congestion in the upper respiratory tract using mixtures of Eucalyptus globulus (a certain type of eucalyptus), pine needle and camphor.[2]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Oils and Respiratory Tract Infections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When dealing with respiratory tract infections, certain\nessential oil properties are particularly useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antimicrobial<\/strong>: the antimicrobial properties of essential oils are well-known[3]<\/a>, and many of them are. These include Cajeput, Cinnamon, Clove bud, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon-scented eucalyptus, Manuka, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Thyme, etc. These are particularly good for treating the flu, colds, sore throats and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antispasmodics<\/strong>: antispasmodics relax the bronchioles of the lungs and may be used to treat coughing; some antispasmodic essential oils include Angelica root, Aniseed, Basil, Bay Laurel, Virginian Cedarwood, Cajeput, Cypress, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Sweet Fennel and Thyme[4]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antitussives<\/strong>: antitussives are remedies that prevent coughing, either by soothing irritability (demulcents) or removing congestive mucus (expectorants). Essential oils such as Aniseed, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Thyme are good to take in lozenges for cough. They work in part by stimulating the production of saliva, producing more frequent swallowing and therefore suppressing the cough reflex[5]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demulcents: <\/strong>demulcents soothe and relieve irritated or inflamed mucous membranes; Sandalwood[6]<\/a> is a good essential oil to use for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expectorants: <\/strong>expectorants help get rid of phlegm. Expectorant essential oils include Aniseed, Angelica root, Everlasting, Sweet Fennel, Ginger, Thyme[7]<\/a> and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunostimulants: <\/strong>The immune system needs to be functioning properly during infection, because it\u2019s the body\u2019s defense mechanism against it. Essential oils can support the immune system by inhibiting the development of harmful micro-organisms or by stimulating the immune system; some essential oils including Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Niaouli, Rosemary, Tea Tree[8]<\/a> and Thyme provide support on both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Oils for the Common Cold: Vicks Vaporub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever used Vicks VapoRub before?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems like many people have. The majority of people I\ntalk to have memories of their parents giving them Vicks for a cough, cold, or\nchest infection; I remember my parents would rub some on my chest and\/or throat\nand apply some just under my nose. I would always feel better afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has shown that Vicks really does work[9]<\/a>; it works because it contains certain aromatic compounds: eucalyptol, camphor, and menthol[10]<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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