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Winter has finally arrived! Over the past two weeks I have received quite a few messages about sinus colds and how to treat them naturally. I find that when the weather fluctuates from warm to cold and vice versa, it’s the perfect mixture for sinus cold season. Or if you’re like me, I often get sinus cold or irritation when I start swimming in a chlorine pool. Here are a few things that I use for sinus relief:
Drink lots of water
Drink lots of water and stay away from sugary drinks. Water will help keep your body working properly; it will help your cells move where they need to so that you can recover from your cold. If you have a hard time drinking plain water then add a slice of lemon, lime, mint leaves or even cucumber. Using fruits or vegetables, will add extra antioxidants, which your body needs to fight off germs.
Keep moving and exercise
As difficult as this seems when you are not feeling well and depending on the severity of the cold, I find that if I keep blood circulating this helps relieve symptoms and helps run its course quicker. Going for a light run or ride helps drain my sinuses. Keep the level of activity easy and don’t overexert yourself, the goal is to keep your blood pumping so that you can help move the cold out of your system!
Take a bath
Taking a bath will help you detox and help release any wanted germs. I enjoy a warm bath with Epsom salt. Epsom salts help relax and soothe sore muscles. I also add a couple of drops of oil in the bath water or diffuse the scents in the room. Try 4 or 5 drops Peppermint essential oil and 4 or 5 drops Lavender essential oil
Lavender is believed to have antiseptic qualities and is commonly used for insomnia and restlessness. I find Lavender helps me relax; usually this is needed when I have a cold because I become restless at night.
Peppermint oil is commonly used for colds as a decongestant.
Use your diffuser
Diffusing the oils can be a good option for those that have a few people in your household with a sinus cold or if you want to provide relief overnight while sleeping. There are different types of diffusers, if you have one that you are to add water then fill to the line and then add 3 drops breathe and 2 drops oil of oregano. Don’t add water if you fit the oil bottle right onto the diffuser. If you don’t have breathe then substitute with peppermint. I found that either worked well for me.
Oil of oregano has antimicrobial properties that help fight off infection. It is a powerful oil. Ideally oregano is used right before you feel a cold coming on. It is so powerful that it kills all your bacteria good and bad. I recommend that this oil is only used when needed.
Peppermint oil is used for cold relief and decongestant.
Breathe is a blend that includes Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom essential oils. They are known for their positive effects on the respiratory system.
Try Stream Inhalation
Fill a mug with boiling water and then add your essential oil blend. I used 2 drops oil of oregano, 2 drops peppermint oil, 2 drops of rosemary and 2 drops eucalyptus oil. Then gradually breathe in the vapor; this should relieve your symptoms immediately. BE CAREFUL not to inhale too much at once or you will experience a burning sensation. Other oils that you could add or exchange for the ones that I used are thyme, rosemary, lavender, juniper and bergamot.
Oil of oregano has antimicrobial properties that help fight off infection. It is a powerful oil. Ideally oregano is used right before you feel a cold coming on. It is so powerful that it kills all your bacteria good and bad. I recommend that this oil is only used when needed.
Peppermint oil is used for cold relief and decongestant.
Rosemary supports the immune system and provides relief from respiratory infections.
Eucalyptus is well known for its antibacterial, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
If you would like additional information on essential oils to understand their benefits click here.
Enjoy!
Julie Sparkes
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