Strengthen Your Immune System with Essential Oils

The true medical aromatherapists around the globe tell us time and time again: the most effective use of essential oils for health is the combating of infectious illness. Aromatherapy in the US is still mostly relegated to support of the psyche - which it does quite well - but study after study continues to confirm the antibacterial and antiviral effects of essential oils, along with their great compatibility with human physiology. Many protocols (detailed instructions) have been translated and published from the European medical aromatherapy literature - information which you can personally incorporate into your own natural health and wellness program.

For the uninitiated, essential oils are the volatile aromatic compounds distilled from plants. They are the chemicals that give plants their smell; the luscious aroma of a rose or the sharp scent of peppermint. Plants use these chemicals for, among other things, defense from invaders such as bacteria, fungus and viruses. Each plant's oils have a unique makeup as a result of the plant's own physiology, natural environment, and its potential microbial invaders. Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are easily absorbed into the human body, passing through cell membranes, then further on into the bloodstream due to their 'lipophillic' nature (a structure in alignment with the lipid components of our cell walls). Essential oils can protect us from microbes in many different ways, from keeping the space around us naturally microbe-free, to readying our immune system for defense, to actually destroying the microbes once they've entered our bodies.

The first line of defense is keeping your environment cleansed by diffusing essential oils in the air. Get a little nervous when friends or co-workers have a sneezing or coughing fit? Here's an excellent defense tactic - diffuse one or more of the powerful yet pleasant smelling antimicrobial oils into your space. Eucalyptus Radiata is probably the most popular for this; it has been referred to as an 'aromatherapists designer oil' because of its broad range of immune-supportive effects and its pleasant aroma (that is, if you like the smell of Vick's Vapor Rub). Other oils used with a little softer scent are Green Myrtle and Ravensara. A very pleasing yet powerful blend can be made using 3 parts clove bud oil, 5 parts lemon oil, 1 and a half parts Eucalyptus Radiata, 1 and a half parts Rosemary Cineol and 2 parts Cinnamon Bark oil. Use this in a cold-air diffuser which makes a fine mist of the oils, dispersing them throughout your environment for best protection.

Beyond your outside environment, it's important to strengthen your own immune system. Essential oils have been studied for their ability to prevent viruses from actually penetrating our cell walls, keeping bacterial levels in check, and cleansing toxins from our bodies. Of the many oil available, two very notable oils are Niaouli MVQ and Bay Laurel (or Laurel Leaf). Both can be applied directly to the body, though if you encounter any skin sensitivity, dilute the oil or discontinue use. Niaouli is a powerful overall fortifier of the immune system; apply 10-20 drops along the meridians of the body directly after the morning shower when the pores are still open and the skin is soft. This is particularly recommended during the 'cold and flu season' to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms. Bay Laurel is of great support to the lymph system; a few drops can be applied to the nodes at the neck or armpits for immediate relief of swollen glands in many cases. Using a few drops on the solar plexus in the same manner as Niaouli described above once or twice a week will also provide general immune system support (Laurel may have sensitizing effects on the skin if used continuously for long periods - do not use more frequently than necessary for best effects).

Once a bacteria or viral infection has set What Is Copd treating it with essential oils can be a little more complex. The difficulty lies in finding the proper oil for one's particular illness, as some oils are excellent against certain microbial strains, though these same oils may not be the right choice in other instances. Prevention with immune stimulant oils as above is best; however, at the very first signs, application of 10-20 drops to the skin of both Eucalyptus Radiata and Bay Laurel essential oils to the skin in the steam of a shower (so that the skin is more porous) is called for. Eucalyptus can be applied to the chest and back, whereas Bay Laurel should be applied directly to the lymph nodes to support the immune response. The vast majority of individuals will have no sensitivity response to such application - if, however, any skin irritation is noted, apply diluted to 5% in a carrier oil such as olive oil hazelnut oils. Green Myrtle can be used in cases of bronchial infection where Eucalyptus may be found to strong an aroma. Ravensara used in the same manner is called for in cases of Asthma Guidelines and flu - it can be a stronger antiviral than the above mentioned oils, and has a pleasing aroma.

In general, Eucalyptus Radiata and Globulus, Green Myrtle and Ravensara can be applied to the skin (dilute if any sensitivity is suspected) or used with a diffuser or inhaler to loosen mucus and support the body's cleansing process. Rosemary Verbenone is indicated for sinusitis and bronchitis - The medical aromatherapy literature indicates this may be inhaled, applied topically in small amounts, or even ingested (with great caution) one drop two or three times daily. Also, one drop of Bay Laurel can be taken internally at the onset of a sore throat, as it directly supports the lymph system in the area.

When choosing your own self-healing methods as part of your overal natural health and wellness program, it is important to choose the proper modality for How Long Is Bronchitis Contagious situation. Conventional medicine has it's place, and should absolutely be employed when it will provide the best results. When it comes to common colds, the results have not been so dramatic. Alternative therapies have offered a reasonable solution, and can be effective if used wisely and with discretion. There are many helpful texts available for the use of essential oils as medicines - Advanced Aromatherapy and Medical Aromatherapy, both by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, are excellent sources for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Be aware of your own body's sensitivity to any essential oil and adjust usage accordingly, and seek professional advice whenever necessary.

The author, Misty Rae Cech, ND is a degreed naturopath with a professional practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is a consultant to Ananda Aromatherapy, a resource for wildcrafted and organic therapeutic grade essential oils and blends, plus a host of information for using aromatherapy in your own life.

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Treatment of Sinus Infection - How Do I Get Rid of a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, usually arises because of obstruction of nasal passageways due to which there is inflammation. Now when the nose gets blocked it creates a perfect playground for the bacteria to grow. Sinuses are intended to moisten and clean membranes of the nose and throat. Each sinus has a little opening into the nose which allows for mucus and air to move itself in and out of the sinuses and nose. However when these passageways get blocked, bacteria can thrive in the area causing a terrible sinus problem. Sometimes these problems can take a serious turn where one may have to receive sinus surgery. Sinus infections can range from Bronchitis Natural Treatments acute which usually only last for about 3 weeks or from being chronic, which can last up to 8 weeks to having recurring acute attacks.

Treatment of sinus infection

Treatment of sinus infection involves natural remedies like hot water treatment which means hot water treatments refer to inhaling vapors of from hot water added with mint or lemon juice. Nasal irrigation mixture sea salt in hot water to desirable amount and put drops of water in one nostril and bring it out from the other. And one must be very careful in the diet one has as all this helps in getting rid of sinus. Steam inhalation, hot compression, nasal irrigation, warm soup, mixture of apple cider vinegar, honey and ginger, garlic etc all have curative properties. Most of these treatments of sinus infection such as home remedies must be started right at the onset of the ailment. Plenty of vitamin C for many months is said to keep the sinus infection at bay. Taking Bronchitis Contagious vitamin A, weekly dose and vitamin E twice weekly may help too, helps control the mucous.

Ayurvedic, homeopathic medicines and Chinese herbal medicines have become very important in the treatment of sinus infection. Doctors prescribe decongestants, antibiotics and even analgesics to cure sinus. Some even go in for endoscopic surgery to get rid of the sinus infection. Yoga has also been seen to have a good relief in the treatment of sinus infection.

Have you given your life completely to sinus infection thinking there is no way out? Get your Sinus Treatments and Sinus Remedies.

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Allergic to Chlorine? Here's What You Must Know

If Ph Copd are allergic to chlorine, you probably need a whole house chlorine water filter. Otherwise, you can be exposed in many different ways at many different Copd Support It really depends on how severe Natural Treatments Industrial Bronchitis allergy is.

At one time, it was believed that very few people were allergic to chlorine. Now, it seems that more people either have an allergy or are at least "sensitive" to the chemical. Also, it has been noted that sensitization can occur over time. In other words, the more you are exposed to something, the more likely you will begin to experience unwanted symptoms.

When you consider that, you realize that anyone can benefit from a whole house chlorine water filter, whether allergic to chlorine or not.

If you ask someone in the cosmetic industry, you will learn that showering in chlorinated waters changes the color of your hair, causes excessive dryness of the skin and hair, as well as contributing to bad hair days. One respected hair dresser advised his clients to wash their hair in bottled waters before a big show or photo shoot. He has since started marketing his own showerhead filters.

Those are strictly cosmetic benefits, but allergy symptoms are a health concern. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, similar to asthmatic attacks. The more common symptoms are watery, itchy eyes when exposed to the vapors. Itchy throat or even vomiting can occur after drinking chlorinated water. Exposure during showering can cause itchy skin, rashes and symptoms that at first glance appear to be eczema or psoriasis.

If your symptoms are severe, then a whole house chlorine water filter is really your only solution. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to deal with a filtration device for you kitchen and another for your shower, but, from a strictly economic standpoint, a whole house chlorine water filter may be less expensive in the long run.

You have to remember that separate filtration devices will require separate replacement cartridges and the schedule of replacement can vary. If you live alone and are allergic to chlorine, you should keep your cell phone or a med-alert device with you at all times. Symptoms can become debilitating in a very short period of time.

I know that some doctors suggest prescription medications, as opposed to dealing with the root cause of the problem. But, in my opinion, there is no reason to simply treat the symptoms.

A kitchen purifier and one for the shower would cost far less than a six month supply of an effective allergy drug. Besides the fact that, those drugs cause unwanted side effects, such as fatigue and drowsiness.

You should also know that there may be other hazards in your water supply to contend with. A good whole house chlorine water filter will remove other chemical contaminants, as well as sediments, protecting your pipes from corrosion and protecting your health at the same time.

If you are allergic to chlorine, I would suggest that you buy a home filtration device. It just makes sense.

Larry Fletcher is an avid proponent of water purification and a passionate researcher on its health benefits. To get the facts on how to choose the best water purification system, visit http://www.pure-and-safe-water.com now.

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