Tags
accupressure points, aromatherapy, cold, congestion, cough, euclapytus oil, herbal remedies, herbal remedy, marshmallow, sinusitis, slippery elm
Colds, Cough and Congestion
The common cold is an upper respiratory infection can be caused by over 200 different viruses and generally lasts 7-10 days. The only thing that will get rid of a cold is letting it run its course, thought there are options that may lessen the duration or severity of cold symptoms.
*Some studies suggest that Echinacea may reduce the severity and duration of colds if taken in large amounts at the onset of symptoms.
*Try incorporating probiotics into your diet. Some studies indicate that live lactobacillus cultures have been linked to less respiratory infections, including some forms of the common cold in both adults and children.
*Vitamins & minerals–both zinc and vitamin C have long been recommended for a cold. Studies indicate that individuals deficient in zinc and/or vitamin C are more prone to infections and supplements of these can reduce the number and severity of infections. Zinc, in lozenge form, may reduce the intensity of the symptoms associated with a cold, particularly a cough. Additionally nasal zinc gel (but not zinc nasal spray) and zinc lozenges seem to shorten the duration of a cold. Conversely, while a few studies have indicated that vitamin C, taken in large does at the onset of a cold may lessen the severity and shorten the duration of a cold, literature reviews of vitamin C studies indicate that it more than likely has little to no effect in preventing or treating infection….but then again, some studies do show that Vitamin C can help.
*Eucalyptus, is an expectorant that is useful in treating both chest and sinus congestion. For chest congestion, in both adults and children, the topical application of Eucalyptus oil in a chest rub (either oil, or salve) can be of great benefit (as can steam inhalations). Eucalyptus leaf tea can also be taken, as the leaf is believed to have additional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. To make an infusion from Eucalyptus leaf, take 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoonful per cup hot water and steep for 10 – 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Chest Rub:
20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of Camphor
10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
1/2 cup carrier oil
Mix together. Rub on chest for congestion. To make salve, add beeswax to melt until cooled mixture is at preferred consistency.
*Medicated lip balms such as Carmex or Blistex can be applied to the skin under the nose, as well as on, around and just inside the nostril to help relieve rawness from blowing the nose. Additionally, as most are medicated with menthol, eucalyptus or some combination, which is also useful as an inhalant.
*Marshmallow, particularly the root, and Slippery elm are both effective mucilage agents and help to relieve sore throat and ease coughs, especially if they are dry and unproductive. Marshmallow root (and valerian root) is most effectively made as a maceration (cold water infusion). To prepare, pour 2 cups of cold water over 25 g (volume depends on consistency) of Marshmallow root and allow to sit, covered, overnight. To prepare Slippery Elm root, pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark and then steeping 3 to 5 minutes. Both of these you can used as a gargle, throat rinse or “tea” up to 3 times a day.
Garlic-Ginger Syrup with Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root
Fresh ginger root
2 cloves garlic
Marshmallow root (this recipe assumes a shredded consistency…by weight it is about 12 g)
Powered Slippery elm bark
2 c honey
Peel and finely slice 2-3 thumb sized chunks of ginger and 2 cloves of garlic. Cover with 2 cups honey and allow to “steep” overnight (you do not have to remove the garlic and ginger). Simultaneously, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon powdered slippery elm bark. Allow to cool. Once cooled, pour this mixture over 2-3 tablespoons marshmallow root. Sit covered, overnight. Separate the mucilage and combine with the honey. Mix. Store in refrigerator. Take 1-2 tablespoon 3-4 times a day to help with cough.
Ginger and Chicken Noodle Soup
*you will need a pressure cooker*
pressure cook together the following (about 10 minutes once pressure has been met):
whole chicken
2 cans chicken broth
several cups water (enough to cover chicken)
1-2 cups baby carrots
1 cup celery, chopped
1 yellow or vidalia onion coarsly chopped
1 pinch ground black pepper
then, remove chicken and debone…put chicken chunks back in liquid and simmer…
sautee and add:
1/3 cup sliced fresh garlic
1/3 cup fresh ginger root sliced
optional…a pinch of curry
also add:
1-2 cups egg noodles (depends on amt of liquid you have)
bring to boil til noodles done
salt or add soy sauce to taste…optional—add a drizzle of honey to the bowl when serving…adds a bit of sweet to the spicy and salty
*Other herbs that are useful to combat colds and cold symptoms are licorice, peppermint (and other mint family members), garlic, and ginger.
*For more remedies, try http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/33.cfm
Sinus/Nasal Congestion
*Drink lots of water. This should help thin secretions and prevent dehydration.
*Steam inhalation is your friend. Hot showers, tenting your head with a towel over a pan of steamy water, or a steam vaporizer (not a cool mist humidifier) are all easy ways to relieve sinus congestion.
*Add eucalyptus and/or menthol based essential oils and lavender and/or rosemary essential oils to the steam inhalation reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion.
*Irrigate your sinuses. A bulb syringe, neti pot, or one of these bottles. Use ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp baking soda or ¼ tsp salt for 8 oz of WARM distilled or filtered water.
*Saline mist, especially if you can’t stand the idea of irrigating your sinuses (plus it is great for the kiddos)–FAR better than a conventional nose spray, is a newer OTC product that can be found at drugstores…I’ve only ever seen it in the childrens/infant section, sold under a couple of different brands.
*Try using these pressure points to relieve sinus congestion…
bay witch musings 