Essential oils in the treatment of the common cold. Treatment and prevention of colds with essential oils. Which oils help children with a cold


If you have a cold or flu, it is best to contact a specialist immediately. But there is also alternative methods treatment. For example, using essential oils. It has long been known that these substances not only smell good, but also have beneficial properties.

Essential oils for colds and flu

With the help of aromatherapy, you can fight not only bacterial, but also viral diseases. All essential oils help boost immunity. In addition, aromatherapy is an excellent prevention of flu and colds. Each ether has unique properties:

  • tea tree, thyme, cloves, sage, rosemary and cinnamon - antiseptic;
  • geranium, mint, fennel, lemon balm and ylang-ylang - antiviral;
  • chamomile, tea tree, thyme, eucalyptus, pine, cedar, spruce, myrtle, ginger, juniper, verbena, geranium and hyssop - antibacterial;
  • tea tree, sage, clove, juniper, pine, chamomile, myrtle, thyme, oregano, frankincense and grapefruit - anti-inflammatory;
  • tea tree, sage, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, cedar, juniper, rose, chamomile, pine, lavender, hyssop, grapefruit and frankincense - immunostimulating;
  • lavender, anise, rose, geranium, sandalwood, fennel and incense - tonic;
  • lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, chamomile, mint, lemon balm, lemon and bergamot - antipyretic and diaphoretic.

There are many essential oils that help with colds and flu.

Essential oils with colds and flu, they act very quickly. The active substances found in aromatic substances penetrate deep into the cells and destroy the source of the disease. It becomes easier for a person after the first procedure: inhalation, aroma bath or rubbing.

Essential oils for colds and flu

When choosing essential oils for the treatment of colds and flu, you need to be careful. Some substances are more suitable for a cold, others for a cough.

Video: aromatherapy against bacteria

With a cold

Esters can destroy viruses and bacteria in the respiratory system, so inflammation quickly decreases and air moves through the nasal passages more freely. The most effective oils for a cold are:

  1. Eucalyptus. The oil of this plant effectively relieves inflammation, quickly restores tissues and reduces body temperature. In addition, eucalyptus ether can reduce headaches.

    Eucalyptus oil quickly reduces body temperature

  2. Camphor. It has a pronounced antiviral, wound healing and antiseptic action. It cannot be allowed to camphor oil applied to mucous tissue.
  3. Tea tree. The oil from this plant relieves inflammation and effectively fights pathogenic microorganisms. You will feel relief after the first use.

    Oil tea tree can significantly alleviate the course of a cold

  4. Fir, thuja and pine. The esters of these plants quickly relieve pain, help strengthen the immune system, and also normalize the microflora of the mucous tissue.

    Fir oil helps to strengthen the immune system

Video: essential oils for the common cold

When coughing

Eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oils are considered the most effective aroma remedies for cough. All of them have a pronounced expectorant effect, due to which the disease proceeds easier and passes faster.

Lavender oil will quickly cope with a cough

Using essential oils for colds and flu

There are many ways to use esters to fight colds and flu. The main ones are:

  • inhalation;
  • rubbing;
  • aroma baths.

Inhalations

Inhalations are used for both colds and flu. But the procedure is especially effective for sore throats.

  1. Take water (1 l), boil it.
  2. Add three drops of lavender ether, the same amount of bergamot and eucalyptus oil to the container.
  3. Lower your head above the water and inhale the vapors deeply for 10 minutes. It is advisable to cover yourself with a towel to active substances did not evaporate, but fell directly into your respiratory tract.

Inhalations can be done several times a day until complete recovery. In this case, there may be other mixtures of oils, but the proposed one is the most effective.

Inhalation is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to fight a cold.

Rubbing

For massage you will need 15 ml of base oil: coconut, almond or olive.

  1. Lightly heat it in a water bath.
  2. Then add five drops of ether to the base oil. You can also use mixtures.
  3. Slowly rub the resulting substance into the chest, back and neck. At the end of the procedure, stretch your heels.
  4. Then wrap yourself in a warm blanket and rest for half an hour.

These procedures are equally effective for both colds and flu. Rubbing can be done once a day until complete recovery, preferably at bedtime.

Rubbing (or massage) is not only pleasant, but also a useful procedure.

Aroma baths

Aroma baths are very effective for colds. Before the procedure, it is necessary to combine essential oils with milk or heavy cream (50–100 ml). This is necessary so that the active substances do not evaporate during the bath. The water temperature should not exceed 38 ° C, otherwise the properties of the oils will not be fully revealed. The procedure time is 15 minutes. It is necessary to take a bath once a day until complete recovery. In this case, your body temperature should be normal. With increased water procedures contraindicated.

Aroma bath is an incredibly pleasant procedure that will help you get rid of a cold.

Oil blends

There are various blends of oils to fight the flu and colds. All of them can be used for inhalation, aroma baths and rubbing. The compositions of the most effective mixtures are as follows:

  • three drops of eucalyptus and tea tree oil;
  • 2 ml of rosemary and thyme ether;
  • two drops of lavender and eucalyptus oil;
  • 3 ml of eucalyptus and thyme ether;
  • 2 drops of pine oil, 1 ml of lavender ether;
  • 2 drops each of tea tree oil, lavender and eucalyptus;
  • drop by drop of ether of thyme, mint, eucalyptus and cloves;
  • tea tree oil, thyme, lemon and cloves in a ratio of 2:2:3:1;
  • esters of lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus in a ratio of 5:5:8;
  • esters of tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender in a ratio of 4:3:3;
  • 5 drops each of eucalyptus, pine, thyme, rosemary and lemon oils.

Preventive measures

With the help of essential oils, you can not only treat colds, but also prevent them. To do this, periodically light the aroma lamp in the room. You can use your favorite ether in pure form Or use mixtures. Aroma lamp every two days - the best prevention colds and flu. Do not forget to pre-dissolve the oils in water, otherwise they will simply burn in the device.

The aroma lamp not only creates a pleasant smell in the room, but is also an excellent prevention of colds and flu.

Inhalations and rubbing are serious measures, which will be useful at the first signs of the disease. But aroma baths can be done several times a week to prevent the onset of flu and colds.

Essential oils for colds in children

Children are especially susceptible to chemicals. That is why it is not recommended to treat children traditional way: tablets, ointments, etc. It is better to use natural esters. Oils are recommended for children under one year old:

  • lavender;
  • tea tree;
  • chamomile.

Aroma bath and massage are ideal. For rubbing, take a tablespoon of base oil (almond, coconut or olive) and a drop of your chosen ester. For a bath, dissolve the latter in a spoonful of milk. The water should not be too hot, 37°C will be sufficient. You can also scent rooms. To do this, dissolve one drop of ether in a liter of water. Use a spray bottle to spray the scented substance throughout the room.

When a child is sick, first try to cure him with natural essential oils.

  • lavender;
  • myrtle;
  • chamomile;
  • tea tree;
  • orange;
  • eucalyptus;
  • tangerine;
  • thyme.

This time, you can use up to three drops of ether per tablespoon of base.

As for older children (from six to twelve years old), it is recommended to use the same oils as for the younger ones. But in this case, five drops of ether will be needed for massage and bath.

Also, children can do inhalation. One of the most effective oil blends for this looks like this:

  • one drop of chamomile and thyme;
  • two drops of tea tree and mandarin.

Contraindications

Contraindication to the use of essential oils is individual intolerance.

Rhinitis is swelling on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, which is accompanied by a special narrowing of the nasal passages and the release of mucus that accumulates inside the nasopharynx. As a result, breathing problems begin, which bring a lot of discomfort to the patient's life.

If the process starts or does not start timely treatment, then rhinitis becomes chronic, which is fraught with various complications. With a runny nose, essential oils that are applicable for adults and children are excellent. How to use them, and are there any contraindications?

Oil efficiency

One of the measures to combat rhinitis, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by numerous positive experiences, is the use of essential aromatic oils. These drugs have a high therapeutic efficacy, do not provoke side effects.

Oils have mass positive qualities. Their composition is completely natural and safe. The use can not cause complications, which provoke synthetic medicines. Many esters have several therapeutic effects, so they are used not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of rhinitis.

During severe runny nose there is irritation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, it is covered with ulcers and crusts. If you do not pay attention to treatment, then formed chronic form rhinitis.

With such a problem, the mucous membrane atrophies gradually, the runny nose becomes endless. To avoid such a disease, it is necessary to lay in nasal cavity air, especially during the epidemic season.

What happens when oils enter the body:

  1. The process of blood circulation is accelerated.
  2. The swelling subsides.
  3. Toxins come out.
  4. The results of viral decay are coming out.
  5. are rising protective functions organism (immunity).
  6. The mucous membrane heals.
  7. The irritation is removed.
  8. Bacteria and viruses stop reproducing.
  9. May help treat sinusitis.
  10. The cough goes away.

Undoubtedly, pharmaceutical preparations have a quick effect of exposure, unlike the ethereal counterpart. However, they can lead to many side effects. Suitable for patients of any age, eliminates congestion and itching. The effect is shown in a day.

Types of procedures

Which type of oil to use depends on what your treatment goal is. To moisturize the mucous membrane during allergic reaction use vaseline. If rhinitis is provoked by an infection, then tea tree ethers are used.

Therapy with such agents may be discontinued if there is hypersensitivity to one or another component of the composition.

Substances that are in oils are extracted from arborvitae, sea buckthorn, camphor. These components can cause an allergic reaction in young children and pregnant women. The drug can be used, previously diluted in water.

Use for kids from a year:

  • Nasal drops.
  • Lubrication of the nose.
  • Laying impregnated turundas.
  • Inhalation.
  • Massage.
  • Ingestion.

The first technique is used in the situation when the disease is on initial stage, no stuffy nose, little sputum. The event helps relieve itching and burning, reduce sore throat. When used on children, it is best to dilute with water and drip at bedtime.

In the absence of fever and blockage of the nasal passages with mucus, inhalations are used. You can use a nebulizer (inhaler), inhalation of vapors, or you can do it differently.

A cotton swab is soaked in essential oil, previously diluted in liquid, and smeared under the nose and near the nostrils. It helps to breathe easier during colds and deal with complications.

With nasal congestion, cotton turundas with ethers are used. To increase the functioning of immunity, you need to add a few drops of the product to honey or herbal decoction.

When using essential oil to massage the wings of the nose, you can quickly get rid of puffiness.

Tea tree

Essential oil for a cold is complex natural remedy. It has enhanced antibacterial properties. Fights viruses and relieves inflammation.

The oil copes well with rhinitis, and its use during outbreaks of respiratory diseases can provide high-quality prevention of their occurrence.

Discomfort is relieved immediately after application. The inflammation, puffiness goes away, the discharge becomes less.

In addition, tea tree has a calming effect, relieves stress, relieves panic and fear. Suppresses the development of the process of reproduction of bacterial pathogenic microflora however, the bacteria are not killed.

Another property is diaphoretic. There is a stimulation of the waste of toxic substances, the body begins to stably resist diseases. Discomfort from long-term illness disappears.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has similar properties to tea tree based preparation. May serve as an alternative. Excellent antiseptic ingredient active struggle with viruses and bacteria.

Eucalyptus is able to reduce elevated temperature eliminate inflammation. In addition, an expectorant property and an action aimed at strengthening immunity are noted.

Used to treat rhinitis with green discharge. The effect of eucalyptus ether can be enhanced. If you mix it with other components.

This advice is especially relevant when inhaling a cold with essential oils. Add to eucalyptus such oils for inhalation with a cold:

  • tea tree;
  • bergamot;
  • thyme;
  • pine.

Camphor oil

Camphor oil is considered very effective means antiseptic group, healing effect extensive: the fight against a runny nose, cough, inflammatory muscle process.

Drops based on this component can eliminate the symptoms of a cold. For their manufacture, vegetable oil, propolis and camphor tincture are taken in equal dosages, respectively. The mixed composition is dripped into the nasal cavity three times a day.

The tool belongs to the group of highly toxic, so it can not be used externally. Ether is strictly prohibited for people who suffer from:

  1. epilepsy.
  2. Diseases of the heart.
  3. Vascular problems.

This is due to the fact that they excite the body and increase the load on the heart.

fir oil

fir oil excellent tool assisting in the treatment of rhinitis. Actions:

  1. Removal of the inflammatory process.
  2. Fight against microbes.
  3. Disinfection.

Use is appropriate for acute type of rhinitis, discomfort symptoms are instantly eliminated, breathing becomes difficult, mucous membranes are freed from swelling. The inflammation process softens, the vessels become narrower, this leads to less secretion and the formation of mucus.

It has a very pungent smell that may not be to everyone's taste. If you suffer from migraine while using it, stop therapy.

Treatment of babies

Since young children love the bathing procedure, two drops of mint, eucalyptus and cypress ethers should be added to a warm bath. After such an event, breathing through the nose will improve, nasal congestion will come to naught.

To speed up the treatment of rhinitis in infants, you can do cold inhalation. To do this, use tea tree oil or its alternative - eucalyptus.

The baby will sleep soundly and calmly without a runny nose, if you place a napkin dipped in ether near his bed or on a pillow. You can add beneficial esters to your humidifier.

If the child suffers from a cold, then you can use chamomile oil. It is unique in that it does not cause allergic reactions and exhibits antiseptic properties.

Lemon essential oil can thick discharge from the nose more liquid. Sage stops the vital activity of bacteria. Breathing becomes easier during flu and colds if mints are used. Well suited balm "Asterisk".

Before any use of esters, an allergic reaction of the child should be excluded. Talk to your pediatrician before starting on your own. home treatment. The doctor will give the correct effective recipe troubleshooting.

Contraindications and precautions

Before using essential oils for a cold, you need to do an allergy test. Take no a large number of oil and put on a paper towel. Do deep breath this fragrance. If you feel discomfort, headache, it is recommended to abandon the procedures using these components.

To treat rhinitis broadcast media in the form of drops, it is necessary to dilute them in vegetable or olive oil to lower the concentration.

Women during pregnancy and lactation, babies under the age of one year, epileptics are at risk, they are contraindicated to use this kind of therapy.

In case of individual intolerance, stop treatment immediately.

Don't forget to consult with experts. Initially, it is important to make a correct diagnosis. Based on this information, select proper therapy. In each case, the use of a certain essential oil is appropriate, and sometimes it is contraindicated.

Don't get busy self-treatment, to avoid dangerous complications. This also applies to the treatment of childhood rhinitis. Many oils are not gentle, so it is important not only to consult with pediatricians, but also to carefully study the composition and rules for using a particular component.

Incorrect dosages can burn the delicate mucous membrane of a child's nose.

Subject to simple rules treatment with essential oils, you will quickly get rid of rhinitis. It is important not to deviate from the instructions for using the oil. If after a week of therapy your health does not improve, then immediately contact a specialist to adjust the treatment.

Ekaterina Rakitina

Dr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Klinikum, Germany

Reading time: 2 minutes

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Last update articles: 05/11/2019

Essential oils are often used in the treatment of many diseases, both in adults and children. Aromatherapy allows without medicines soothe, relieve abdominal pain, decontaminate the wound, improve sleep. But most often, essential oils are used for colds.

When and what essential oils are used

The use of essential oils is allowed only for those newborns who are more than 2 weeks old. In this case, it is first important to make sure that they are not allergic. To do this, 1 drop is applied to a handkerchief and given to the baby to smell. I repeat this several times a day. If the child's eyes did not start to water, red spots did not appear on the face or hands, a runny nose, then the reaction is normal.

A child under 2 months old is recommended essential oils of lavender, rose, chamomile. The safest among them is chamomile with its antiseptic properties. Good antiseptic and lavender, which also has sedative effect. Rose oil is actively used to prevent influenza and SARS in children, it removes headache and improves sleep.

Eucalyptus - powerful antiviral agent for the respiratory system. It helps to reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Eucalyptus oil is added only to the aroma lamp.

Children who have not yet reached 2 years old will still benefit from the essential oils of ylang-ylang, fennel, patchouli, bergamot, orange, sandalwood, fir oil. Lemon, tea tree and geranium oils are only suitable for flavoring.

Bergamot helps against infections of the upper respiratory tract. In the summer, its fragrance repels insects.

Fennel has antispasmodic and expectorant properties. It is able to alleviate the condition of children with colds, bronchitis, whooping cough.

Sandalwood oil soothes and relaxes, but at the same time activates the immune system, increasing protection against harmful bacteria.

Tea tree oil disinfects the larynx and bronchi. Its aroma is tart, bitter. Tea tree oil strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to infections. It fights streptococcus. Tea tree oil is used for tonsillitis and laryngitis.

To prevent colds in children in autumn and winter, aromatherapy is carried out regularly. The frequency of procedures is 2-3 times a week.

Fir oil is most effective for rhinitis. It contains tannins, which give it such a specific smell. Fir oil stimulates immune system, kills germs and viruses in the air. It constricts the vessels in the nose, relieves swelling. The result of its use is a quick cure for the common cold. Fir oil quickly relieves the symptoms of not only acute, but even chronic rhinitis.

How to use essential oils to treat children

The most common way to use essential oils is to scent a room. It is carried out by means of a special aroma lamp, in upper part which water is poured (oil is dripped into it), and a small candle is placed in the lower part. The candle is lit. The fire heats the lamp and the water in it, due to which a pleasant smell spreads throughout the room. The dosage of essential oil depends on the area of ​​​​the room. Usually use 1 drop of oil per 5 square meters. m. The first couple of days this procedure takes no more than 20 minutes. Over time, aromatherapy is extended to an hour. In no case should a child be left alone in a room with a burning candle.

Instead of an aroma lamp, any clay product is suitable, as well as citrus peels, pieces of natural wood, small pillows made of natural fabric. They absorb flavors well. The selected items are laid out around the room, and 1-2 drops of essential oil are applied to each of them. It is also added to water during wet cleaning (2 drops per 5 liters of water) or in a spray bottle for spraying around the room (1 drop per 100 ml of water).

Essential oils are often added to water intended for bathing a child. In this case, it is mixed with an emulsifier, since it itself will not dissolve in water, but will remain on its surface. As an emulsifier, milk (cream), honey (if there is no allergy), sea ​​salt. At first, such a procedure should not exceed 5 minutes. Bathing is gradually brought up to 30 minutes.

For colds and pains, warm compresses with essential oils (for example, tea tree or fir) are effective. The oil is dripped into the water, a cloth is dipped into it, squeezed out and applied to the throat or nose. The recommended dose is 1 drop in a glass of water.

For children up to a year, massages are very useful. They are done daily after bathing. Massage time is 10 minutes. In the process, you need to constantly be in contact with the baby: talk to him, sing a song. For massage, a couple of drops of tea tree (or any other) essential oil are added to 30-50 ml of the main oil (jojoba, soy, almond, apricot, sunflower, calendula, rosehip, wheat germ, grape seeds). As a basis, you can take a cream.

Do not apply pure oil to your baby's skin. If it comes into direct contact with the skin, irritation and even a burn may occur.

For the prevention of colds, the room is aromatized using eucalyptus, lavender, fir, lemon oils, tea tree.

For colds, rub the chest, back with a mixture of chamomile, lavender oils (1 drop each) and almonds.

At respiratory diseases drop a drop of oil (for example, fir) on the pillow or sheet on which the child sleeps so that he inhales beneficial vapors. Oil is also dripped onto the baby's pajamas or simply into a container with water, which must be installed in a room with a children's bed, but so that the child does not reach it.

No less healing than fir and tea tree oil, for colds - camphor oil. It successfully treats coughs and is used by some parents. However, the instructions say that camphor oil should not be prescribed to children under 2 years of age.

Basic rules for using essential oils

Before you start treating a child with essential oil, you should consult a pediatrician. Parents should use aromatherapy with caution.

High-quality oil is purchased exclusively in pharmacies or specialized stores. It should be sold in darkened glass jars with a dispenser. Store this product in a dark, dry and cool place and discard after the expiration date printed on the package.

Make sure that the oil does not get into the mouth, nose, eyes of the baby. It can cause at least discomfort and burning, as a maximum - a burn of the mucous membrane.

The age-appropriate dosage must be strictly observed. It is better to drip less than necessary than to overdo it. If the norm is exceeded, side effects may occur - insomnia, rash, emotional overexcitation, a feeling of anxiety.

Sometimes aromatherapy is very effective, but to replace it with traditional medicine it is forbidden. At serious illnesses treatment with essential oils can be ineffective or even dangerous for the health of the child.

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With the onset of damp autumn weather and winter cold a large number of people turn to doctors with colds, which are often accompanied not only by cough, headache, sore throat, but also by rhinitis. A constant flow from the nose is unpleasant for both children and adults.

For the treatment of the disease are prescribed medications, which have many side effects and are not suitable for all patients. You can use alternative way treatment and apply essential oils from the common cold. Substances have another name - ethers. They will help to cope with the pathology, as well as save from it.

The effectiveness of essential oils

In the treatment of any disease, it is important to choose a remedy that is not only effective, but also safe. This is especially true for children. Nowadays, most doctors recognize that aromatherapy is in a safe way therapy. Plant ethers have an effect not only on the focus of inflammation, but also on the entire body:

  • increase immunity;
  • negatively affect pathogenic microorganisms;
  • inhibit the reproduction of viruses, bacteria;
  • have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties;
  • have an anti-stress effect;
  • enhance mood.

Considering natural composition you can be sure of their safety. During the period of colds, an aroma lamp in a child’s room will prevent the appearance of snot or help to defeat the pathology faster. Essential oil from the common cold has several therapeutic effects, therefore, not only helps to get rid of rhinitis, but can also be used for prevention.

Essential oil selection

To fight pathogens infectious diseases in the autumn-winter period, ethers can be used, for example, fir, eucalyptus, mint, lavender, lemon and tea tree.

They are able to have a therapeutic effect if they are used to conduct various procedures, starting with inhalations and ending with rubbing, massage.

Therapy essential compounds in addition to medicinal will bring recovery closer.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus tree oil is distinguished by the content of unique components that give it healing properties. It contains a large number tannins, flavonoids, which help to quickly defeat a viral or bacterial infection.

Eucalyptus essential oil has the following effects:

  • bactericidal;
  • antiseptic;
  • well relieves inflammation;
  • removes heat;
  • expectorant;
  • antiviral;
  • restorative.

Eucalyptus essential oil is used for the common cold in children, especially helps to cope with lingering green discharge. For effectiveness, it can be combined with other formulations.

tea tree

The tea tree puts at our disposal unique remedy which helps to get rid of the symptoms of a cold and prevent its occurrence. The healing effect of the oil is due to:

  • antibacterial and antiviral effect;
  • anti-inflammatory properties.

When using the drug, improvement occurs quickly, the formation of mucus decreases, swelling is removed, and inflammation is eliminated. In the process of therapy, plant ethers have a calming effect on nervous system eliminate fears and anxiety.

Diaphoretic properties help to remove toxic substances from the body.

fir

Healing fir oil is made from the branches and needles of the tree. With a runny nose, it helps to quickly stop the disease due to unique composition And medicinal properties. And they are quite extensive:

  • has a disinfecting effect;
  • destroys pathogens of colds;
  • constricts blood vessels, which helps to relieve swelling.

The use of ethers when visiting a sauna or bath is popular. Under such conditions, healing substances penetrate into all cells of the skin and into the body, which helps to heal quickly.

sea ​​buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is known for its healing and antioxidant properties. The plant contains vitamins A and C. Use sea ​​buckthorn oil helps to quickly cure a runny nose thanks to:

  • healing effect;
  • anti-inflammatory effects;
  • regenerating and antimicrobial properties.

When used for instillation into the nasal passages, they strengthen vascular walls, swelling is quickly removed, the amount of discharge decreases.

lavender

The plant is known for its delicate aroma, helps to overcome colds. Thanks to its unique qualities, lavender oil can help cure a runny nose.

The composition has the following effects on a person:

  • antiseptic;
  • antibacterial;
  • restorative;
  • tonic.

Increases when used protective properties organism and the ability to resist infections.

Inhalations

Inhalation with essential oils helps to short term beat the cold. The composition of the solutions helps to cleanse the respiratory tract, reduce swelling, increase the body's defenses.

Inhalations can be carried out using several ethers at the same time to improve the effectiveness of therapy.

For the procedure to have an effect, it is necessary to follow the rules for inhalation:

  • the temperature of the composition is not higher than 45 degrees;
  • for the first procedure, use 1-2 drops of aroma oil;
  • carry out several times a day;
  • do not engage in treatment immediately after eating;
  • the duration of the procedure is 3-5 minutes;
  • in children inhalation only in the presence of an adult;
  • to treat a runny nose, inhale the vapor calmly and evenly through the nose, and in case of throat diseases through the mouth;
  • after the procedure, rest is required.

Immediately after inhalation, you should not go out, eat and exercise the body.

They also use a Mahold glass inhaler with essential oils for the prevention of colds and the common cold in particular.

Precautions and contraindications for use

Before use, make sure that there is no allergic reaction. During therapy, some important recommendations must be observed:

  • do not add more than 7 oils to the composition for the procedure at the same time;
  • etherols apply no longer than 3 weeks and take a break;
  • do not use inhalation at high temperature;
  • during the period of bearing a baby, for the treatment of infants, it is not recommended to prescribe etherols to patients with epilepsy.

Do not use essential oils in a nebulizer. The device will not be able to split the composition into tiny droplets for effective exposure.

  • with increased blood pressure thyme and sage oils are contraindicated;
  • at bronchial asthma rosemary ethers are prohibited;
  • if there are problems in genitourinary system you can not assign gifts of fir, jasmine;
  • it is better for children to start doing inhalations from the age of three, and rosemary and thyme oil can be used after 6, cloves are only older than 12 years.

If you take into account the rules and tips for the use of healing ethers, remember about contraindications, then you can defeat a runny nose quickly and without complications for the body.

Absolutely healthy people does not happen - every person at least once in his life had a cold. And everyone treats treatment differently: someone trusts only proven medicines and some prefer natural remedies. We all know that long-term frequent use drugs weaken the immune system, and some natural products, such as essential oils, on the contrary, help to strengthen it. So how can you fight colds with esters?

Essential oil therapy is not only an easy, but also a pleasant way to resist viral and bacterial infections. With their aggressiveness to microbes, they are absolutely harmless to humans. Ethers create a special environment unsuitable for life pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, concentrated oils accelerate the penetration of antibiotics into human cells, increasing their effect several times.

Video: how essential oils protect against colds

Treatment of ailments and their symptoms

Each name of the ether has an individual set useful properties, but still they can be divided according to the main directions of action into subgroups:

  • antipyretic: eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, lemon, bergamot, mint;
  • anti-inflammatory: chamomile, sage, thyme, cloves, tea tree, juniper, myrtle, grapefruit;
  • antiviral: lemon, lavender, pine, fir, juniper, sage, tea tree, eucalyptus;
  • immunostimulating and restorative: lavender, chamomile, tea tree, sage, rose, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, juniper.

It is possible to use both one name of the oil, and the combination of several options. However, mixing more than three flavors is undesirable.

Due to the fact that essential oils are a highly concentrated product, treatment should be started with small doses: for the first time, it is better to limit yourself to two drops.

Cough

Essential oils help fight infection, relieve bronchial spasms, thin sputum and remove it from the respiratory tract. But before choosing the right flavor, you need to determine the nature of the cough:

  • when dry, esters of eucalyptus, coniferous trees (pine, fir, spruce), juniper, sandalwood, bergamot, ginger, cypress, lavender, chamomile, tea tree will be effective;
  • against wet cough, accompanied by sputum, preference should be given to basil, bergamot, lemon balm, peppermint, marjoram, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, fennel, thyme, sage, eucalyptus.

Some esters have a complex effect, helping with any kind of cough.

Esters can be used to treat coughs different methods. But any of them effectively fights the symptom of the disease and strengthens the condition of the body as a whole.

Inhalations

Inhalations are done in two ways: cold and hot. For cold procedures, a nebulizer is used: a couple of drops of a certain ether are added to saline, the vapors of which are deeply inhaled by mouth. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes, the course of treatment is 7-10 days. In the absence of this device, you can do more simple option: soak a handkerchief with two drops of oil and breathe in the smell emanating from it for several minutes.

The hot method is more common. It can be used without special units:

  1. Boil a liter of water and add the selected oil ensemble (or one name of the ether) to it in the amount of two to five drops.
  2. Let the boiling water cool slightly to avoid burning the respiratory tract.
  3. Lean over a bowl of liquid, covering your head with a towel and closing your eyes, and breathe in fragrant vapors through your mouth for five to seven minutes.

Coughing occurs after the second procedure. But there is no need to stop: continue treatment for at least a week in the morning and evening until the symptom disappears.

aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is recommended in the treatment light form ailment. During the session essential fragrances fill the entire space, preventing viruses from spreading. For the procedure, an aroma lamp is used, which should work for at least 30 minutes, but not exceeding two hours. Such sessions can be carried out all day, but with a break of at least 3 hours. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

In the absence of a special unit, you can fill a small bowl with slightly cooled boiling water, diluting it with a drop of the selected oil.

The most suitable concentrate for aromatherapy will be eucalyptus essential oil.

Water procedures

Having normal temperature body, it is good to take fragrant water procedures: mix 5-6 drops of ether (or several aromas) with sea salt (half a glass) and pour into a full warm bath. Relax and lie down for 15 minutes, finishing with a warm bed.

Massage

Rubbing the chest and back with a specially prepared massage mixture is an effective addition to drug cough relief. To prepare massage tool, it is enough to introduce a couple of drops of concentrated aroma into any oil base (for example, olive oil). The duration of the session is 10 minutes, it should be repeated daily for 7-10 days.

Doctors often prescribe warm compresses. To do this, the mixture described above must be applied to a warm base (potatoes boiled in uniform, honey, cabbage leaves) and applied to chest on both sides, bypassing the heart, for half an hour. The recommended course of treatment is 7–10 days.

Runny nose

The fight against the common cold with the help of ethers is an excellent solution to the problem, which gives a high therapeutic effect, does not negative consequences and contraindications (except for individual intolerance). In this case, you should purchase the following names of esters:

  • tea tree;
  • eucalyptus;
  • fir;
  • thyme.

These natural preparations can be used in different ways.

Nose instillation

For instillation of the nose, you need to combine two drops of the selected fragrance with half a teaspoon vegetable oil olives. 1/4 pipette should be injected into each nasal passage oil agent after lying on your back for a few minutes. Do about 5 instillations a day until the symptom disappears.

With absence strong secretions it is enough to lubricate the skin at the nostrils with tea tree ether. This concentrate has high level efficiency, it is able to resist even antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

Washing

To wash the nose, you will need to brew 400 ml of a decoction of chamomile or sage, add 3-4 drops of ether (for example, thuja) to it and mix well. Rinse the nasal passages with this solution several times a day until the symptom is relieved.

When green or yellow mucus is released, it is necessary to prepare a slightly different solution for washing: dilute half a tablespoon of sea salt with a whole spoonful of warm water, drop a couple of drops of eucalyptus ether, and then dilute it all in 100 ml of chlorophyllipt. Apply liquid up to 4 times a day for a week.

inhaling aromas

When eliminating a runny nose, additional therapies such as inhalation and aromatherapy are often prescribed. These procedures are similar to those described above, but with the addition of aromas corresponding to this disease. And with one more nuance - you need to inhale the vapors through your nose.

With sinusitis, warm inhalations with esters of rosemary, thyme and mint in a ratio of 2: 1: 1 will become effective. These 4 drops should be injected into a liter of moderately hot boiled water and breathe in pairs through the nose for about twenty minutes. The course of treatment - 10 procedures.

You can’t explain to a small child that you need to relax calmly in order to carry out inhalations to improve breathing with a clogged nose. And you can’t keep my one and a half year old son in a room with an aroma lamp - he constantly rushes around the whole apartment. Therefore, I simplify the task a little by dropping a drop of essential oil on his clothes. Everything is very simple - the baby moves around the room, and the smell follows him. So I am calm that my child will receive all the benefits of the procedure. After half an hour I change clothes, because it is not recommended to breathe in ether vapors for a long time, especially for small children.

Video: essential oil against the common cold

A sore throat

The most effective aromas for sore throats are:

  • mint;
  • lemon;
  • eucalyptus;
  • oregano;
  • carnation;
  • juniper.

Rinsing

For relax pain symptoms at inflammatory processes in the throat it is recommended to gargle oral cavity and throat. cook medicinal solution for this procedure is easy:

  1. Prepare warm liquid for rinsing. It could be herbal infusion, plain warm water or with the addition of a teaspoon of salt and soda per glass.
  2. Dissolve 5 drops of your chosen fragrance or a mixture of several options in a small amount emulsifier (it is best to use honey).
  3. Mix all.

Rinsing should be done every 2-3 hours, and when severe pain- in one hour.

Features of treatment with essential oils for children

With colds, children are often prescribed a lot of drugs that have many side effects. But few people know that with the help of essential oils, you can not only alleviate unpleasant symptoms but also strengthen the immune system. In any case, you should not self-medicate, and before using even such harmless products as essential oils, you should consult a pediatrician.

Some rules for the use of concentrated aromatic oils for children:

  • give preference to only 100% natural esters;
  • use oils with extreme caution if the child is prone to allergic reactions;
  • strictly follow the recommended dosage;
  • do not apply undiluted oils to the skin;
  • during the medical procedures don't leave the child alone.

The best esters for treating colds in children are the following:

  • chamomile;
  • lavender;
  • dill;
  • bergamot;
  • fennel;
  • ginger;
  • orange;
  • eucalyptus;
  • tea tree;
  • pine;
  • cedar.

Therapeutic procedures that are acceptable for childhood colds:

  • fragrant baths. When bathing, add to the bath the amount of the chosen fragrance, mixed with 1 tsp, corresponding to the age of the child. base oil;
  • massage. After the aroma bath, it is good to give the child a back and chest massage using the table below prepared accordingly. massage mixture;
  • inhalation. For older children, you can use a nebulizer, and for very young children, use an aroma lamp by dropping the number of drops of ether corresponding to the age of the child into a bowl of water.

Table: dosages of essential oils for children

Child's ageAmount of bath oil 10 l, dropsThe amount of oil for an aroma lamp per 15 m 3, dropsThe amount of oil for the massage mixture per 1 tbsp. l. base oil (olive, peach, apricot, almond), drops
2–8 weeks1 1 1
2–12 months1–2 2–3 2
1–5 years3–4 3–4 2–3
6–12 years old4–6 5–7 3–5

Important: for children under 2 weeks of age, the use of essential oils is not recommended.

Prevention of colds

For the prevention of colds, the most effective are the following essential oils, which have a tonic and immunostimulating effect:

  • tea tree;
  • eucalyptus;
  • pines;
  • rosemary;
  • cypress;
  • thyme;
  • fir.

During the epidemic, it is advisable to observe some preventive measures to protect yourself and loved ones from insidious viruses:

  • room aromatization. This method will help to clean the air of pathogenic bacteria and will not allow various viruses to spread. You can carry out the procedure using an aroma lamp or by dropping a few drops of ether on a paper napkin, which will emit aroma for the next 30 minutes;
  • aroma medallion. Often children of school and preschool age hang a pendant around the neck with a cotton wool inside, soaked in a couple of drops of ether, which allows you to inhale a useful aroma until it exhales;
  • aroma baths. To add essential oil to a filled bath, you first need to dissolve it in 50–100 g of an emulsifier (sea salt, milk, honey, kefir), since this concentrate does not dissolve in water. Take this bath should be within 10-15 minutes.

I love it when my apartment smells of my favorite fragrances, in my case it is lavender. When cleaning, I always add a few drops of this ether to a bucket of water to wash the floors, and also wipe the surfaces with a rag soaked in a fragrant liquid. The rooms are immediately refreshed, the mood rises, inspiration for good deeds is born. And most importantly, the air we breathe is disinfected and becomes as if sterile. This is especially important in the autumn-winter period, when there are solid viruses around. At this time, I supplement the lavender with a few drops of juniper and lemon oils. The aroma lasts 2-3 hours. By the way, my children get sick no more than once a year!

Video: Preventing a Cold with Essential Oils

Contraindications and possible consequences

As a product of high concentration, any essential oil can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, before the first use, it is imperative to conduct an allergy test. To do this, a drop of ether must be applied to the inner bend of the elbow and wait 1 hour. If there is no itching, redness, irritation, then there is no allergy.

In addition to allergies, there are some restrictions on the treatment with essential oils:

  • bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia;
  • epilepsy;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • severe headaches and dizziness;
  • pregnancy;
  • the child is less than 2 weeks old;
  • allergy.

In the absence of allergies and contraindications, the treatment of colds with essential oils will be an excellent addition to a medical prescription. In addition to benefits, fragrant medicine will bring great pleasure, pleasant relaxation and peace of mind. The main thing is to observe the dosage of oils and the frequency of procedures.