Aromatherapy for Fall

Posted by Sherry Giardiniere on September 24, 2011 0 Comments

The beautiful fall season has arrived as always with a combination of cool and warm weather, sometimes not knowing if it wants to make the transition. I sit back and hope that the warm will survive but also know the "great freeze" will happen and we will be relieved of the terrible effects of the "ragweed season". With all of these earthly changes, we also need to pay more attention to the little germs taking advantage of the weaknesses of our bodies during this time. Hot to cold to hot to cold can play havoc on us. Our schools are back into action. Vacations are over and we are back to business. It is important take care of ourselves to keep us healthy and happy.

A variety of essential oils than can be used during this time to strengthen our immune system, not just from a physical point but also emotionally. Making one happy makes the other happy and happy makes us healthy.

Here are a few tips from many of my aromatherapy friends for this fall/winter season, Help your body to ward off these little germs from intruding. All of these oils and blended products are available from Scentsible by Nature.

Please send requests and questions you might have.   I am able to make a variety of the following blends as sprays, lotions, or just the blend of oils to be diffused. It is impossible to post all of these products since most will be  "Made to Order" to ensure freshness,. Thanks!

Immune System Boosters, anti-virals and antibacterial support.

1. Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil.

Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are some carrier oils to try. This blend is said to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu.

Use as a massage oil. Massage feet before bed put on socks and go to sleep.

2. Ravensara

Try Ravensara for any sort of respiratory virus, preferably in a bowl of warm water with the aromatic steam inhaled.

It is strongly antiviral.

Ravensara is used for respiratory problems, cuts, wounds, liver and lung infections, flu, sinusitis, viral hepatitis, cholera, herpes, mononucleosis, insomnia, muscle fatigue, frigidity, headaches, nausea, nervous tension, colds, coughs, fever, cold sores, shingles and burns. It is ideal for use in an aerosol: to disinfect a room which might have been contaminated.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Do not be without a bottle of tea tree oil in the house. An effective and powerful antiseptic, disinfectant, antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral substance, while displaying no harmful side effects when used appropriately. (see my other postings on tea tree oil)

Dental disease. Consistent use of tea tree oil based dental products along with appropriate nutritional products has been shown to be effective in mild to moderate cases of dental disease, preventing surgical intervention or use of antibiotics.

4. Chest Colds

Niaouli

Botanical name Melaluca viridiflora

An expectorant, known to be helpful for the Respiratory system, sinusitis, bronchitis Blend with Frankincense and Eucalyptus oils to assist in opening the breathing passages.

Diffuse, use in an inhalation or in a massage oil.

Antiseptic, said to be good for cuts and wounds.Similar to Tea Tree in it's antiviral properties but said to be more effective against viruses such as Herpes with a sweeter scent.

5. Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Petitgrain, Cajeput, Myrtle

Useful for colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis.

Inhalation is the best method to use.

1-2 drops on a tissue.

1-2 drops in a bowl of hot water. (not for those with asthma)

2-4 drops in a humidifier.

6. Eucalyptus

By utilizing a room spray in the office or work area you can keep airborne viruses and bacteria away, wiping phones or communal worktops with a cleansing blend will again, help to keep illness away. Even diffusing a blend of the oils mentioned below can help to keep the air clear at home.

Eucalyptus, Pine, Clove and Cinnamon make a wonderfully cleansing blend that has a fresh, lively scent, useable anywhere!

Eucalyptus (Globulus or Radiata) - both are powerful expectorants and help with respiratory problems Manuka - a powerful decongestant, Anti-Histamine and expectorant Hyssop - a good oil. Be aware that it has high keytone content so people with Epilepsy and Pregnant women should avoid it.

Ravensara - an excellent, gentle oil (great for children and elderly people). It is anti-inflammatory, an immune-stimulant and great for aches and pains that go with the flu and colds

7. Cold and Flu Fighter

4 drops Eucalyptus

4 drops Scotch Pine

3 drops Lemon

Add to a large bowl of steaming water. Covering your head lean over the bowl and inhale deeply for 2-5 minutes. May also be added to a diffuser or vaporizer. For Children Use Eucalyptus Smithi, a mild Eucalyptus for children and the elderly.

8.Lemon

For colds, flu or other viral infections, take a warm shower and follow it with a gentle whole-body lemon-oil treatment before going to bed. Combine one cup of sunflower oil and 20 - 30 drops of lemon oil and rub this mixture evenly over your skin. Wrap yourself up well in towels or blankets and go to bed. During the night the oil will be absorbed by the skin's pores and will deploy its antiseptic properties.

9. Winter Protection

Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil.

Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are some to try. This blend is said to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu.

Use as a massage oil. Massage feet before bed put on socks and go to sleep.

10. Black Pepper

Black Pepper is another essential oil to have on hand during cold and flu season. Used in an inhalation blend it is an effective expectorant.

Jeanne Rose gives this recipe for the lungs.

1 oz. Eucalyptus

1/2 oz. Basil

1/4 oz. each of Fennel, Black Pepper and Birch.

Blend together and keep on hand to use in your diffuser.

11. Cold and Flu Fighter

4 drops Sweet Eucalyptus

4 drops Scotch Pine

3 drops Lemon

Add to a large bowl of steaming water. Covering your head lean over the bowl and inhale deeply for 2-5 minutes. May also be added to a diffuser or vaporizer. For Children Use Eucalyptus Smithi, a mild Eucalyptus for children and the elderly.

12. Rosemary Room Deodorizer Disinfectant

6 drops Rosemary

6 drops Grapefruit

4 drops Lemon

2 ounces purified water

Combine oils and water in a 2-ounce glass spritzer bottle. Shake well before each use and spray liberally into the air. This spray will combat odors and kill infectious organisms. During cold and flu season, add 2 drops of Eucalyptus. The blend works well in a diffuser also without the water

12.Green Myrtle

Myrtle essential oil has been researched for normalizing hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries, as well as balancing the hypothyroid.

An antiseptic, expectorant, astringent. Helpful for colds and flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinus infections and other respiratory complaints. Very soothing to the respiratory system.

Myrtle Oil's aroma is thought to be elevating and euphoric; A sweet, camphor like, green, herby scent similar to Sage and Eucalyptus.

13. Another immune stimulant is Cypress which is antibacterial and antiviral.
May aid in circulation, blood purification, decongestion and stimulation.
Helpful for sore throat, sinusitis and bronchitis.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Lime, Lemon, Lavender, Orange, Juniper, Pine