3rd Eye Watch Early Pre-Spring Edition | Page 7

Alleviating With Aromatherapy When Spring springs, we sometimes get confused as to whether the symptoms we are experiencing are due to the common cold or due to seasonal allergies. Remember that colds are caused by viruses, while seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to an allergen—often pollen and grass come Spring. These two conditions may share some symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. That is why essential oils that address cold symptoms also can alleviate allergy symptoms, as well. Essential oils are powerful gifts provided by nature to support and sustain us. These potent oils are extracted from various parts of plants and trees, including stems, leaves, bark, roots, buds, and fruit. The use of these oils is called aromatherapy, and there are many methods to make use of these essences, including through massage creams/lotions, hot baths, oil diffusers, and spray mists. Below are two very simply, yet helpful aromatherapy remedies when allergy season blows in with the winds of March. I use four of my favorite multi-purpose oils for the remedies, though you can use a combination of two, or others. Make sure you use therapeutic or aromatherapy grade oils: Eucalyptus-Good for colds, flu, sinus congestion and more Peppermint-Good for colds, flu, coughs, headaches and more Tea Tree-Good for colds, flu, cold sores, coughs and more Lavender-Good for coughs, flu, headaches, sore throat, insomnia and more Immunity Steam Bath I combine four of my favorite allergy blends for this steam bath. I use a special pot just for this purpose, so I won’t have any concerns of ingesting any residue of the essential oils. Fill a small pot with water. Add a drop each of eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils. On the stove, bring the infused water to a steam, though not a boil. Remove the pot off the stove and lean over it—about 10 inches— holding a towel over your head, creating a tent to keep the oil vapor in. Make sure you close your eyes. Breathe deeply for approximately two minutes. Caution—do not use this method if you have asthma. Immunity “Smelly” Adding essential oils to a napkin or paper towel is an easy way to inhale the scent for several hours. I call these concoctions “smellies.” Simply add one drop each of peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils to the paper napkin/towel. Place it on your nightstand or under your pillow to help enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. The next day, you can add a drop of eucalyptus and place the smelly in your purse or pocket to pull out as needed to assist with decongestion. Continued on page 13