For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email [email protected] | March 2016
&
Try adding
essential oils
to a sinkful of
boiling water.
The steam will
loosen sinus
congestion.
Coping With Cough
Clear out congestion.
Coughing is caused by viruses, bacteria, dust, pollen or other subSteam, heat, fluids and black pepper are some of the most powerstances that irritate the nerve endings in the airways between the throat
ful weapons for combatting congestion. Steam can really get things
and lungs. A cough is the body’s way of trying to clear the passages. A
moving. A hot shower can soothe airways and loosen sinus congestion
cough can reach speeds up to 60 mph. The average cough produces
and phlegm in the throat and lungs. You can also cover your head with
enough air to fill a 2-liter soda bottle about three-quarters full. The air of
a towel and lean over a sinkful of boiling water. This method can be
a cough sprays out several feet and is accompanied by about 3,000 tiny
enhanced greatly by adding fresh or dried herbs or essential oil(s) to
droplets of saliva.
the water. The herb choices will depend on whether you’re dealing
There are numerous natural ingredients that can alleviate dry and
with compacted sinuses or a dry throat. Some herbs – such as eucalypwet coughs. Scientific evidence proves honey can be effective in treating
tus, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, thyme leaves, tea tree essential
coughs and sore throats. Thyme is an officially approved treatment for
oil, balsam fir essential oil and pine essential oil – will work for both
coughs, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and whooping cough.
problems. Herbs for chest congestion include yarrow, sage, lemongrass,
Thyme leaves are packed with a potent punch of cough-calming comhyssop and elderflowers.
pounds that work to relax tracheal and ileal
muscles, [