Lavender To Ease Your Cold And Flu Symptoms

With the continuing cold, wet and dreary weather (even here on the usually sun-drenched island of Jersey!), it seems that those nasty cold and flu viruses are sticking around a bit longer than normal. Even though there is little that conventional medicine can do for your colds and flu (remember that antibiotics will not cure a cold so why waste your doctor’s time in asking for them?), there is a little something that we can do for you – provide lovely little bottles of our wonderful Jersey Lavender Essential Oil.

Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries for its myriad of beneficial properties. Everything from scenting and purifying laundry and bathing water during Roman times, to easing the stress of childbirth during the Middle Ages and also being a beloved culinary ingredient in the Elizabethan court. However, one constant throughout the years has been lavender’s medicinal use.

Numerous scientific studies have confirmed lavender’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and lavender also effects to slow the central nervous system thus having a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind and helps to promote deep and restful sleep. So if you are suffering from the symptoms of colds and flu, instead of, or alongside to, over the counter medicines (although we always recommend discussing this with your pharmacist) let lavender’s amazingly beneficial properties help sooth your cold and flu symptoms away.

For a sore throat – add 2–3 drops of lavender essential oil to a small glass of warm water and gargle for as long as you can. This will allow lavender’s antiviral and antibiotic properties to get to work, whilst the soothing effect will calm the irritation.

To relieve a heavy or tight chest – add 5–10 drops of lavender essential oil into 50ml of a neutral carrier oil such as olive or sweet almond. Massage this delightfully scented oil onto your chest to help soothe and relieve your symptoms.

To aid decongestion – for a blocked nose and other symptoms of congestion try inhaling the vapours of lavender essential oil mixed with some of our wonderful eucalyptus essential oil. Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or add it to an oil burner or vaporiser and breathe your congestion away.

To promote a good night’s sleep – sometimes the best thing for cold and flu is rest and keeping hydrated. Drinking enough is fairly easy, but when your head is thumping and your nose blocked, and your chest is heavy, getting to sleep can be tough. However, try slipping a handkerchief that has been sprinkled with a few drops of our heavenly lavender essential oil inside your pillowcase, or spritz your pillow directly with lavender oil to help calm and sooth you into a great night’s sleep.

PLEASE NOTE THAT LAVENDER OIL SHOULD ONLY BE USED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OR AROMATHERAPIST, AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN REPLACEMENT OF ANY OTHER PRESCRIBED MEDICAL TREATMENT.

 

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