Aromatherapy Smells That Fight Colds

Aromatherapy can help fight the common cold and a lot more.

There are over 500 different essential oils that are extracted from the leaves, stems, root or bark of various trees, flowers, plants and shrubs. Each essential oil is different. And each has its own therapeutic uses for fighting different diseases or different physical and emotional situations.

Some essential oils, for example, promote healing by reducing swelling. Others are effective for fighting fungal infections. Other essential oils are used to relieve depression, anxiety or fear. Some essential oils calm while other essential oils are stimulative.

Aromatherapy uses therapeutic essential oils to sooth the spirit and heal the body. As implied by the name, the primary vehicle used is through smell and inhalation, although a significant portion of aromatherapy is massage based. In massage, the therapeutic essential oils are blended with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Oils can be used in other ways as well. Such as in bath water, which combines access to the oils through both skin and nose.

A soothing bath with 4 to 8 drops of an appropriate essential oil can work marvels relieving cold symptoms.  Use 4 drops for a ½ tub of water and 8 for a deep luxurious bath. Tea-tree oil is an antiseptic and can help a challenged immune system. It can help fight viral and fungal infections such as colds and athletes foot. With colds it helps to thin mucus and nasal stuffiness.

Rosemary oil added to the tub is also a disinfectant and can help clear nasal passages and help reduce the urge to cough. Thyme is also a strong antibacterial which helpful for flu as well as colds. It also helps to sooth aching muscles that result from colds and the flu.

Essential oils should always be diluted and mixed with a carrier oil such as olive oil and a bit of honey and a little vodka or gin. The honey and alcohol help the oils dissolve better in the water. They should be added to the bath just before you get in as they evaporate quickly.

You should never eat or drink an essential oil.  While there are some rare exceptions just accept this as a rule unless under the direction of a trained aroma-therapist.

Significant scientific research is being conducted but there is not yet a definitive answer as to just how aromatherapy works or why. The sense of smell is one of the five senses that most humans are born with. But it is also the one that is the most underdeveloped and underused. It may be one of the most primal, possibly predating others in our ancient evolution according to some scientists.
Researchers have concluded that certain aromas affect our brains in various ways.

It is easier to see why aromatherapy that is applied by the means of massage into the skin has a direct effect on the body than why inhaling the scents has such a direct effect. But it is a fact that both methods of delivery have proven to be effective, even though the reason and exact process remains elusive.