Colds and Flu

Sitting here looking at my window I'm watching the first 'real' snowfall of the season. Over the last couple of days we've had a bit of snow overnight, but today is the first time its really covered the ground and looks serious about continuing on through the day. It is interesting how our perspective influences the way we view things. Here on the West Coast we mostly experience relatively mild weather so the snow I'm looking at is enough to close some facilities and schools, while if I was living somewhere in the Prairies this snowfall would probably be considered to be nothing more than a hiccup. Just another reminder to me as to how intrinsic one's own perspective is and the importance of trying to keep in mind that my perspective is not always the same as someone else.

Over the past week or two I keep running into people who have had or who are battling a cold and/or cough, so I thought revisiting an aromatic approach to handling this might be helpful right now. Last October I blogged about Sniffles and shared the Onion tip. I also linked to a number of previous blogs on colds in this entry.  In addition there is the blog on Flu Viruses and Essential Oil  and the article on Aromatherapy and the Common Cold in the Articles Archive that might be helpful.

It is always important to keep one's immune system protected and particularly at a time of year when there are lots of viruses and germs floating around.  Our essential oils are great for this and whether you are diffusing them in your home, spraying with a spritzer, or inhaling a personal inhaler you are protecting yourself with these aromatic gifts.

As you will see if you follow the links in this blog, many of the oils can be helpful and today I thought that I'd share Rosemary Caddy's Blend for the Common Cold from her book The Essential Blending Guide.

2 parts Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - clears muccous and recommended for bronchitis.  It belongs to the Pinaceae family which is generally known for aiding respiratory conditions and is highly antiseptic.
1 part Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - clears nasal passages, reduces temperature and is excellent for all colds.
1 par Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - lowers fever, is a good expectorant and generally helps mental fatigue.
When blended together in this way the chemical profile of this synergy includes 17.2% ketones; 27.6% sesquiterpenes; 20.8% oxides; and 26.5% alcohols. The ketones and oxides help with the congestion, the alcohols make the blend high antiseptic and the sesquiterpenes are calming.

She recommends adding 12 drops of the synergy to 30ml of Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier of your choice).  Massage chest, neck and upper back areas morning and night.  Place 2 - 4 drops of the synergy on a tissue in foil and pop it in your pocket so you can inhale the vapours from the tissue at regular intervals during the day.

Reiki Level II Workshop (1 Day)
This workshop is scheduled for January 29, 2012
(Prerequisite Reiki Level I)
* Second degree attunement
* Second degree symbols
* Distance Healing techniques
* Additional Japanese techniques
Cost : CDN$150.00 plus HST
If you are interested in joining us please call Natural Comfort Wellness Centre 604-943-7222 to book your space.

Always available:

• The self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses.  When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight! Is 2012 the year you take a formal aromatherapy course?  If it is I believe you would be very happy with the courses offered by the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
• Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry Home Study Course
• E-Books and DVD
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