With all of the nasty germs floating around lately, it seems rather timely to mention some of the lesser known natural cold & flu helpers to get you back on your feet again. Today I'll focus specifically on ways to help clear congestion and its side effects.
One of the quickest things you can do that's as easy as brewing a cup of tea is to make yourself a Eucalyptus Steam. If you live in an area like me where eucalyptus tress are abundant, you can collect a handful and use macerated eucalyptus leaves. If not, pick up the essential oil at your local health food store.
Eucalyptus Steam: pour 4 cups of boiling water over a handful of macerated eucalyptus leaves or 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and let it steep for a few minutes. Place bowl on table, sit in chair and let head drop down 12-18 in over bowl, be careful, if it's too hot, make sure to give more time to cool! Drape towel over head to trap steam between head and bowl, close eyes and breathe deeply.
Neti Pot: This is what I reach for when my sinuses are acting up. This video does a great job of demonstrating how one works. You can find these at health food stores, some pharmacies and online at Gaiam.
And what do you do about that sore, raw, red nose?
Apply a small amount of raw shea butter, cocoa butter or coconut oil to your nose. Warm it by rubbing between your palms first to turn the solid to a liquid gently apply to affected areas before bedtime. All of these options contain skin protecting, healing and emollient properties and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Not to mention they are a much better, natural alternative to petroleum based Vaseline... who wants petroleum on their nose anyway?!
Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.
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I watched this video. Interesting! I never considered pouring something into one nostril and having it come out the other as a way to clear my sinuses. When you use it, do you hold your breath or breathe through your mouth? Ever choke? Just curious about how it is to use for the first time. The guy in the video looks like a veteran! Thanks for sharing neti pot!
ReplyDeletehi dM, I take a deep breath through my mouth (since my nose is usually stuffed) and then pour the neti, breathing through my mouth as needed. It works wonders- I first started using one when I moved to Santa Barbara and developed severe allergies. Doctors suggested steroids and other meds I wasn't too into, so I researched alternatives and have been amazed with the results for both allergies and sinus issues.
ReplyDeleteI just came across to your blog and reading your post this is very much impressive me,and also i watch the video really it very interesting,it seems rather timely to mention some of the lesser known natural cold & flu helpers to get you back on your feet again.
ReplyDeletehttp://healthnbeauty.livejournal.com/12220.html