Coughs, Colds & Aromatherapy

Coughs & Colds

A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. A "dry cough" means it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm. A "chesty cough" means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. The main symptoms of a cold include a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and a cough

Other Respiratory Conditions

• COPD(Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Asthma
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes)
• Emphysema (progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath)
• Flu
• Pneumonia (inflammation of the tissue in one or both of your lungs)

Treating with components

• Ketones are mucolytic and expectorant
• Monoterpenes are stimulating and decongesting
• Oxides are expectorant, decongestant and mucolytic
• Esters are calming and anti inflammatory

Eucalyptus Radiata

• Anti-catarrhal
• Expectorant
• Anti-infectious

Eucalyptus radiata contains 62-72% 1,8 Cineole. This compound has found to be mucolytic and has been shown to dilate airways of asthma patients after administration for 7days (Jeurgens et al., 2003).

The Eucalyptus family of oils are generally beneficial for respiratory conditions, containing 1.8 cineole, also known as eucalyptol. 

Eucalyptus Globulus is a powerful decongestant, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, and antibacterial. Use with care for young children and those with sensitive skin.

Hyssop

Hyssop may be useful for respiratory conditions as it is rich in rosmarinic acid, a compound that has been found to be strongly anti-inflammatory.
Linalool is antispasmodic which can prevent and relieve coughing.

Peppermint

• Menthol and Ketones
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mucolytic
• Expectorant
• antiviral

Menthol, peppermint’s major constituent is expectorant, reduces the discomfort associated with laboured breathing and is anti inflammatory. Peppermint oil was also found to reduce nasal rubbing and sneezing by rats upon administration of an allergen to the nose (Inoue et al, 2002).

It is useful for migraine, neuralgia, sinusitis, coughs and colds. Much more gentle than Cornmint, but should still be used with care (in dilution) for the young and frail

Basil

• Anti Spasmodic
• Anti inflammatory
• Analgesic

Basil may be useful at opening the airway for easier breathing as a macerated basil extract was found to possess potent bronchodilatory effects due to its relaxant effects in an in vitro experiment (Boskabady, Kiani and Haghiri, 2005).

Sweet Thyme

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-viral

Useful for bronchitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, and sinusitis. No known contra-indications, more gentle than Red or Wild Thyme, so more suitable for children and the elderly, boost the immune system gently.

Pine

• Analgesic
• anti-infectious
• decongestant
• anti-inflammatory

Mostly monoterpenes with some esters, useful for inflammatory and allergic conditions, sinusitis, congested lungs, debility and fatigue. It is a warming and drying oil, helps to clear phlegm from the lungs. Most of the other evergreen trees can be used…inc Canadian Balsam, Cajuput, Black Spruce, Cypress

Lemon

• Uplifting
• Anti viral
• Antiseptic
• Expectorant

The expectorant action of inhaled lemon oil was found to be due, in part, to the expectorant action of two of its ingredients, limonene and pinene (Sheppard and Boyd, 1970).

Sweet Marjoram

• Analgesic
• Anti-infectious
• Expectorant

Alcohols, monoterpenes and aldehydes. Useful for sinus pain, headaches and respiratory infections. Fortifies the immune system, gentle and calming; this herb was used by the ancient Greeks in fragrances and medicines.

Methods

• Skin absorption – Oils and massage
• Inhalation – facial steamers, diffusers.
• Nasal Sticks – handy for when you are on the go
• Baths - can add to salts or oils
• Massage – Massage the sinuses on the face
• Lotions & Creams to apply to chests and backs

Inhalation Recipe for Coughs

10 drops Peppermint
10 drops Lemon
10 drops Hyssop
10 drops Eucalyptus (any)

Recipe for Sinus Congestion

50ml Carrier Oil
5 drops Tea Tree
5 drops peppermint
5 drops eucalyptus
20 drops lavender

Immune Support Massage Oil Recipe 

50ml Echinacea Carrier Oil
5 Drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 Drops Lemon Essential Oil
5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil
5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Mix the essential oils in with the your Echinacea carrier oil and shake well, use for massage.

Diffuser Blends - Blended Essential Oils 

Nurture Breathing: Inhale this cleansing blend of oils or add a few drops to your bath daily to help maintain healthy lungs. This blend is used for asthma, hayfever, bronchitis and other conditions that cause breathing difficulties. Blended with Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender and Hyssop Essential Oils

Nurture Thieves: Made up of four Essential Oils. Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Leaf, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon and Rosemary. It dates back to the legend of the Four Thieves in the 1400s and the Bubonic Plague. The Thieves used this mix of oils to help keep them safe from infection whilst they stole from people who had succumbed to the illness.

Nurture Nose & Throat: A blend of Eucalyptus Smithii, Lemon, Peppermint and Basil Essential Oils to help ease when you are under the weather, it is soothing and clearing the nose and throat helping to breathe and clearing mucus.

Nurture Antimicrobial: blended with Thyme Thymol, Pine, Litsea, Lavender True and Anise Star Essential Oils to purify the air. 

Nurture Vitality: Used to maintain alertness and combat weariness during the day, this energy-giving blend is made from Lemon, Black Pepper and Eucalyptus Essential Oils.

Pre Made Massage Blends, Creams and Lotions

Nurture Breathing Massage Oil: with Eucalyptus Smithii Lavandin Hyssop and Peppermint Essential Oils to help maintain healthy lungs and easy breathing.

Nurture Breathing Lotion: Nurture Breathing Lotion, a blend of Eucalyptus Smithii, Peppermint, Lavandin and Hyssop Essential Oils, a lotion for the chest and neck to maintain healthy respiration. 

Nurture Varpourworks: A calming blend of Peppermint, Lemon, Basil and Rosemary Essential Oils in massage cream to help maintain healthy respiration and a clear nose.

Inhale Rollerball:Roll on clear breathing for when it isn’t clear or deep, due to stress or a common cold, use our Inhale Rollerball. It helps to clear the nose and throat and promote clear and easy breathing.