Natural Means for Soothing a Sore Throat
Oh winter. It conjures up images of falling snow, hot chocolates by a crackling fire, as well as snowshoes and ice skating. Another unfortunate image that the winter months conjure up is that of a sore throat. Although it is convenient, think twice before reaching for over-the-counter throat lozenges that consist of sugar and other harmful ingredients that can wreak havoc on your already compromised immune system. Instead, you can consider mixing essential oils for a potent, throat soothing blend that will elicit healing results.
Through using essential oils for your throat, you are improving your immune system, as well as eliminating pesky viruses and bacteria. As such, this prevents your illness from spreading to your loved ones. To top it all off, essential oils also work by relieving inflammation and discomfort caused by infection in your throat, which makes day-to-day functioning possible.
Peppermint oil is a powerful essential oil that helps reduce inflammation and breaks down mucus build up in the throat. Menthol is the active ingredient in peppermint, which makes this oil a primary choice for soothing sore throats. This oil can be used in a variety of ways. Consider mixing peppermint essential oil with carrier oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, and rub the concoction unto the throat and chest. You can also add in peppermint oil to a vapourizer or throw in a few drops in your tea, to help reduce stuffiness.
Another miracle worker is Thyme oil. Do not be fooled by this seemingly culinary oil, as it has strong medicinal properties that can relieve a sore throat naturally, as well as provide relief for throat muscle spasms such as coughing. For optimal results, blend thyme oil with a carrier oil and apply to the throat, neck, and/or chest. You can also use the blend as a mouthwash as a rapid means of killing germs and cleansing the throat.
In addition to peppermint and thyme oil, frankincense essential oil is yet another effective throat soother. Frankincense has been used for decades for its large range of health benefits. Indeed, this hardworking oil acts as an antiseptic, astringent, as well as a disinfectant. Given its healing properties, it helps boost the immune system, particularly when one is feeling under the weather. The most effective means of using frankincense to soothe a sore throat is to add 2 to 3 drops into a diffuser or vapourizer. Inhale the vapours in order to soothe the throat and help open up breathing passages.
Once you have your essential oils handy, there is nothing left to do but to rest, enjoy a steaming cup of tea, and read a good book. My hope is that you are able to stay warm and healthy these winter months. However, if that fails, you have essential oils to fall back on. To learn more about these oils contact me here.
