Breathe Easy

Okay, so you get a cold and the sinuses are so congested you run to the store for a nasal decongestant that kind of works but ends up just making you groggy. You think, there must be something I can do to open these sinuses...

Or, you have a cough that is so persistent you couldn’t possibly make it through that meeting at work.

What if I told you that some simple herbal remedies would help reduce the frequency, severity and length of your illness? Would you like some help knowing what you can do to reduce the symptoms of cough, ear infections, sinus issues and understanding the physiology of fevers?

Winter is coming! And with it comes a few unwanted colds and maybe even the Flu. As herbalists, we are prepared. We know how to make a great bone broth, a mean chicken soup and have a few trusted tricks up our sleeves to battle the dreaded cold season. I've had multiple clients these past two weeks still struggling with sinus congestion following a cold, flu or Covid. A few of them were not familiar with the old time remedy of steam inhalation to release phlegm and unclog congestion in the sinuses. Steam inhaling vapors supports the Immune System and Respiratory Tract.

For a steam, take a large bowl and fill with near boiling water.

Place your face above the water without touching.

Drape a dry bath towel over the back of your head to enclose the vapors.

Stay as long as comfortable or until temperature drops.

Adding just a few drops of the following blend to your pot of water for steaming will aid as antispasmodic, antimicrobial and decongestant. Not for internal use.

Blend 6 drops lavender essential oil and 3 drops each of eucalyptus and thyme essential oils. Add 3 drops to your steam but use extra caution with allowing oils to irritate the eyes.

I have seen this to be effective again and again as well as having used it for myself and family successfully over the years.

For chronic sinus issues, try having Fire Cider on hand. Here's the scoop on Fire Cider and a simple recipe.

Out in the woods and haven’t got your trusted steams or Mucinex? Pick a few evergreen needles and chew the aromatics to open breathing and calm the nervous system.

Oh how I love essential oils this time of year. Sinusitis, cough, head colds are everywhere. My favorite adjunct therapy to echinacea, Elderberry, garlic is using eucalyptus (among others) in a steam. Boil up some water, pour into a large mixing bowl, placing your face above the bowl and in to the rising steam. Cover your head with a large towel, creating a tent and breathe! Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil and allow the steam to open the sinuses and bring new healing blood to the area. This treatment is effective with or without essential oils added.

Hydrotherapy tip of the day- For hot sore throats- soak a rag or small towel in cold water, place it over throat until the towel is warmed. This reduces inflammation and increases circulation to the area. .

Breathe easy, friends.