Autumn is here. The leaves are falling like snowflakes outside my window. Along with the beauty of the season comes the potential for congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, etc. Unfortunately, our family has already experienced these symptoms. Whether they were from allergies or cold virus, I don't know. What I am thankful for is the practice of using essential oils to help alleviate these symptoms.
At this time of the year, my family gets back into the habit of putting Thieves oil on the soles of our feet every morning before putting on socks and shoes as a foundational practice to strengthen the immune system. Thieves is a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. When one of us starts to get symptoms, we increase the frequency of this practice, putting it on at bedtime and other times during the day to strengthen the immune system's response. Additionally, we use our Home Diffuser during the day to help the affected family member get well and to help protect the unaffected ones. Diffusing Thieves helps eliminate airborne bacteria. When I was having some symptoms last month, in addition to putting Thieves on the soles of my feet, I brought my diffuser and Thieves along to my yoga classes for a nice aromatherapy experience as well as protection from and intervention for illness for my students and myself. Last year, I did this for all of my children's yoga classes as well.
In addition to using Thieves, we use the blend RC to help with congestion. RC is a blend of three types of eucalyptus, myrtle, pine, marjoram, lavender, cypress, tsuga, and peppermint essential oils. We apply to chest and back or diffuse it to breathe it in. It is a pleasant aroma to experience whether with cold symptoms or not.
Also for nasal congestion, we use Peppermint oil. I like to put a drop on my hand and rub them together. Then cup my hands together and breathe in the Peppermint. Start slow. It can be a strong scent depending on your response to it. If it isn't too strong, cup your hands all the way to your nose and breathe in deeply. You will notice a difference within a few breaths, maybe the first. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes because it will burn. If you accidentally do, close your eyes gently to let it pass.
I am happy to report that my daughter's symptoms lasted only a day. My symptoms lasted a few more days; however, they weren't as intense or debilitating and didn't stay around as long as they could have. I feel the foundational practice of using Thieves daily and the intervention of using it along with RC and Peppermint as needed, helped us navigate this first episode of the season. We will continue our practices with essential oils throughout the fall and winter. And, I will continue to share our experiences with you. I would love to hear about your practices with essential oils. Let me know if you are interested in using any of these blends or products for yourself and your family.
Perhaps I'll see you in yoga class or at the next Holistic Moms Network Meeting.
Wishing you all the best!
May we know peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, and peace in the world.
Angela
