In our home, with winter comes Christmas music, space heaters, and my personal favorite -- snot rubbed over every surface, blanket, sleeve, and towel within my toddlers reach.
It's cold season, people.
Despite my best efforts to keep my family healthy and their immune systems strong, I guess I shouldn't of been surprised that with the whirlwind of moving, lack of sleep, and recent weather changes - our worn out bodies would be a target for infections.
And by our worn out bodies, I mean my two babies and husband's. Because apparently I am un-infectable. Probably because of the cod liver oil. Which means I get the privilege of playing nurse to three snotty, coughy, sleepy humans.
It's good to be needed.
Honestly though, I don't really mind. It's an excuse to lay low and rest. Colds are common. They are rarely life threatening.
But as I look at the crusted mustache of snot on my toddlers fatigued face, I can't help but think, colds are pretty gross.
All the saline drops, humidifiers, and orange juice in the world wouldn't clear any of them up. Then a friend reminded me...
Essential oils, duh. With her recommendation, I gathered up Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Orange, and Rosemary.
This combination, when diffused, is said to refreshen, cleanse, revitalize, clarify, purify, and invigorate. So we tried it yesterday.
And it works. Seriously.
So much so that when I woke up this morning, my husband (who the day before asked me if he could just get some Nyquil) had already gone for round two himself.
Since we don't have a fancy essential oil diffusor, we went the steam route. All you need is:
- Essential oils: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Orange, and Rosemary. (or a single, pre-made blend) I am currently reviewing this set from Amazon
- Water
- A pot
- Your Stove (or campfire)
- A cold or cold infected person to be your ginny pig
1. Fill your pot with 2-3 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer
4. Enjoy the beautiful aroma now filling your home.
For best results - stand closer to the steam to help break up the mucus. Repeat throughout the day as needed.
The Bad News. This really does work. Kinda. It definitely clears you up - however, like any cold remedy, it's not a cure. It's just a way to release some of the discomfort that comes with a cold. Most colds last 7-10 days and even with adding in this remedy we're still pretty much in that range.
However we are all much more comfortable and my house smells awesome.
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The only thing I've found to offer any semblance of relief is a humidifier. Even the OTC drugs for adults and non-babies are not effective. Like you said, colds typically last 7-10 ddays, period. But a humidifier seems to help us. I currently have a sinus infection and bronchitis (and am on antibiotics), but the humidifier helps me get through the night without coughing or getting congested. When my toddler gets a cold, we put it in her room, and elevate one end of her crib. Anything to keep things draining so it doesn't stay stopped up, which can turn into an infection!
ReplyDeleteWe are all getting colds at our house. In fact both kiddos are at home with Grandma today due to colds. I may have to order some oils and get this going. Anything to help those cute little babies!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower! We are just getting over some coughs and colds. I find that eucalyptus oil works well. I diffuse it as well as put 4 drops of both a carrier oil ( I use sweet almond oil) and eucalyptus oil blended in my hands and rub on my children's chests, backs and bottom of their feet (and my husband's too if needed ;). I also rub a touch on their noses for extra relief. They are 3, 2 and 1 and all of them love it. It breaks up the mucous in the chest.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to reading the review of the essential oils set!
ReplyDeleteMy kiddos have all had a cold recently. I need to add some more essential oils to my stash! :)
ReplyDeleteOne of the leading one happens to be allergies to pollen and ragweed or hay fever. One could also face a congested nose when faced with the cold, a case of flu or even a sinus infection. stuffy nose remedy
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