The holidays are behind us and for many that means a time to clean. For others though, the stress of the holidays has left them rundown and susceptible to colds. Good news. There is a remedy for both in the reaches of the trees.
Long have people known the powers of trees in healing and protecting ourselves. People from First Nations groups in North America, to Ancient Romans, and even doctors in Medieval Times have turned to different parts of trees for their curative properties. Whether it is from the bark, needles, resin, twigs or wood, many parts of trees can offer medicinal benefit when used properly.
Thankfully, many of these properties have been well documented in modern times. One such way that you can access many tree’s therapeutic benefits is through the use of essential oils. Essential oils are easily found in many drug stores and health food stores across North America. As with any medicine, before attempting any essential oil remedies, always be sure to thoroughly research the essential oil and consult with your health care practitioner, making sure to advise them of any pre-existing conditions you may have.
If you get the green light, here are a few tree essential oils you might consider if you are battling a cold this winter.
Clean your Home & Cleanse your Body
With Tree Essential Oil Remedies
Cedarwood
Ease chest congestion from cold and flu with its expectorant properties. Recover faster with its sedative properties.
- calming, helps with breathing problems, promotes a good night’s sleep and pleasant dreams
Eucalyptus
Great for the common cold with its decongestant properties! A good choice to clean your home for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
- vapours open breathing passages, disinfectant, stimulates nervous system, improves mental clarity
Fir
Banish a cold with fir’s expectorant and antiseptic properties. Improve your mental state with its mood uplifting capabilities.
- calming, reviving, refreshing, opens breathing passages, purifying
Juniper Berries
A welcome oil in the fight against colds for its healing, expectorant and detoxifying properties. Cleanse your body and home with its antiseptic, disinfectant, and astringent properties.
- relaxing, stress reducing, reviving, pain reducing
Spruce
Another choice in the fight against colds for its expectorant and antitussive properties. Handy in increasing energy to clean your home after recovery too with its nervine and tonic abilities.
- calming, mood uplifting, disinfectant, vapours open breathing passage
Tea Tree
One would be remiss in not turning to tea tree oil in combatting the common cold and influenza for its analgesic, antiviral and decongestant properties.
- disinfectant, vapours open breathing passages, pain reliever, mood uplifter
**Note that some essential oils are contraindicated for use with certain medicines. This article is meant to be informative and not an alternative to medical advice. Always consult a physician before using any essential oil remedies