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ByAnnie Price, CHHC
August 9, 2017
you knew about thatessential oilsCan it really help a sore throat go away faster or prevent it? A sore throat can occur at any time of the year for many reasons. A sore throat is a sore, itchy, or sore throat that is usually made worse by swallowing. (1)
Your throat or pharynx, by definition, is the tube that carries food to the esophagus and air to the trachea and larynx (larynx). of a number of different strains of bacteria. Unfortunately, both are quite contagious and can be passed from person to person with close contact.
The most common cause of a sore throat is a cold or the flu. You often know a cold or flu is coming your way when you feel the first stab of pain and itching in your throat. A sore throat can also be caused by allergies, strep throat, mononucleosis, tonsillitis, smoking, or acid reflux.
In addition to the typically recommended rest, adequate nutrition, plenty of fluids, hot infusions and gargles,sore throat remediesInclude exploring the natural power of essential oils for a sore throat!
The best essential oils for a sore throat
The uses for essential oils are truly endless, and if you have read any of my other articles on essential oils, you probably won't be in the least bit surprised that they can be used for sore throats as well.
The following essential oils for sore throat kill germs, soothe inflammation, and speed healing of this irritating and painful condition:
1. ask
peppermint oilIt is commonly used for the treatment of the common cold, cough, sinusitis, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the mouth and throat, including sore throats. It is also used for digestive problems such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bile ducts, stomach pain, diarrhea, excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine and gases.
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation and a calming effect on the body. Research indicates that the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and decongestant properties of peppermint essential oil may help soothe a sore throat. Menthol also helps soothe and soothe sore throats, as well as thin mucus and stop coughing. (23)
2. Lemon
lemon essential oilIt is known for its ability to remove toxins from any part of the body and is widely used to stimulate lymphatic drainage, rejuvenate energy, and purify the skin.
Lemon oil is derived from the rind of the lemon and is excellent for sore throats as it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamin C, increases salivation and helps keep the throat moist.
3. Eucalyptus
Today, eucalyptus oil appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. The health benefits ofeucalyptus oilThey are due to their ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation.
Originally called "eucalyptol" by the scientific community, the health benefits of eucalyptus oil come from a chemical now known as cineole, which is an organic compound that has amazing and widespread medicinal effects, including everything from reducing inflammation and pain to kill leukemia cells. ! No wonder it can be one of thesteps to beat a coldand a sore throat. (4)
4. Oregano
This well-known herb in oil form is a smart choice for defending against sore throats. There is evidence that oregano essential oil has antifungal and antiviral properties. One study even showed that oregano oil treatment can be helpful for parasitic infections. (5)
If you have any doubt thatOregano oilit can prevent and treat sore throats, has been shown to kill the MRSA superbug in both liquid and vapor forms, and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water. (6)
5. garlic clove
Clove essential oil is helpful in boosting the immune system, making it extremely helpful in discouraging and relieving a sore throat. benefits for sore throatclove oilit can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant properties. Chewing on a clove bud can help with a sore throat (as well as a toothache).
A study published inResearch in Phytotherapyfound that clove essential oil shows antimicrobial activity against a large number of multidrug-resistantStaphylococcus epidermidis. (7) Its antiviral properties and its ability to purify the blood increase resistance to a multitude of ailments, including sore throats. (8)
6. Hyssop
Hyssop was used in ancient times as a cleansing herb for temples and other holy places. In ancient Greece, the physicians Galen and Hippocrates valued hyssop for inflammation of the throat and chest, pleurisy, and other bronchial ailments.
Not surprisingly, hyssop has a long history of medicinal use. The antiseptic properties ofhyssop oilmake it a powerful substance to fight infections and kill bacteria. Whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial, hyssop is a great option for sore throats and lung inflammation.
7. Thyme
thyme oilIt is one of the strongest known antioxidants and antimicrobials and has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Thyme supports the body's immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and other systems.
A 2011 study tested the response of thyme oil to 120 strains of bacteria isolated from patients with infections of the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and genitourinary tract. The results of the experiments showed that the oil from the thyme plant exhibited extremely strong activity against all clinical strains. Thyme oil has even shown good efficacy against antibiotic resistant strains. What a sure bet for that rough throat! (9)
8. juniper berry
With a sweet and woody smell,juniper essential oilit is a popular ingredient in many household cleaners, aromatherapy blends, and fragrance sprays. Today, juniper berry essential oil is also commonly used as one of the best natural remedies for sore throats, as well as respiratory infections, fatigue, muscle aches, and arthritis.
The use of juniper berries for sore throats is validated by research showing that juniper berry essential oil actually contains more than 87 different active constituent compounds, including strong antioxidants, antibacterials, and antifungals. (10)
How to use essential oils for a sore throat
Essential oils can be used for a sore throat in three different ways: by inhalation, topical application, or internal consumption.
Inhalation
aromatherapyis the therapeutic use of plant-derived aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. A primary way to use essential oils for aromatherapy is to inhale the scent or aroma of an essential oil.
When the scent of an essential oil is inhaled, the molecules enter the nasal cavities and stimulate a mental response in the brain's limbic system, including stress regulation or calming responses such as heart rate, breathing patterns, production of hormones and blood pressure. Aromatherapy can be obtained with the use of essential oils by direct inhalation, in the bath, in the vaporizer or humidifier, fan, ventilation, perfume, cologne or through aromatherapy diffusers.
An easy way to regularly practice direct inhalation is to add a drop or two of an essential oil to the palms of your hands and rub them together to spread the oil. Then place your hands over your nose and take 5 to 10 slow, deep breaths. You can also add two to three drops of an essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside your pillow or anywhere that is easy to smell.
Another great way to soothe a sore throat is to inhale steam from boiling water containing a few drops of some of the essential oils just mentioned. Simply fill a large bowl with hot water and place a towel over your head to create a tent and breathe in the steam. Of course, be careful not to burn yourself.
Oral use
Many essential oils can be taken orally; however, it is critical to ensure that the oils you use are safe and pure. Many oils on the market can be diluted or mixed with synthetics that are not safe to ingest. The FDA has approved some essential oils in generic form for internal use and granted them generally recognized as safe (GRAS) designation for human consumption. (eleven)
By using essential oils as a gargle, you can get the essential oils directly in contact with the problem area. Simply add a drop or two of essential oil to half a glass of warm water and gargle for a minute or two. Do not swallow the mixture after gargling.
A safe and effective way to consume essential oils, according to The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy, is to add a drop of the oil to a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. Other oral application options include the use of capsules, making a tea, and cooking with essential oils. (12)
topical application
Topical essential oil application involves placing an essential oil on the skin, hair, mouth, teeth, nails, or mucous membranes of the body. When the oils touch the body, they penetrate quickly.
Because pure essential oils are so powerful, it is important to dilute them before using them on your body. You can dilute an essential oil by mixing it with a carrier oil (such as olive, jojoba, sweet almond, orcoconut oil) or a natural fragrance-free lotion. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to two tablespoons of unscented carrier oil or natural lotion. You can apply the mixed oil or lotion directly to an area of the body that will benefit the throat, such as the neck, chest, behind the ears, or the soles of the feet.
Recipes with essential oils for a sore throat
Easy steam inhalation and anti-sore throat.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 drops of clove essential oil
- 3 drops of juniper berry essential oil
- large bowl of boiling water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the clove and juniper oils to a large bowl of boiling water.
- Place a towel over your head to create a tent over and around the bowl.
- Relax and breathe in the scented steam for 5 minutes. Of course, be careful not to burn yourself.
You can also add 3 drops of lemon oil and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil to water, gargle for 10 seconds, then drink.
Risks of essential oils for a sore throat
Be sure to use therapeutic grade essential oils for sore throats. Topical or inhaled use of essential oils is generally safer than oral use. Never ingest any essential oil or apply undiluted essential oils to the skin without proper training or medical supervision. It is essential to understand the best way to use essential oils.
Always consult an expert and do a patch test before proceeding with caution as essential oils may react differently on different people. Babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with serious illnesses should not use essential oils internally, except under the supervision of a physician. If you are pregnant, consult a professional before using essential oils also externally on your body.
If the sore throat is severe or lasts for more than a week, seek medical attention.