Cold and Flu Season

Today I would like to share some thoughts about preventing and treating colds and the flu.  You know this time of year cold and flu germs are abundant - in the grocery store, at the library, at preschool...and the list goes on and on.  The practice of aromatherapy offers many alternative methods for killing the cold/flu virus and for treating the symptoms.  I feel aromatherapy comes in handy most when treating young children.  Over-the-counter medications are simply not safe for infants and can leave young mothers feeling helpless.  Enter these three essential oils:  Lavender, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus.  They are all anti-viral, meaning they actually kill viruses (something antibiotics cannot do), and lavender and tea tree are anti-bacterial as well.  I use these oils in two ways:  to prevent colds/flu and to treat colds/flu
Preventative:
When we have been exposed to a lot of germs, especially during this time of year, I apply these oils when we get home.  This way they will kill any viruses floating around in our body, before they have a chance to grow.
Treatment:
As a treatment I apply these oils 3x a day to the chest and bottoms of the feet.  The eucalyptus will relieve congestion and the lavender has a calming effect - making it easier to sleep.  My husband and I use these oils too and our little family has been able to avoid antibiotics many times the past few years.  I used to run to the doctor as soon as I felt any symptoms - now I wait and try this first.  Most of the time they keep it manageable and I can avoid going to the Dr. I am not bashing doctors - they are very helpful and sometimes we do need antibiotics, but you can not only save money (office visits and prescriptions), but treat your body naturally with no side-effects.  The beautiful thing about essential oils is that your body only uses them if it needs them.  So you really can't go wrong trying them.
I will caution against using them every day.  Just like any form of medication, your body will become immune to the oils if you use them every day. 

I sell a great cold/flu treatment in my Etsy shop.  It is specially formulated for infants and children- and I put it in a spill-proof, roll-on bottle so it is easy to apply to their wiggly little feet.  Head on over and pick some up! 
Stay healthy,
jessica