Sunday, September 21, 2014

Whoa! Oh man, it is that time of year! I don’t know about your area, but here, fall allergies are in full swing. This brings on allergy attacks, asthma, colds, and sinus issues. The sniffling, the hacking, the wheezing, the drippy eyes….. Autumn might be a beautiful time in nature, but on my person, it can be an unattractive puffy, icky, mess! What do I do? Many of the otc cold remedies leave me sedated and heavily medicated. So instead I turn to natural approaches. Here are some of my favorite cold/sinus/allergy relievers……

1. Ear Candling (or Ear Coning). This is one of my favorite treatments for full or plugged ears. It can be wonderfully soothing, if done correctly. It helps with sinus-y plugged up ears. It helps with water in the ears, after swimming. It helps soothe achy ears. It will never, I repeat, never, “pull wax out of your ear”. The warmth of the candle can assist the body in the natural elimination of ear wax, but candling does not suck it out. There are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when choosing ear candling…..

Do go to an experienced ear candler. Always!
Do make sure they cover your hair and use a tin to catch the ashes.
Do your research about bee’s wax candles vs. paraffin wax candles. A local urgent care nurse once asked me which candles I preferred because she had seen a tremendous amount of ear canal and ear drum burns due to the drippy bee’s wax candles. The one time I had tried them, I also found them to be terribly drippy. It caused concern so I chose to go with the paraffin instead. I know some have allergies or issues with paraffin, so bee’s wax might be the only option. Please research and take care if your practitioner uses them.
Don’t use ear candles if you have an infection, severe pain, or any discharge from your ear canal. Seek professional medical care.
Don’t try it at home!
Do ask if the practitioner has any natural oils to use after the session. It can also aid in the soothing process. My favorite go-to oil is Wally’s Ear Oil ( Wally’s Ear Oil).

2. Steaming. Steaming can be a wonderful treatment for plugged sinuses and congestion. You can steam over a sink, in the shower, over a bowl of boiling water, or with a steam facial machine. Depending on which technique you are using, you can add some essential oils to help clear the congestion. Eucalyptus is a wonderful oil to use. Just a few drops in the bowl of water or sink is all it takes. Read the manufacturer’s warnings before trying to use it with a steam machine. Some can use it, some cannot. Remember, if steaming with a bowl, over the sink, or with a steam machine, placing a towel over your head will help maximize the steam benefits.

3. Essential Oils. Essential oils can be a wonderful help with colds, allergies, or sinuses. I adore them. And hey, they make the house smell nice while they work! The best way to use them is with an oil diffuser. Research the oils first. There are some great ones out there for congestion, colds, etc. Place just a few drops in your diffuser, along with some water, and diffuse the crap outta that cold! 🙂

4. Salt Inhaler. I suffer from asthma. I have since I was an infant. Some years are better than others. Do to another issue, I can’t take a regular rescue inhaler. So I do everything in my power to treat the asthma daily. A salt inhaler is one of the complementary methods I use. NEVER USE IN PLACE OF AN INHALER OR RESCUE INHALER!! I find some benefit from breathing in the salt air. It is not a cure, nor a treatment, but it is a nice addition. It might even assist with cold congestion. Remember though, ask your physician before trying it.

5. Bath Soak. A homemade bath soak, infused with essential oils, can be a wonderful way to treat congestion and sinus issues and relax at the same time. There are a lot of recipes out there for bath salts. Usually it is something like kosher salt, baking soda, and epsom salt. Once the batch is made, add a few drops of essential oil like eucalyptus. To use just add a few scoops to your warm bath. If you don’t want to bother making it yourself, look on Etsy, a local natural shop, or a local handmade market for some.

6. Herbals. I am not a certified herbalist. So I won’t list any specific herbals here. But research and find a certified one in your area. They can help you find the herbs you need to treat your colds, allergies, or sinuses. There are some wonderful ones out there. Please remember to always always use full disclosure with them regarding any medication you are currently taking. Herbal treatments can be potent and can also interfere/interact with medications. Always use care!

7. Refrigerator Goo. You all know what I am talking about. Between Pinterest, Facebook, and all of the other various social networks, you have surely seen the cold remedy concoction. The basic one is made with lemon slices, honey, and ginger. (Search online for a recipe). This recipe, or refrigerator goo as I call it, can be a great sore throat treatment. It can also assist with congestion. The best way to use it is to place a spoon full in some hot water and drink it like a tea. I have used this and not only like the taste, but find some relief with sore throats.

8. De-stressing. This is the biggie, right here. When our bodies are taxed, maxed, and just plain old stressed out, our immune systems go down. Remember to meditate, relax, and chill out often! This not only helps keep our minds healthy and happy, it helps keep ours bodies ready to fight those colds and allergies. Chill out: fight germs! 🙂

There you have it. That is my personal arsenal used to help fight those pesky allergies, colds, and sinus troubles. Please do remember to always, Always, consult your physician before trying. Hopefully if you are also in this seasonal battle, you are well rested, relaxed, and now armed and ready to go.

Enjoy!
Posted by Stepping Stones Holistic Health at 7:54 PM