Wednesday 3 August 2011

Wellbeing Wednesday

run a bath that soothes and heals
It's the middle of winter and like most people we are living with runny noses and chesty coughs. The dampness of the rain and cold mornings makes for some snotty congestion and it feels like the common cold keeps getting passed around the classroom.

In our family, we have always been big advocates of steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil. This is great if you are an adult - a few drops of eucalyptus into a bowl of boiling hot water and a towel over your head works magic. However, this is not so safe if you are a child. And not everyone has a plug in vaporizer. My method is to run a bath. Nurturing, soothing and safe.

Run a bath at a temperature that is suitable for the person intending to have the bath. For children add 15 drops of pure eucalyptus oil and 15 drops of lavender essential oil. And swish the water. For adults, double the quantity of oils. Keep the windows shut and the exhaust fan off and you will generate a healing steam that will clear your lungs and soothe your bones and aching muscles.

What methods do you use to clear away head colds?

Happy Days
Nicola

5 comments:

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Nicola, our family was always big on the Vicks Vapourub and so my kids had their fair share of that too. If things were extra congested though time in a hot steamy environment for a while worked wonders..just running the shower hot and holding the baby in the little bathroom (NOT near the hot water) for a few minutes then gently tapping on it's back to loosen the phlegm was our routine.

1000 Homes of Happiness said...

Hi Nicola,

we are also all somwed under with head colds. Agree, eucalyptus oil is the best remedy. I add it to my little ladies hankies to help clear the nose. Also can't go past lemon and honey tea.

xoxo I look forward to following you blog.

Kellie x

Alice Becomes said...

Cool! Saw your link the Alice sidebar. I love this image, I feel relaxed just looking at it! We do the eucalyptus baths too. Good for the cold plus it gives a nice fresh smell to the bathroom. Well done, Nic on creating Nurture the Little People.

x

Anonymous said...

How inviting...and thank you for the tip. I love eucalyptus and lavender. Sounds more heavenly than plain epsom salt for sore muscles.

Thank you for your kind comments on my blog. I agree about shifting your focus, changing your perception, to allow you to see a familiar situation differently.

Like you, I too worked full-time while attending college. It certainly cemented my work ethic. I also agree that children learn by watching, not listening, so setting a great example in all areas, especially money will be lessons they carry into their adult life. It is tougher for them to de-program a bad habit later in life, don't you think?

Your new follower, Mila :)

Felicity said...

Your tip is a twist on what we do and similar to Carol's comment.

We put either eucalyptus oil or Vicks on the floor of the shower [away from the direct water line] and steam away those winter greals.

Now that the kids are a bit older I like to make a spicy chicken soup with lots of garlic, ginger and chilli in it too.

If our tank wasn't so low I'd be having a bath tonight based solely on your lovely image - sigh.

xx Felicity