Kate Gavino is the illustrator of this
Petra’s Ashes “A Transcendental Journey” a Memoir by Petra Nicoll available in the Fall of 2016
Pre-Launch -Get your signed copy NOW
“Like a phoenix, she will rise from the ashes of despair and soar.”
Petra Nicoll grew up with her middle-class family in the small village of Markt Schwaben, enjoying childhood innocence in a place of picturesque beauty, just fifteen miles south of Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany. This book, Petra’s real life story, could be fiction—but it’s not. Readers will find her life thought-provoking, mesmerizing—and perhaps even remarkable.
Sheltered and protected by her Catholic family, Petra’s Ashes reveals a journey of unsettling discoveries and uncommon insight. At the age of nine, she has a near death experience and at sixteen she finds her mother dead under suspicious circumstances. A year later, she leaves Bavaria and moves to London, marries, and experiences the Iranian Revolution of 1978-1979—firsthand.
“My desire in writing this book is to inspire others who perhaps ask the same question that I did as a young adult: Why am I here and what is my true purpose on EARTH?” —Petra
Through the extreme pain and sorrow of her exposure to the tragic death of her mother, suicide, depression, and realities of war, she begins a journey of profound insight, to become a “seeker after truth.” Being led to The Masters of the Far East, The Shaman’s of North America and Mexico, awakens her to the realization and vision that she has been given—to become transformed and more intuitive, authentic and soul-centered, which takes her on a journey that she now uses as tools to help others.
“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their fear.” –C.G. Jung
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YOUR STORY MATTERS. YOU MATTER!
20 Authors and their inspiring stories. Petra’s Story “Comatose” is one of the stories in this book. Catch her today on Blog Talk Radio
June 14th at 3:00pm Pacific – SPARKS Author Interview – Comatose with Petra Nicoll
It is winter-time in a small village in Bavaria just outside the city of Munich. Petra, a nine year old little girl is bundled up on the couch recovering from a dreadful cough, she is home alone listening to music and watching the sparkly snow flakes land on the balcony. Her father is out with friends and her mother and brother are running a quick errand before the snowplows stop and the shops close. She drift away into a peaceful sleep and is suddenly awoken by a piercing pain, not able to breathe and collapses under the living room table. She is rushed to the hospital after her Mother gets back and finds herself on the ceiling of the hospital looking down at her body…….
Petra’s passion centers around health coaching that incorporates the mind, body and spirit. Petra teaches people simple ways to clear unresolved emotional issues through Golden Light Meditation, healthy eating, preventative care of body and mind—advising use of therapeutic grade essential oils to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Host: Catherine VanWetter
Spiritual, Shamanic Practitioner -Focusing in the area of highly sensitive people|
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Vibration Technoloy
Thank you for visiting us at the Portland Women’s Expo
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Spiral Vibration Displacement : 2mm
Spiral Vibration Frequency: 15 Hz to 40 Hz (Divided in 60 speed settings)
3 Preset Programs (P1, P2, P3) + Manual Mode
6 User Programmable setting via USB Memory Stick and PC Program (included)
Display – Program, Time and Speed
Maximum User Weight: 150 Kg (330 lbs.)
Machine Weight: 57 Kg (125 lbs.)
Input Voltage: 100-120 VAC/ 60Hz
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1 Year Warranty (Parts and Service)
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The K1 Specifications:
$2495.00
Single Motor Machine – TOS Triangular Oscillation Only (as refereed to as Pivitol)
The horsepower is Peak HP and not continuous (misleading). Better to compare in watts.
Specifications:
• Vibration Type: Pivotal/Oscillating
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• Power: 2 HP
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• Maximum User Weight: 330 lbs
• Assembled Size: 31″ W x 23″ D x 50″ H
• Plate dimensions: 14″ D x 23″ W
• Unit Weight: 98lbs
• Warranty: 2 YEAR, full-replacement
warranty, 4 additional years on parts
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Traditional vibration machines only have one vibration mode. Now our top-selling Platinum model has two vibration modes, Pivotal vibration (like a seesaw) and Lineal (vertical) vibration. Pivotal vibration provides whole body vibration from head to toe, while Lineal vibration provides relief and therapy focused on the lower legs. You can use them separately, or at the same time for the ultimate vibration machine. Perfect for the home or professional use, our Dual-motor Platinum is our most popular at the best price.
• Pivotal Vibration Frequency: 5Hz – 14Hz
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• All steel base & control shaft
• Horizontal Displacement: 2mm
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Additional Information
Weight
142 lbs
Dimensions
23 x 27 x 53 in
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Do You Want a Life Coach?
A woman who describes herself as “far from perfect” illustrates what happens when you hire a professional to help with tricky issues like anxiety and career satisfaction. Even if you can’t hire a coach, you can read these surprising (and powerful) lessons about self-understanding and persistence.
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Healing Anxiety with Reiki
Anxiety is something that almost everyone experiences from time to time. However, for a few people, anxiety is a constant presence and eats into their lives on a daily basis. It can severely affect the quality of life and leave one feeling drained and exhausted.
Anxiety prone people do realise that most of what they feel anxious about never comes to pass. Unfortunately, this realization does not prevent them from feeling anxious and they continue to suffer.
Can Reiki help with anxiety troubles? It most certainly can, provided we remember to seek its help.
If you are a Reiki practitioner and you suffer from anxiety, it can be hard to remember to seek Reiki’s help when you find yourself feeling anxious. However, if you can remind yourself to do so, it can help you calm those nerves and encourage you to shift your focus on to feelings of love, safety and peace.
Those of us who are attuned to Level 2 and higher can work with the mental emotional symbol Sei Hei Ki to help heal anxiety. You can also teach the following techniques to your Level 2 students.
As we all know, prevention is always better than cure. How about making a conscious effort to stay calm before anxiety can take over? It helps to start and end the day on a calm note. As soon as you wake up in the morning, stand with your feet planted on the ground and draw the mental emotional symbol all around you.
Take a deep breath and visualise a stream of Reiki entering your body. Feel this gentle energy flooding your nerves and enjoy a feeling of peace washing over you. Then draw a big power symbol to seal the energy and intend that it stays with you all through the day. Do the same practice before going to bed at night and fall asleep feeling calm and peaceful.
In the morning, draw a small mental emotional symbol on your dorsum (back of the hand) or on your palm. If you find yourself feeling anxious during the day, look at your hand and connect with Reiki through the symbol. Allow its healing energy to flow to you. This will help you feel supported and enable you to keep calm.
Draw the mental emotional symbol on a tiny piece of paper and put it under your pillow at night. Before you drift off to sleep, request Reiki to help you heal the root cause of your anxiety. The root cause of many anxiety troubles can be traced back to early childhood and past life traumas. Also request Reiki to help you release any resistance that you may hold towards letting go of anxiety. Anxious people often harbour an unconscious attachment to anxiety and have a hard time letting it go.
During Self Reiki sessions, draw a large mental emotional symbol over you. Visualise the anxious energy trapped in your body floating up to the symbol and being transformed into light.
If you are attuned to the third degree, you may also use the Master symbol alongside the mental emotional symbol if you feel guided to do so.
Remember that healing is a journey of uncovering layers of blocked energy, transforming this energy into light and eventually recognising our true innate state of wholeness. Healing takes time. It is best not to focus much on the end result but to flow with the journey instead. Flowing with life helps us heal much better than setting targets and expecting healing to occur as per those targets.
Love and Light to You!
Note: If anxiety is severely affecting your everyday life, do not hesitate to seek additional professional assistance alongside helping yourself with Reiki.
Petra Nicoll is a Reiki Master, Life Coach and Spiritual Teacher. She was drawn to Reiki right from her childhood and Reiki went on to become part of her life’s purpose. Reiki is her constant companion from which she derives peace and contentment. After reaping the fruits of Reiki practice in her life, she was inspired to spread the joy of Reiki. Petrateaches Reiki and Other Seminars in Woodland, Wa. Portland, Or Roseburg, Or.and Medford, Or. Please visit http://www.petranicoll.com for a full list of events or email me at Petranicoll@yahoo.com
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10 UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS THAT INDICATE YOU ARE TAKING THE CORRECT PATH
Change. It happens to all of us at one point or another. However, it is an important part of human life that cannot and should not be avoided.
What is change? Change is having the ability to move from one situation to another. For some people, change is usually brought about by a desire to want to change, but it is something that we all need to recognize if it is to happen. (Source)
Change is not an easy process for anyone and may often bring on some uncomfortable feelings. Many people will take these feelings as a sign that they are doing something wrong and that they should take a step back and re-evaluate.
However, these 10 uncomfortable feelings mean one is taking the correct life path for them!
1. Isolation
Making a profound and personal change is a lonely task by nature. This type of change needs to be done alone, which makes isolation typical. It is normal to feel separated from friends and family during this time.
2. Difficulty Focusing
Change is a very stressful process for the brain, and a brain that is overworked does not function well. The left side of the brain, which handles the majority of the tasks one must accomplish from day to day, will quickly get burned out during a time of change. So forgetfulness and lack of focus are normal. (Source)
3. Anxiety and Restlessness
Any change be it a job, relationship, or spiritually based will stimulate the emotions. Also, imagining new possibilities will trigger one’s imagination. These things can lead to restlessness and anxiety. There are also those who worry about the changing process. This is normal as well.
4. Irritability
It is very common to feel irritated by the people one loves and cares about when they are in the process of positive change. Our habits are based off of the people we spend time with. Changing one’s self may mean changing behavior patterns one has learned from his or her group of friends. This will cause resentment or irritation.
5. Fear and Sadness
The bigger and more significant the change, the greater the fear associated with it. It is common to feel panic at the changes one is about to make. Don’t run away. Fear just means the change is that much more meaningful.
Also, feeling sad about change means one is feeling the loss of their old life. This is a normal part of grieving and needs to be viewed as such.
6. Confrontation
If one is willing to change, that may mean that they are in some way, dissatisfied with their life or how those around them treat them. If a person wants a change, they may be more likely to call people out about behaviors they will no longer accept. This is very healthy!
7. Dissatisfaction
Feelings of dissatisfaction are present not because of the change but because the change is working. One will no longer accept what they previously had, and they are more likely to demand better for others and the world.
8. Feeling Lost
Feeling lost does not mean one is on the wrong path. It just means the person is dealing with a whole bunch of new expectations, emotions, and experiences. They are creating an entirely new reality. It is natural to feel lost when somewhere new.
9. Questioning Friendships
Changing one’s self-means changing one’s entire life. This includes any relationships with friends. It is common for a person to examine compatibility with their friend, even if the relationship is healthy. Current changes may mean some old friendships can no longer be sustained. This is normal and healthy. This includes romantic relationships.
10. Strange and Intense Dreams
Even while one is asleep, the brain is still working to process all the new experiences in his or her life. This can cause strange, intense or even negative dreams to occur. It is important to remember that these dreams are the brain’s way of working out all the heavy stuff.
As one can easily see, personal change is a significant life experience and can cause many uncomfortable emotions. It is important to look past these feelings to see one’s true self. Change is good and necessary to fulfill one’s true life purpose.
Feeling a need to change? Take a look at the video below!
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Oregano Oil
Oregano, the fragrant herb commonly used to flavor pasta and meat dishes, is renowned for its versatility in the kitchen. But did you know that it can also be transformed into an herbal oil with a wide range of benefits? Read on to learn more about oregano oil.
Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It’s native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world1 The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are two to three centimeters long.
The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words “oros” and “ganos,” which are words for mountain and joy,– oregano literally means “joy of the mountain.” It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano.
There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that’s native to Mediterranean regions.4 Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.
To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled.6 The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.
Uses of Oregano Oil
I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:
Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
Killing parasites and infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.
I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here’s one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.
Composition of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:
Thymol – a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.
Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:
Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
Naringin – inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) – this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.11, 12
Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.
Benefits of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.
Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.
Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia – it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.
Oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection – A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.
Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria, salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteria. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms. An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus,18 which causes gastroenteritis.
Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants. Aside from using the steam method to relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:
Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.
Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
Relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps.
How Does Oregano Oil Work?
The compounds in oregano oil work together to provide the antimicrobial effects this oil is so well-known for. Carvacrol is its most important component, and is responsible for many of its health benefits. Carvacrol has powerful antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from your immune system.
Oregano oil can either be applied topically or ingested, depending on the condition you’re using it for. However, I advise against using the oil full-strength, as it can irritate your skin. Do not apply it to broken skin and open wounds as well.
Oregano oil is meant for short-term use only, and, if using orally, should be taken in small doses of four to six drops for only seven to 10 days.
Is Oregano Oil Safe?
Yes it is, as long as it’s diluted in water or with a carrier oil (some of my top choices are jojoba, olive, and coconut oils). Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde says the ideal ratio when diluting this herbal oil is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.
I recommend doing a spot test as well to check if you have any allergic reactions to oregano oil. Simply apply a diluted drop on your arm and see if any irritation occurs.
Be careful when buying oregano oil because some manufacturers sell adulterated oils and oils made from thyme, Spanish oregano, or cultivated oregano, which DO NOT provide any health benefits.
Side Effects of Oregano Oil
Some people may experience stomach upset when ingesting oregano oil (or even the herb itself). Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) should also avoid this oil, as they may also develop an allergic reaction.
Oregano oil is also NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are also discouraged from using oregano oil both topically and orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. Oregano oil also has a potential to induce menstruation, and may be dangerous to your unborn child.
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SCIENTIFIC PROOF THAT OUR THOUGHTS AFFECT OUR PHYSICAL WORLD
It is clear that our thoughts and emotions affect our own bodies. The body may even react violently to stress and depression. However, how do our thoughts and feelings affect those around us? According to Dr. Masura Emoto, quite a bit.
Emoto was an author, researcher, and entrepreneur. He believed human consciousness had a recordable effect on water. Emoto’s conjecture evolved over the years, and his early work explored his belief that water could react to positive thoughts and words, and that polluted water could be cleaned through prayer and positive visualization.
The video below gives a very condensed version of Emoto’s beliefs. Take a look and decide for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWAuc9GIvFo
Screenshot
He believed that that emotional “energies” and “vibrations” could change the physical structure of water and published several books with pictures of ice crystals that formed while different emotions were directed towards them.
Emoto’s work is amazing, but the peer-reviewed studies also performed on the subject shine more light on the subject.
An experiment was done at the Institute of Noetic Sciences titled “Double-Blind Test of the Effects of Distant Intention on Water Crystal Formation”. The hypothesis that water “treated” with intention can affect ice crystals got serious attention from the scientific community from the results of this experiment when the water was pilot tested under double-blind conditions.
A group of approximately 2,000 people in Tokyo focused positive intentions toward water samples located inside an electromagnetically shielded room in California. Ice crystals formed in both sets of water samples, yet only certain kinds of formations were present within the water they were concentrating on. That group was unaware of similar water samples set aside in a different location as controls. (Spirit Science and Metaphysics)
The results were fascinating. The ice crystals that formed were vastly different for each water sample.
“Ice crystals formed from both sets of water samples were blindly identified and photographed by an analyst, and the resulting images were blindly assessed for aesthetic appeal by 100 independent judges. Results indicated that crystals from the treated water were given higher scores for aesthetic appeal than those from the control water (P = .001, one-tailed), lending support to the hypothesis”, concluded the team lead by Dr. Radin. (Spirit Science and Metaphysics)
Unfortunately, this study can no longer be found online, so I can’t read it for myself. Also, Emoto’s work has been highly criticized by the scientific community.
Biochemist and Director of Microscopy at University College Cork William Reville wrote, “It is very unlikely that there is any reality behind Emoto’s claims.” Reville noted the lack of scientific publication and pointed out that anyone who could demonstrate such a phenomenon would become immediately famous and probably wealthy. (Wikipedia)
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Sore Throat getting you down? Here are some solutions!
- Did you know that essential oils can actually help make a sore throat go away quicker or avoid one all together? Sore throats can happen anytime of the year for a variety of reasons. A sore throat is an irritation, scratchiness or pain of the throat that often worsens when swallowing.
Your throat or pharynx, by definition, is the tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx (your voice box). A common sore throat is caused by a viral infection while a strep throat is a bacterial infection, which can be from 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 first realize a cold or the flu is coming on when you get that first bit of pain and scratchiness in your throat. A sore throat can also be caused by allergies, strep throat, mononucleosis, tonsillitis, smoking or acid reflux.
Aside from the typically recommended rest, proper nutrition, plenty of liquids, hot teas and gargling, sore throat remedies include tapping into the natural power of essential oils for sore throat pain!
Top Essential Oils for Sore Throat
The uses for essential oils truly are endless and if you have read any of my other essential oil articles, you’re probably not even that surprised that they can be used for sore throats, too.
The following essential oils for sore throat pain will kill germs, ease inflammation and speed healing of this annoying and painful malady:
1. Peppermint
Peppermint oil is commonly used for treatment of the common cold, cough, sinus infections, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the mouth and throat, including sore throats. It’s also used for digestive problems, including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, and gas.
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation and a calming effect to the body. Research indicates that the antioxidant, antimicrobial and decongestant properties of peppermint essential oil can help alleviate your sore throat. Menthol also helps to sooth and calm sore throats as well as thin mucus and break up coughs.
2. Lemon
Lemon essential oil is known for its ability to cleanse toxins from any part of the body and is widely used to stimulate lymph drainage, to rejuvenate energy and purify skin.
Lemon oil is derived from the skin of the lemon and is excellent for sore throats since it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C, increases salivation and helps keep the throat moist.
3. Eucalyptus
Today, oil from the eucalyptus tree appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are due to its ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation.
Originally referred to as “eucalyptol” by the scientific community, the health benefits of eucalyptus oil come from a chemical now known as cineole, which is an organic compound shown to hold astounding, widespread medicinal effects — including everything from reducing inflammation and pain to killing leukemia cells! It’s no wonder it can be one of the steps to beat a cold and sore throat.
4. Oregano
This well-known herb in oil form is a smart choice for defense against a sore throat. There is evidence that the essential oil of oregano has antifungal and antiviral properties. One study even showed that treatment with oregano oil may be useful for parasite infections.
If you have any doubts that oregano oil can prevent and treat a sore throat, it has even been shown to kill the superbug MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor — and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating it in boiling water.
5. Clove
Clove essential oil is useful for boosting the immune system, so it is extremely useful at discouraging and relieving a sore throat. The sore throat benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties. Chewing on a clove bud can help a sore throat (as well as a toothache).
A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that clove essential oil shows antimicrobial activity against a large number of multi-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Its antiviral properties and ability to purify blood increases resistance to a multitude of diseases, including sore throats.
6. Hyssop
Hyssop was used in ancient times as a cleansing herb for temples and other sacred places. In ancient Greece, the physicians Galen and Hippocrates valued hyssop for inflammation of the throat and chest, pleurisy and other bronchial complaints.
It’s not surprising that hyssop has a long history of medicinal use. The antiseptic properties of hyssop oil make it a powerful substance for fighting infections and killing bacteria. Whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial, hyssop is an excellent choice for a sore throat as well as lung inflammation.
7. Thyme
Thyme oil is one of the strongest antioxidants and antimicrobials known, and it has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Thyme supports the immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous and other body systems.
A 2011 study tested thyme oil’s response to 120 strains of bacteria isolated from patients with infections of oral cavity, respiratory and genitourinary tracts. The results of experiments showed that the oil from the thyme plant exhibited extremely strong activity against all of the clinical strains. Thyme oil even demonstrated a good efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains. What a sure bet for that scratchy throat!
With a sweet, woodsy smell, juniper berry essential oil is a popular ingredient in many household cleaning products, aromatherapy blends and fragrance sprays. Today, juniper berry essential oil is also commonly used as one of the best natural remedies for sore throat as well as respiratory infections, fatigue, muscle aches and arthritis.
Juniper berry’s use for sore throat is validated by research that shows juniper berry essential oil actually contains over 87 different active constituent compounds, including strong antioxidants, antibacterials and antifungals.
How to Use Essential Oils for Sore Throat
Essential oils can be used for a sore throat in three different ways: by inhalation, topical application or internal consumption.
Inhalation
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. One main way to use essential oils for aromatherapy is to inhale the smell or aroma of an essential oil.
When the scent of an essential oil is inhaled, molecules enter the nasal cavities and stimulate a firing of mental response in the limbic system of the brain, including the regulation of stress or calming responses such as heart rate, breathing patterns, production of hormones and blood pressure. Aromatherapy can be obtained by using essential oils as direct inhalations, in a bath, in a vaporizer or humidifier, fan, vent, perfume, cologne, or through aromatherapy diffusers.
An easy way to regularly practice direct inhalation is to add one to two drops of an essential oil into the palms of your hands and rub them together to spread the oil. Next, cup your hands over your nose and take 5–10 deep and slow breaths. You can also add two to three drops of an essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside your pillow or in any place that will be easy to smell it.
Another excellent way to soothe a sore throat is by inhaling the steam of boiling water containing a few drops of some of the essential oils I just mentioned. Simply fill a big bowl with hot water and drape 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 ingested by the mouth; however, it is critical to make sure that the oils you use are safe and pure. Many oils on the market may be diluted or blended with synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting. The FDA has approved some essential oils generically for internal use and given them the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) designation for human consumption.
By using essential oils in a gargle, you can directly have the essential oils come into contact with the problematic area. Simply add one to two drops of essential oil to half a glass of mildly 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 one drop of oil to a glass of water or in a teaspoon of honey. Other oral application options include using capsules, making a tea, and cooking with essential oils.
Topical Application
Topical application of an essential oil 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 rapidly.
Since pure essential oils are so potent, it’s important to dilute them before using them on your body. You can dilute an essential oil by blending it with a carrier oil (such as olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil) or a natural unscented lotion. Add 5–10 drops of essential oil to to two tablespoons of carrier oil or natural unscented lotion. You can then apply the blended oil or lotion directly to an area of the body that will benefit the throat like the neck, chest, behind the ears, or bottoms of the feet.
Recipes Using Essential Oils for Sore Throat
Easy, Anti Sore Throat Steam Inhalation
INGREDIENTS:
3 drops clove essential oil
3 drops juniper berry essential oil
large bowl of boiling hot water
DIRECTIONS:
Add the clove and juniper berry oils to a large bowl of boiled water.
Drape a towel over your head to create a tent over and around the bowl.
Relax and breathe in the fragrant 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 your water, gargle for 10 seconds and then drink.
Risks of Essential Oils for Sore Throat
Make sure you are using therapeutic grade essential oils for sore throat pain. Inhaled or topical use of essential oils is generally safer than oral use. Never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted essential oils to the skin without proper training or medical supervision. It is critical to understand how best to use essential oils.
Always consult a specialist and conduct a patch test before proceeding with caution as essential oils may react differently for different individuals. Infants, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with severe illnesses should not use essential oils internally except under the supervision of a physician. If pregnant, check with a professional before using essential oils externally on your body as well.
If your sore throat is severe or lasts longer than one week, seek medical attention.
Petra Nicoll 