Ruby has got the whole smokers cough thing going on at the moment. Deep and chesty. The cough is a stand alone visitor. No runny nose, loss of appetite, fever, or anything else that would indicate a passing viral infection.
I was surprised that her sputum results were all clear. So the good news is, no nasty bugs making a home out of that mucus. The worrying part is, why is she coughing so much of this thick gunk? Why is she producing more than what her normal amount usually is, and what can I do to help her?
Apart form the normal treatments and physio she has, I could make an essential oils chest rub! Easy to do and much nicer than what you buy off the shelf, which normally contain chemicals such as petroleum.
I am making this rub using the essential oils blends, Thieves and RC
THIEVES
Thieves (also known as Oil of Thieves) has an interesting history. During the bubonic plague, spice merchants discovered a combination of spices that made them immune to the black death. The merchants use this knowledge, not to help people, but to help themselves. They made an oil from the spices, rubbed it on themselves, and then robbed the dying of their possessions.
Eventually they were caught, and traded the recipe for their lives. Doctors then used the oil in those strange looking beak masks as they treated the sick.
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Oil of thieves is a mixture of cloves, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary. It has a lovely warm scent, kind of like chai tea! Thieves oil is highly anti-infectious, anti-viral, anti-bacterialand antiseptic.
It is very strong and can only be used diluted (which we will be doing). The recommendation is to not use it on children under 2 .
RC
The other oil I am using is a blend called RC. It does not have a colourful history like thieves, but is great for opening up the respiratory. It is a respiratory anti-inflammatory, is good for sinuses, asthma and allergies. It oxygenates and expels mucus from the respiratory system. (It does not dry up the mucus.)
It contains different species of eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, lavender, cypress and marjoram. Not to be used in children under 18 months.
The only other ingredient needed is coconut oil! Organic, cold pressed is best, but not necessary.
METHOD
- Heat 100g of coconut oil so it is a clear liquid. I have a Thermomix so just put it in there on 60 degrees for 2.5 minutes.
- Carefully pour the oil into a small jar
- Allow to slightly cool, but not enough to solidify again
- Add 20 drops of RC oil and 7 drops of Thieves oil
- Put the lid on and shake well
- Let is solidify again
This is a mild blend because I am using it on a 3 year old. You could add more oil for an adult or bigger child.
HOW TO USE
Rub on the chest area and throat. Can also be rubbed on the soles of the feet. I put it on my kids feet before bed, and cover with socks.
Don't use on children under 18 months. To keep the oils potent, make sure you store away from direct sunlight.
So there you go! A history lesson and a chest rub that will help relieve a nasty cough while warding off infections.
If you would like to purchase the oils...
I have recently signed up as a distributor for Young Living Oils. I chose Young Living after researching how they make their oils, and because of the very high standard of production.
If you would like to purchase any oils, email me direct at danstaa@hotmail.com
