When you are tired or just need a ‘pick-me-up’, an inhalation can refresh and rejuvenate you. It is also a valuable tool for relieving the symptoms of physical disorders such as head colds and chest, nasal or sinus congestion. The skin also benefits from the sweating action and antiseptic oils as it deeply cleanses and decongests. Hot water helps release the vapours quickly, while the towel overhead encapsulates the steam and oils to be absorbed by the body. Slow, deep breathing enables the essential oils to reach the bloodstream via the lungs.
Lip tip:
Remember your mother telling you to count to ten before you got angry and said something you’d regret? Better still, find the strength to do a compress or inhalation in one of those moments. Deep breathing and essential oils combine to alter your state of mind and maybe the words that come out of your mouth!
Fill a bowl or basin with very hot water (not boiling) and add 3-4 drops of selected essential oils, (if choosing Peppermint 1 drop is enough as it is very heady). Use a spoon to agitate the water and disperse the molecules. Lean over the basin and place a towel over your head. Now breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. If you have a sore throat breathe in through your mouth and out through your nose. Repeat for a few minutes for maximum benefit.
Lip tip:
If you are stressed you may find that deep breathing with an inhalation can release negative emotions and make you want to cry. Accept it, go ahead and sob into the bowl. The release is healthy and we all feel better after a good cry!