Cupressus is one of several genera of evergreen conifers within the family Cupressaceae that have the common name cypress; for the others, see cypress. It is considered a polyphyletic group. Based on genetic and morphological analysis, the genus Cupressus is found in the subfamily Cupressoideae.  The common name comes from Old French cipres and that from Latin cyparissus,  which is the latinisation of the Greek κυπάρισσος (kypárissos).

As currently treated, these cypresses are native to scattered ...

cupressus

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections

Top 10 Best Essential Oils for Respiratory Infections 

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_0

Essential oils can help soothe sore throats and clear mucus, some of the characteristic symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_1

The medical community tends to see essential oils as an adjunct alternative therapy rather than a medical treatment. These oils should be used with caution as there are no approved guidelines regarding their dosage or potency.

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_2

However, there are instructions, and if a person follows them, any of the 10 essential oils can help relieve the symptoms of a respiratory infection. Always before using essential oils, do a tolerance test on a small area of skin by dissolving a few drops in base oil, applying to the skin and waiting 24 hours.

Eucalyptus-essential-oil

Eucalyptus essential oil 

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_0

Many people use eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) without realizing it. Many over-the-counter products usually contain eucalyptus oil. Or they may include the main compound of the oil called eucalyptol or cineole.

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_1

A study published in Alternative Medicine Review found that eucalyptol has an antimicrobial effect and can fight bacteria that cause disease. Eucalyptol may also help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relieve muscle tension that may result from a cold or flu. 1

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_2

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to soothe cough in respiratory infections in several ways:

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_3

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">By adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a base oil and rubbing the mixture onto the chest and throat;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">By diluting eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.</li></ul>

Rosemary-essential-oil

Rosemary essential oil 

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_0

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_1

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a common garden herb. Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole. A study published in the journal Cough found that cineole can help break down mucus and reduce inflammation. 2

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_2

Rosemary essential oil should be diluted with base oil to inhale. Add 3-4 drops of this oil in 5-6 drops of carrier oil and massage onto the throat. You can also add a few drops of this essential oil to the diffuser and thus relieve the cough.

Peppermint-essential-oil

Peppermint essential oil 

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_0

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_1

Herbal respiratory disease care products often contain peppermint oil (Mentha). Menthol is an extract of mint. When inhaled, it creates a cooling sensation that can soothe or relieve the scratching throat.

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_2

A 2013 study suggested that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help relax the muscles of the trachea, known as the bronchial muscles. This may explain why this essential oil may ease breathing in people with coughs. 3

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_3

Peppermint essential oil can be used through:

_4_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dilution of oil in boiling water and inhalation of steam</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adding oil to a diffuser</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use in a mixture of oils for topical application</li></ul>

Frankincense-essential-oil

Frankincense essential oil 

Frankincense-essential-oil_5_0

Frankincense-essential-oil_5_1

Frankincense is extracted from Boswellia trees and is often used in perfumes. It is traditionally valued for its effect on the respiratory system and is used to treat cough, bronchitis and asthma. 4

Oregano-essential-oil

Oregano essential oil 

Oregano-essential-oil_6_0

Oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) contains a high level of a powerful compound called carvacrol. The authors of a 2014 study found that carvacrol is a useful antimicrobial agent that can fight many types of microbes. Therefore, this oil can help relieve the symptoms of respiratory infections.

Thyme-essential-oil

Thyme essential oil 

Thyme-essential-oil_7_0

Thyme essential oil also contains a high level of carvacrol. It can be a useful means of eliminating or protecting against viruses and bacteria.

Thyme-essential-oil_7_1

The herb thyme and its volatile oil have long been used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis symptoms, parasitic infections, and many other health problems. It has an antibacterial effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has antiviral (herpes simplex virus type I, human rhinoviruses and influenza viruses), antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action. 5

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus

Essential oils of bergamot, nutmeg and cupressus 

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus_8_0

All essential oils of nutmeg (Myristica), bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and cupressus&nbsp; (Cupressus) contain camphene, a compound similar to camphor with anti-inflammatory action.

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus_8_1

When inhaled, camphene can have a cooling and refreshing effect. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage and protect against harmful microbes.

Geranium-essential-oil

Geranium essential oil 

Geranium-essential-oil_9_0

A review of studies published in Complementary Medicine Research reported that a geranium extract called Pelargonium sidoides is an effective herbal remedy for coughing. Geranium essential oil when inhaled can provide relief from breathing and persistent coughing.&nbsp;

Geranium-essential-oil_9_1

Add six drops of geranium essential oil to a carrier oil. Massage this diluted oil onto your throat and chest. This will help relieve a stuffy nose. You can also add 4-5 drops of this oil to boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve sore throat when you catch a cold.

Cinnamon-essential-oil

Cinnamon essential oil 

Cinnamon-essential-oil_10_0

The favorite aromatic spice has medicinal properties, with the authors of a 2017 study finding that cinnamon can protect against germs that cause respiratory problems.&nbsp;

Cinnamon-essential-oil_10_1

Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum) to the diffuser and inhale it. Helps relieve cough and cold. You can also massage the oil on your chest or throat. This will help relieve congestion and coughing.&nbsp;

Tea-Tree-Essential-Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil 

Tea-Tree-Essential-Oil_11_0

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca) can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause sinus infections and respiratory problems. Today, studies show that tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity, which gives it the ability to fight bacteria that lead to respiratory problems. 6

The essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, oregano, tea tree, rosemary and frankincense are some of the oils that have been shown to help keep your lungs and respiratory system in excellent condition. They contribute to this through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds reviewed in various studies. When used on the skin, it is important to mix essential oils with base oil, as they are highly concentrated. Others can be steamed and their fumes inhaled with a focus on relieving persistent cough, stuffy nose, and releasing your breathing.

Top 10 essential oils for respiratory infections this winter

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/de38ad95-b94f-4c5a-a138-fd511d874df4_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

_-1_1

The art of aromatherapy has been an ancient practice known and applied for <a href="https://books.google.bg/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=2q7bPn4pgxIC&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PP15&amp;dq=history+of+aromatherapy&amp;ots=lOmGMqjSVi&amp;sig=7XkzANfUg2qezawgodT1RMicnDs&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q=history%20of%20aromatherapy&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>millennia.&nbsp;Its many benefits and strong impact could not go unnoticed and therefore its use lies in the traditions of many peoples. It has been used as a remedy, as well as part of religious rituals, mystical and spiritual practices, in cosmetics and perfumery, in cooking <a href="https://books.google.bg/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=2q7bPn4pgxIC&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PP15&amp;dq=history+of+aromatherapy&amp;ots=lOmGMqjSVi&amp;sig=7XkzANfUg2qezawgodT1RMicnDs&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q=history%20of%20aromatherapy&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>.

_-1_2

In Egypt, various plant resins and aromatic oils have been used in embalming mummies.

_-1_3

Ayurvedic medicine in India applies essential oils as a very important part of its mind and body balancing practices. They are an integral part of massage oils, scented candles and sticks.

_-1_4

Aromatherapy is not foreign to the ancient Greeks either. Hippocrates used chamomile oil for reducing fever, and recommended rubbing with various aromatic herbs to maintain goodhealth. Dioskorides also mentions essential oils in its Materia Medica, which are used to this day as cinnamonoil, <a href="/p/riezienie_niepoznatata_bilka_za_plosk_koriem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">fennel</a>, rose, rosemary, basil, juniper, pine, etc.

_-1_5

In the Middle Ages, the Persian healer and philosopher Avicenna discovered the distillation process, which essentially means dividing a mixture into its constituent parts.

_-1_6

From then until the beginning of the 20th century, there were many books describing the properties of essential oils, including their strong antiseptic properties. However, the founder of modern aromatherapy is considered to be the French doctor René Gattefossé, who was the first to use this term. He rediscovered the antimicrobial action of lavender essential oil after burning his hands in a laboratory experiment. He later used essential oils to treat soldiers wounded at the front during WWI, and described his findings in a special publication.

_-1_7

Today, the action of essential oils is of serious interest to science, which explores and proves the different effects on human health and psyche.

How-aromatherapy-works

How aromatherapy works

How-aromatherapy-works_0_0

How-aromatherapy-works_0_1

Aromatherapy means the use of aromatic plant extracts, which are called essential oils. They are extracted from different parts of plants - their leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, and applied in different ways for therapeutic purposes.&nbsp;Most often this is done by inhalation (inhalation) or rubbing into the skin through massages, and the effects on the body, mind and emotions are numerous.

How-aromatherapy-works_0_2

Inhalation - the idea of this method is pure essential oils to be inhaled into the respiratory tract. This is done by evaporating the oils in the air through a special diffuser, scented candle or just a water bath. Getting into the air in small droplets, we inhale them and thus they exert their impact. On the one hand, they get into our lungs and from there into other parts of the body, and on the other hand, our sensory system and brain, and in particular the limbic system, are directly excited. It is responsible for emotions, hormonal balance, stress, heart rate, memory and more.

How-aromatherapy-works_0_3

External application - external application can be done by rubbing into the skin, aromatic baths and cosmetic products containing oils. The skin has the ability to absorb them and so they enter the body. It is important to mention that essential oils are never rubbed undiluted into the skin, but are diluted in other, so-called base oils. Such canbe coconut, cocoa, olive, almond, etc.

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils

Applications of certain essential oils

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils_1_0

Despite the long-term use of oils in folk medicine, in some cases there is not enough scientific information to prove their effects. However, they are the subject of research, and even if used in moderation, they can rarely harm us. In this sense, the experience of our ancestors can be very useful to us in the search for harmony between body, mind and spirit.

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils_1_1

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils_1_2

I will list some of the more famous essential oils and some of their applications, of course where there are scientific publications on the subject, will be mentioned:

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils_1_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lavender oil - It is used against stress, anxiety, depression. The oil has been approved as a sedative by the World Health Organization and there are numerous studies clarifying its effects <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Exploring_Pharmacological_Mechanisms_of_Lavender_Lavandula_angustifolia_Essential_Oil_on_Central_Nervous_System_Targets_28579958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2].</a> The oil is also used to treat wounds and burns, <a href="../../eng/p/6_herbs_for_migraine_relief_what_you_need_to_know" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and sleeping disorders.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lemongrass - perhaps this oil is best known for its property of repelling mosquitoes - it is <a href="../../eng/p/how_to_get_rid_of_mosquitoes_and_ticks_and_stop_the_itching_with_natural_remedies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a natural repellent</a> <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Therapeutic_potential_of_Citronella_Essential_Oil_a_review_30019646" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>. In addition, it has pronounced antifungal, antimicrobial and tonic properties.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">tea tree - has strong antimicrobial properties . For this reason it is often used in the treatment of acne and enters the composition of some cosmetic products <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924857914003458?casa_token=WHpgWOFUuo4AAAAA:Jh_TwqBZaRlwRguvYHQFqTHCyDHdBpUU91GahSkiM-EPAiJxpa5m9zlgWc9OMVJa5uqJiJPnKA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus oil - the oil has extremely wide applications. It is used in the treatment of colds and diseases of the upper respiratory tract,&nbsp; gastrointestinal disorders, helps wound healing, has antimicrobial properties, is added in repellents&nbsp; against mosquitos and other arthropods, etc. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.8600" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sandalwood - Has a pleasant smell and is used in <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Sandalwood_Album_Oil_as_a_Botanical_Therapeutic_in_Dermatology_29344319" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> perfumery. In Eastern traditions it is considered an aphrodisiac, it is also used as a sedative and relaxant. It is used in dermatology in the treatment of skin problems such as acne, eczema, <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">psoriasis</a> <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Sandalwood_Album_Oil_as_a_Botanical_Therapeutic_in_Dermatology_29344319" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6]</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thyme - it is well known to us from the kitchen, but it also has a number of other medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, the essential oil is attributed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used for coughs and colds, for which action has data in the modern literature <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669019301360?casa_token=3etKLmRw5_8AAAAA:_YhaCgmrjOFvqtex7gxbJPloifNWupkE4PvbEgpimJBMsTxpRKGYJT4S9fAdKa4awV0IoQxYNg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.7]</a>. In addition, the oil is used as a sedative and stress reliever.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rose oil - the pride <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5511972/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> of Bulgarians. And rightly so - rose oil is an extremely valuable raw material with properties that go beyond the perfume industry. Rose oil is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, but is also known for its soothing and antidepressant action<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5511972/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.8]</a>.</li>
</ul>

Applications-of-certain-essential-oils_1_4

The list of essential oils is very long and there is no way to list each of them here, but on the other end we will give you some recipes that you can prepare and apply easily at home.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils

Some home applications of essential oils

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_0

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_1

Recipes with tea tree against acne and fungi

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_2

Mixed with base oil, tea oil can be applied directly to the pimples using an ear stick.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_3

A few drops of tea oil to a foot bath can help remove the unpleasant smell and against <a href="/p/zashcho_ghbichkitie_po_noktitie_sa_opasni_i_5_domashni_sriedstva_za_liechieniie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">fungi</a>.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_4

Homemade bath salts

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_5

You can prepare homemade bath salts very easily. You need one glass of sea salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda and about 10 drops of essential oil.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_6

Salt and soda will help the body remove toxins. In addition, salt has a beneficial effect on some skin irritations such as psoriasis, and the essential oil can have different effects, depending on which you choose to add or what combination. Here are some ideas for combining oils from:

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">for better sleep - lavender, cedar, orange</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">for relaxation - lavender, ylang-ylang, mandarin, coriander</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">for the respiratory system - eucalyptus, lavender, black spruce</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">tired muscles - chamomile, lavender, cypress</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">toning - rosemary, sweet orange, grapefruit</li>
</ul>

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_8

Recipes for home-made insect repellent&nbsp;

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_9

Use 100 ml boiled water and add to it 15-20 drops lemongrass essential oil. Optionally, you can also add a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_10

This repellent will protect you from mosquitoes and ticks for about 3 hours. The next recipe is for a lotion, which you can use after a mosquito bite:

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_11

Use 100 ml of base oil of your choice and add 2-3 drops of lavender oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil.

Some-home-applications-of-essential-oils_2_12

Read more in the article&nbsp;<a href="../../eng/p/how_to_get_rid_of_mosquitoes_and_ticks_and_stop_the_itching_with_natural_remedies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes And Ticks And Stop The Itching With Natural Remedies</a>

Essential-oil-side-effects

Essential oil side effects

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_0

Essential oils contain high concentrations of bioactive ingredients. This means that they should be used only diluted. It is recommended that the final concentration be not more than 5 %.

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_1

When using essential oils, keep in mind that they may interact with certain medicines. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor in advance.

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_2

It is important to note that the use of essential oils can lead to some side effects which usually pass quickly:

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">headache</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">vertigo</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">allergic reactions</li>
</ul>

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_4

Last but not least, we should mention that essential oils also affect our pets . Some of them may be useful to us, but may be harmful to them and lead to poisoning.

Essential-oil-side-effects_3_5

Read more in the article <a href="../../eng/p/plants_and_foods_that_are_toxic_for_your_pets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plants and foods that are toxic for your pets</a>

cupressus

Aromatherapy - home-made applications