Practically everyone encounters different types of upper respiratory tract infections in their lifetime, and usually more than once. In these cases, you don’t necessarily need to think about medication, especially in the early stages of symptoms.
Although most people know it as a staple spice in Italian dishes, oregano can actually be a very good remedy for upper respiratory tract infections. It contains vitamins and nutrients that support the immune system, are beneficial for upper respiratory health, and have antipyretic properties, according to a 2017 study. Make yourself an oregano bath: drop a few drops of oregano essential oil into a tub of water and breathe deeply of the warm steam. You can also rub the oil into your chest, but be sure to mix it with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba.
Peppermint and angelica may help
The name of medical lungwort says a lot – it’s a great treatment for respiratory problems. You can make a simple tea with it, or take it as a food supplement. And angelica, not just the root but also the leaves and seeds, can help relieve a spasmodic, hacking cough and is recommended for asthma sufferers. It also has sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Its oil can also be rubbed into the skin of the chest, mixed with some carrier oil, for its respiratory easing effects. However, it is important that pregnant women avoid using it.
Eucalyptus has a pleasant, mentholated scent that cleanses the airways and has an antimicrobial effect. It also soothes throat irritation and can relieve fever. For the best effect, use eucalyptus steam – boil water in a pot, drizzle eucalyptus oil over it, then gently lean over the steam and inhale. Peppermint is also very useful, either as an essential oil or as a tea. It can also be rubbed into the skin of the chest or used as a steam. It cleanses the lungs and airways and makes breathing easier and helps to break up congested mucus. Finally, the root of the bulb has also long been used to treat viral and bacterial upper respiratory infections, for example bronchitis. The root can also be made into a tea or essence.