Anyone out there in computer land experiencing grief for our forests? How about for your head, throat, or sinuses? I don’t know what the air quality is like in New York or Texas or even the eastern part of Oregon. I hear Portland is clear and beautiful. As was the beach when I was there earlier this week. Here in Eugene, however, it is hazardous. A friend of mine is so sick from the smoke that we couldn’t get together and I began thinking about how many other people out there are suffering.
Over the last couple decades, working as a professional psychotherapist in the Eugene and Springfield areas, I have developed an expanding interest in natural healing. I find myself researching it a lot and when I find things that work, I try to get additional trainings. As a licensed clinical social-worker I have to get 24 hours of continuing education every year to maintain my license. One year I became a reiki master. Another year I specialized my training in nutritional treatments for mood. I have also done a lot of research and trainings in the area of aroma therapy and herbal remedies. I am not licensed in these areas but I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge.
So back to the smoke issue in Eugene. I have quite a sensitivity to smoke, so this air is causing my throat and head trouble. Because of this, I reviewed my natural arsenal and thought I would share it with you.
First for sinus pain from congestions, most of us know a steaming hot shower or breathing steam from boiling water helps but there’s more and they’re a lot more pleasant when it is 95 degrees outside. A diffuser or soft cloth with essential oil of tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus will generally clear out the sinuses nicely and they feel so much better. Comfrey salve also helps heal, decrease, pain, and relieve inflammation, when rubbed on painful areas. Reiki helps a lot if you know anyone who does this energy work. Acupressure or acupuncture are both very helpful. If you can’t afford a treatment, aren’t comfortable with needles, or don’t have time, just look it up in the internet! Then you can treat yourself with acupressure. Meditation can also relieve pain by 50% or more. Beyond that a CES (cranial electrotherapy stimulator) is incredibly helpful for pain.
For the throat comfrey salve, again, is helpful. Honey is a marvelous natural remedy for the throat, in tea, or any way you like it. More of the many helping foods and herbs include peppermint or chamomile tea, fenugreek or marshmallow root tea, or try a ginger, lemon, and honey tea. There is even licorice or slippery elm which you can add to tea. Apple cider vinegar is also helpful for the throat and any number of other things. You can gargle salt, baking soda, or ginger tea mixture as well. Garlic is also very helpful to the throat so I made a huge batch of spaghetti sauce with lots of garlic tonight. Had to use my tomatoes which are finally coming on strong. We may not care for 95 degrees but they love it!!