A Boost to the Immune System

It's Cold and Flu Season!!

When my youngest son was a toddler, he suffered from hospitalizing asthma attacks. Sniffles and coughs turned into panic for my little boy who worried anxiously if he "would have to get a shot".  I fully understood the importance of the medication he was prescribed by his pediatrician, but I wondered, was there a way to reinforce his own bodies ability to fight the cold viruses that often triggered these attacks?
As part of my own studies, I knew the importance of a good nights sleep.  My little guy was always a great sleeper.  However, when he was congested, we could hear the labored breathing and his grouchiness the next day was proof his sleep was not restful and recovering.  I began my quest to find a holistic approach that would not interfere with his medication.  
This research led me to the discovery of using essential oils on the feet during sleep and the creation of my own Immune Boosting Foot Balm for adults.

Why the feet?

There are many ways one can benefit from the use of essential oils such as room or personal diffusers, steam inhalation or topical products after dilution in carrier oils.  You may be wondering why use this oil on your feet instead of, say, the chest like most other cough and cold relief gels or lotions?
Well, according to BarefootScientist.com, the feet have large pores. "These large openings are ideal for transdermal absorption, allowing the oils to quickly pass through layers of skin and release their potential benefits into the body."  In other words, the beneficial properties of the oils can get into the body faster and do their job.
​I admit I was skeptical at first too, but ever since we started using a simple blend of lavender and peppermint essential oils mixed into some lotion on my sons feet, we have yet to experience an asthma attack. Full disclosure, essential oils are not FDA approved and I cannot be 100% sure if it was the essential oils that have prevented asthma attacks, but it seems to help so I will keep doing it.

Immune Boosting Foot Balm

When I started using oils on my sons feet, I stuck to a simple lavender and peppermint blend that was safe for children.  I have since created a balm for adults. After researching each individual ingredient, reading countless articles on essential oil safety (especially for children and around pets), here is what I have learned:

• ​OLIVE OIL AND COCONUT OIL: these oils most likely found in your kitchen cabinets are very moisturizing and also have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.  Using a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil with essential oils is extremely important as essential oils are highly concentrated and can have adverse effects if used undiluted.  Using Olive and Coconut oils not only help dilute the oils, it is a great moisturizer for soft feet and healing cracked heals.
• LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL: this clean scented oil has antiviral properties and act as a calmative. It gives this balm a clean, citrusy scent while aiding in detoxification.
• FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL: This oil is like gold in a bottle and one I always keep on hand.  In this balm, Frankincense acts as an expectorant, loosening mucus and removing it from the lungs.
• TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL: Used for hundreds of years to treat cough and cold, Tea Tree has antibacterial properties that may help prevent sinus infections. Just be careful when using around pets, it can be toxic to dogs.
• EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL: with its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, this oil has been used in many over the counter products to fight viruses and ease respiratory problems.  Its camphor scent helps clear the air passages.  Eucalyptus should not be used on young children or without first being diluted in a carrier oil.
• CINNAMON BARK ESSENTIAL OIL: this spicy scent can help relieve coughing while giving added protection against respiratory illness.  You do want to be cautious of using this oil if you have underlying chronic respiratory issues or have a history of seizures.
• ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL: oils from this popular cooking herb help fight inflammation while loosening up mucus. As with cinnamon, do not use rosemary if you have an underlying chronic respiratory illness or have a history of seizures. 
• BEESWAX: this holds it all together in a balm and seals in moisture while protecting from the cold elements if used before heading outside. Beeswax also gives this balm a sweet honey scent.

Safety

While the little bottles of oils seem harmless, it is important to note that even though these come from natural sources like plants, flowers and bark, the concentrated nature of essential oils can be dangerous to certain population.

• Essential oils should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers unless under the care or supervision of a certified aromatherapist.
• Rosemary and Cinnamon Bark should not be used by anyone with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
• Essential oils should be diluted in carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or even lotion.  Add 1-2 drops of your favorite oil to a teaspoon of unscented lotion for a customized blend.
• My recipe for Immune Boosting Foot Balm should be used only an adults with no other underlying respiratory or autoimmune condition or those who are on medication. Please check with your doctor or work with a certified aromatherapist first.
• A skin patch test is always recommended to check for any sensitivities.
• Always keep essential oils away from children and pets.  

My Recipe

You can make your own using my recipe below or contact me to purchase a 3.5 ounce container shipped right to you.  Email liz@trihealthwellnesscoach.com for more information.