Coughs and colds are rampaging across Britain this winter – with countless people reporting they’re persisting longer and striking more severely than previously experienced. If you’ve noticed this pattern, you’re far from alone.
A medical professional has shed light on what could be occurring. He has also offered guidance, suggesting that natural remedies might hold the answer to combating these seasonal afflictions.
Chemist and natural health specialist Dr Tim Bond from Puressentiel, explained: « Coughs and colds are widespread this winter, with more severe symptoms that linger. Research from Puressentiel shows over a third of Britons have had a cough in the last month, while 35% have suffered a cold.
« Even more concerning, a third of those affected say their symptoms were more ruthless and took longer to clear than in previous years. These common illnesses often come with an array of symptoms including congestion, sore throats, body aches, stuffy nose and headaches – symptoms that can seriously disrupt daily life. »
According to Dr Bond, bolstering the immune system is crucial: « Remedies that provide natural essential oils and plant ingredients like geranium oil, echinacea to eucalyptus and lemon oil are just some of the health solutions borne out of nature that are great for supporting our immune health needs. Lemon oil in particular has antimicrobial properties that can help fight the bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections and has been used for thousands of years for various wellness reasons, including helping to ease sore throats, coughs, cold and influenza.
« In fact, modern research has found that lemon oil has antibacterial activity that helps fight the microbes causing respiratory illnesses. These include Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Haemophilus and Staphylococcus and lemon oil may have potential activity against the virus causing COVID 19. It also helps break down mucus, which can ease congestion and clear the airways. On top of that, it supports overall immune health. »
Why essential oils work more effectively in combination
Dr Bond explained: « Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. One of the functions of essential oils in the plant itself include antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties as part of the plant’s immune system. That’s why essential oils have been extensively studied in humans. One of the key things about essential oils is that they work best in combination. When essential oils are mixed, their individual therapeutic properties can enhance one another, creating a more powerful overall effect. »
In addition to lemon oil, specific essential oils have been thoroughly researched for their respiratory benefits.
Dr Bond noted: « Firstly Echinacea, which the European Medicines Agency has confirmed can prevent and improve the symptoms of cold more rapidly, than placebo when taken early. Then there is geranium oil where research has shown that it relieves symptoms of common colds and shortened the illness’s duration.
« Research suggests that lavender oil may soothe respiratory issues by reducing inflammation of the mucous in the respiratory system. Eucalyptus oil reduces mucus and a systematic review of randomised controlled clinical trials found that eucalyptus could help with treating a cough, in particular coughs related to conditions like bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Puressentiel combines key essential oils in targeted, proven formulations designed to help combat the respiratory illness that are so prevalent this winter. »
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