Croupy Coughs and Laryngitis

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Croupy Coughs and Laryngitis

 

Just about every parent has been awakened in the night with a child

'barking' and coughing. The child is scared as they try to breathe

and at the same time the parent becomes very anxious.

 

Croup is not uncommon in young children especially when they have been

exposed to upper respiratory infections.

 

Many parents don't seem to panic after they have experienced this a

time or two. But what can you do to help yourself and your child?

 

First thing is to get them in the bathroom and shut the door. Either

turn on the shower and let the hot steam water fill the room, or fill

the bathtub with hot water so steam will form. You want to create a

steam filled room.

 

Then you will want to add some essential oils to be released into the

air. If you have a bathtub filled with the hot water, simply drop

some oils into the water. Quickly they will diffuse into the air.

 

If you have only a shower, you will need to fill the sink with hot

water and place the oils into the basin. The shower will provide the

steam in the room and the basin will allow the oils to permeate the

air.

 

Try to sit quietly, comforting your child and relax. The more

anxious you are, the more tense your child will be.

 

Most of the time you will want to use an oil that will be calming to

the child and your self and also to help the respiratory system to

make the breathing easier. Depending on the age of the child you can

try several different oils. Babies under 1 year - you should just

use a little Lavender in the room.

 

Between the ages of 1 and 3 you can add some Eucalyptus radiata and

Frankincense.

 

Older children - you may want to add Geranium or Sandalwood to the

blend. All these oils have relaxing, soothing and of course antiviral

and antibacterial properties.

 

Eucalyptus radiata is suggested for use with children as it is milder

and more tolerated by children.

 

Try this blend in your " Steam Room "

 

Lavender - 4 drops

Frankincense - 2 drops

Eucalyptus radiata - 2 drops

 

This blend should be safe for all ages of children.

 

If Laryngitis or hoarseness persists during the daytime. You can

make a blend of Lavender 3 drops, Roman Chamomile - 2 drops and Thyme

- 1 drop. Blend together and place in a Nasal inhaler, breath in

this blend several times throughout the day.

 

Other oils that might help include Clary Sage and Myrrh

 

To make your own Vapor Rub Mix 3 drops of Eucalyptus , 2 drops of

Thyme into two teaspoons of a carrier oil. Massage this into the chest

and neck regions. (The Thyme is especially warming - if this is too

warm on the skin, use only 1 drop of Thyme).

 

As with any respiratory problem, please consult your physician and if

your child is on prescription medication, make sure your physician is

aware you are using essential oils too.

 

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown