Q. When you start to notice the first sign of congestion how can i help my immune system protect itself naturally?

A. Essential oils.

Essential oils may be used either in the shower or facial sauna.

Eucalyptus and peppermint are known for their cleansing and clearing properties. There are two ways in which one can use these essential oils. You can put a teaspoon of Eucalyptus or peppermint in hot water and inhale the steam it produces or one can put a few drops on a sponge, leaving the sponge in the shower. As you take a shower, moist air filled with the essential oil smell and fine particles will be released into the atmosphere to be inhaled. This not only soothes congested sinuses, but can also help to prevent bacterial growth in the nasal passages and sinus cavities.

Other essential oils are recommended by aroma therapy professionals to help relieve sinusitis. These include:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Peppermint
• Geranium
• Tea tree
• Basil
• Juniper
• Oregano
• Pine

One may use a single oil or a combination of 3 to 5 oils in hot water to infuse the cleansing and clearing properties of these essential oils into the steam, enabling one to inhale this steam or one can put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue to sniff when needed.

Naturally occurring Vitamins

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin used to help boost the immune system and to help people suffering from poor night vision.

Vitamin C is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Vitamin E is an important anti-oxidant, helping the body fight off the effects of free radicals, as well as giving the immune system an important source of immune-system-building-nutrients.

Eating the correct foods, high in natural vitamins and minerals

Raw vegetables and fruits, that have not been boiled (as boiling removes some of the essential vitamins and minerals) is recommended. The deeper and richer in color the fruits and vegetables, the higher their nutrient content.

Foods rich in vitamin C include: Broccoli, spinach, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, strawberries, tomatoes and tomato juice, kiwi, mango, oranges, melons, guavas, green peppers and minneola's.

Foods rich in vitamin A include: Butternut squash, milk, pumpkin, cheese, carrots, tomatoes and tomatoes juice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mangoes, apricots and beef liver.

Foods rich in vitamin E include: Fish oils such as cod and shrimp oil, peanuts, sunflower seeds, avocado's, spinach, asparagus, tofu, coconut, soy beans and wheat germ.