Essential oils for Cold and Flu
Essential Oils for Cold and Flu
Essential oils can assist in the prevention of contracting the dreaded viruses that cause colds in several different ways. Using essential oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Orange and Thyme all deter the growth of viruses and make them an excellent option to use during the months when most are indoors due to cooler weather and windows are kept shut, limiting the amount of fresh air circulation. Essential oils are very versatile and can be diffused through several means to cleanse and purify the air, as well as possibly contribute to elevating your mood!
Below are our recommendations for which essential oils to use during each stage of the cold or flu and how to use them to get the most relief from whichever symptom you're suffering from!
Sore Throat
Essential Oils to use: tea tree, sage, eucalyptus, ginger.
How to use them: Add 1 to 2 drops EO into the palms of your hands and rub them together to spread the oil. Cup them over your nose and take 4-6 deep and slow breaths.
Chills and a Fever
Essential oils to use: To help reduce fever - chamomile, black pepper, peppermint, hyssop, lemon and tea tree.
How to use them: Apply a few drops onto a cool compress and apply to your forehead or chest.
Achy Joints and Sore Muscles
Essential Oils to use: tea tree, eucalyptus, ginger, black pepper, rosemary, cypress and lavender
How to use them: Add 5 to 10 drops EOs to your bath tub to warm your body and soothe sore muscles or achy joints. Dilute in 1 tablespoon carrier oil of your liking before adding the essential oil blend to your bath tub. Do not add the oils to running water as they will evaporate at a higher rate. Add them after you have run the bath and gently mix them in by hand.
Congestion
Essential Oils to use: sandalwood, eucalyptus, cedarwood, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense and hyssop.
How to use them: To clear sinus congestion, add a couple drops of EO to a bowl of boiling water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Be sure to keep your eyes closed and at a safe enough distance from the steam to avoid oils in the eyes or getting too much heat on the face.
Cough and Cold Aromatherapy Blend:
An excellent blend for treating colds and coughs, this blend is a strong decongestant, helping to thin and expel mucous. The addition of lemon makes it antiviral as well.
In a 10mL glass dropper bottle, combine the following:
-80 drops eucalyptus essential oil-60 drops tea tree essential oil
-45 drops lemon essential oil
-10 drops thyme essential oil
-5 drops cinnamon essential oil
Shake to blend. Add to diffuser, bathtub, or inhale from bottle, steam inhalation, or palms.
xx Whitney