Which essential oils are worth using for colds and flu?

A headache, a nagging cough and a runny nose. A cold is a persistent nuisance, often accompanying us during the colder seasons. Are there ways to cope with this troublesome illness naturally? As it turns out, there are. To this end, nature has provided us with essential oils, thanks to which coughs, headaches and the flu no longer stand a chance. Used in massage, aromatherapy or a relaxing bath, they can bring many benefits to our bodies.

Essential oils for colds – do they help whilst you’re ill?

A cold and the flu, which often accompanies it, are usually viral infections. As it turns out, antiviral properties are among the most common properties of essential oils. This is no coincidence; after all, plants produce them primarily to protect against infections caused by microorganisms, which also include viruses. Many essential oils also strengthen the immune system, have anti-inflammatory effects, and thus help to fight infections.

Finally, some essential oils have expectorant properties, which are helpful for colds and for clearing the airways. A good essential oil for the flu is therefore not only a versatile aid but also a potential remedy for the symptoms associated with a cold. The best-known essential oils for the common cold are probably tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil. Other essential oils, such as thyme, pine, rosemary, clove and fir, can also effectively prevent colds thanks to their antibacterial properties. So, which essential oil is best to choose for the flu and a cold? To make your choice easier, here is a ranking of the most effective essential oils for colds, which will readily help your body recover.

Tea tree

The tea tree is an evergreen tree native to Australia. It has been used for medicinal purposes by Australian Aborigines for millennia. For both therapeutic and preventative purposes, essential oil extracted from the leaves of the tea tree is used; it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also inhibits the growth of fungi, boosts the immune system and acts as a room deodoriser.

Tea tree oil is suitable not only for treating colds, but also for flu-like infections and fever. Tea tree oil can also be helpful when used in chest massage, aiding the clearance of mucus from the lungs.

How should tea tree oil be used?

• Aromatherapy – 5 to 10 drops ofthe oilare suitable for use in a diffuser and for home inhalations
• Massage – the oil canbe used toeffectively improve the expectoration of lung secretions, thereby clearing the airways. Simply massage 3 to 5 drops of the oil, mixed with any carrier oil, into the chest area
• Bath – thearomaticscent of the essential oil can also be beneficial whilst bathing. By adding 5 to 10 drops of the essential oil to hot water, the vapours will have an antibacterial and antiseptic effect on the skin and upper respiratory tract

Clove

Clove essential oil can be used to treat coughs during the colder months, as well as headaches and body aches associated with seasonal flu. Inhaled clove oil, in particular, can provide rapid relief from the aches and pains experienced whilst ill. It also has anti-inflammatory and mild anaesthetic properties, positively affecting physical and mental wellbeing. The benefits of using clove oil also stem from its stimulating, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It is therefore useful in combating infections and bacteria, helping to reduce congestion in the respiratory tract.

How can clove oil be used to combat a cold?

• Aromatherapy –byusing a humidifier or diffuser, the oil’s therapeutic properties will be released into the air. It is also useful for inhalation using hot steam. Simply add 3 to 5 drops of the oil to a bowl or diffuser
• Massage –dueto its highly irritating nature, clove essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil. When massaged directly onto the chest using 3 to 5 drops, it prevents irritation and also stimulates the body’s immune functions

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective essential oils for treating a cold. Its pleasant scent and healing properties make it a popular choice for treating cold symptoms. The oil has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help clear blocked nasal passages and soothe a cough.

Eucalyptus oil can also be used to soothe a sore throat and promote relaxation. To reap the benefits of eucalyptus oil, you can use it in the following ways, amongst others:

• Aromatherapy –simplyadd 3 to 5 drops of the oil to a nebuliser, or use a traditional inhalation technique. Adding a few drops of the oil to hot water, the vapours of which are then inhaled, brings a wealth of health benefits for the entire respiratory system
• Bath – 5 to 10 drops ofthe essential oilare suitable for a warm bath. It will cleanse the skin and help to effectively combat bacteria lingering in the airways
• Massage –the essential oilis suitable for massaging the chest and back. Simply mix 5 drops of the essential oil with any carrier oil to enjoy a range of health benefits

Pine

Pine essential oil is extracted from the needles and twigs of the mountain pine and offers numerous health benefits. The oil has antiseptic properties and can help clear the airways and loosen trapped mucus.

Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relieve symptoms such as a cough and a sore throat. Pine essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, for example:

• Aromatherapy –the oilis excellent for deodorising rooms and has an antibacterial effect on the upper respiratory tract. Simply add 3 to 5 drops of the oil directly into a diffuser or nebuliser to enjoy immediate effects
• Massage – when combined with a carrier oil,this essential oilcan be used for home chest massages. It will improve airway patency and support lung health

Thyme

Thyme essential oil is extracted from fresh, flowering plants. It is mainly used to treat respiratory tract infections. It also has antibacterial, expectorant and antispasmodic properties, which means it can relieve even a severe, dry cough. Thyme also loosens dried-up mucus, making it easier to cough up. In addition, it strengthens the immune system and can be used safely on children.

How should you use essential oil to treat colds and flu?

• Aromatherapy –when inhaled, thyme essential oil comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, thereby alleviating breathing difficulties. Simply add 5 to 10 drops of the oil directly to a diffuser or use it in a steam inhalation to benefit from its properties
• Massage –thanksto its antiseptic properties, which are safe for the skin, the oil can be successfully used in back and chest massages by applying 3 to 5 drops of the oil mixed with any carrier oil. It will relax the muscles, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the bronchi

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is just as effective as other essential oils in helping to treat colds and flu. Due to its high content of the active compound, cineole, rosemary essential oil has antitussive, antibacterial, expectorant and antiseptic properties. For this reason, it helps combat all kinds of winter infections that we encounter during the season. What’s more, rosemary essential oil has a positive effect on our nervous system, thereby calming and relaxing the body, which is prone to the chronic fatigue often associated with colds and flu.

How can you make the most of rosemary essential oil?

• Aromatherapy –the oilis successfully used in home diffusion and nebulisation. It can also be used during hot steam inhalation. Simply add 5 to 7 drops of the oil to water or a bowl of hot water
• Bath – rosemaryessential oilcan be used in a warm bath, after first mixing 5 drops of the oil with a carrier oil. The hot vapours will support respiratory health, acting as an expectorant on the bronchi and lungs

Fir (fir tree)

Fir essential oil is extracted from fir trees growing in the wilds of Siberia. Owing to its natural purity, it possesses antibacterial and regenerative properties. As a result, it can be successfully used to treat persistent upper respiratory tract infections, colds and even flu. The fresh, woody aroma of fir oil also helps to loosen stubborn mucus in the chest area, whilst its gentle nature makes it ideal for use in preventative body massage.

How can you use spruce essential oil to combat flu and colds?

• Aromatherapy – add10 to15 dropsofpine essential oil to a bowl of hot water for inhalation, or to a diffuser to disperse the health-promoting scent throughout the room. It will clear the airways and help eliminate any bacteria and viruses lingering within them
• Massage –dueto its gentle nature, pine essential oil can be used for chest massage without the need for a carrier oil. Just 5 drops of the oil rubbed into the chest area are enough to relieve a persistent cough and pain

Essential oils and more – how to cure a cold?

A good essential oil for the flu or a cold, thanks to its pleasant scent and properties, will not only create a soothing atmosphere but also look after our health. The oils mentioned above can help prevent seasonal illnesses; however, in addition to them, it is worth remembering to reduce the risk of falling ill on a daily basis. Wearing warm clothes, getting plenty of rest and following medical advice can effectively support our body’s natural recovery process.

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