There are so many uses for natural remedies, it’s no surprise that having essential oils for cold and flu season on hand can be an important part of winter planning. As the colder season sets in, we bring out the blankets, tea, and fuzzy socks. It’s time to stock up on soup, vitamin C and make sure that we get enough rest. There are a few essential oils to add to that checklist, and a few key ways to use them for support.
This blog is all about essential oils for cold and flu season.
Essential oils can be comforting remedies in many areas of life challenges, so looking at essential oils for cold and flu season is a logical extension of comfort during winter. Some oils may be able to help provide sleep, relief from congestion and headaches, soothe cough or simply provide an uplifting atmosphere when we are feeling down.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best essential oils for cold and flu season. You’ll learn which oils to keep on hand, how to use them safely, and a few DIY recipes that bring these benefits right into your home.
Let’s dive in and discover how essential oils can help out during cold and flu season. Keeping a few key ingredients on hand will ease your mind knowing that winter comfort is just a pantry away. Don’t forget to save this blog for later reference on Pinterest! Use the pin below.
Key Essential Oils for Winter Wellness
Many essential oils are known for their protective and supportive effects for the body. Essential oils have been used historically to strengthen our natural defenses and maintain wellness. Today, modern research is exploring how and why they can be effective tools in supporting health during cold and flu season. Here are a few of them.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is widely recognized for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it a forerunner among essential oils for cold and flu. Diffuse tea tree oil in your home to help cleanse the air. Or add a few drops to a natural cleaning spray to help cleanse surfaces. You may also enjoy a few drops in your hand soap.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
If you’re experiencing congestion or respiratory discomfort, eucalyptus oil is a powerful option. Its refreshing aroma can support clear breathing and is often used in steam inhalation techniques. As one of the most popular essential oils for cold and flu symptoms, eucalyptus can help open up your airways and provide soothing relief. However, there are a number of different types of eucalyptus oil, some with strong cautions. Find a reputable supplier of essential oils and lean towards safer eucalyptus oils such as eucalyptus dives. Learn more about eucalyptus here.
Lemon Essential Oil
Before diving into a strong essential oil such as eucalyptus, try something a bit milder. Lemon is not only a cheery scent but also an excellent choice for body support. Known for its uplifting and antibacterial properties, lemon oil can be diffused to help refresh the air and energize your space. It’s another top pick among essential oils for cold and flu because it helps to create a clean environment that feels inviting even when illness is present.
Using these essential oils for cold and flu season can keep your home feeling fresh, while also helping to support your body’s response to common seasonal illnesses. Whether you’re diffusing them, using them in DIY cleaning products, or simply enjoying their aromatic benefits, these essential oils can be a comforting addition to winter wellness.
Ease Cold Symptoms
During cold and flu season, some essential oils may provide relief from specific symptoms like congestion, sore throat, and body aches. Let’s look at some top choices of essential oils for cold and flu symptoms and how they can be used to help you feel better.
Congestion Relief
If you’re battling a stuffy nose or sinus pressure, certain essential oils can help ease congestion and promote clearer breathing:
Peppermint Essential Oil
Some people find peppermint to be invigorating. For congestion relief, try adding a couple of drops of peppermint oil to a steam inhalation or diffuser during the daytime when you need to be awake. It is very nice when blended with rosemary.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
As mentioned earlier, eucalyptus is a powerhouse when it comes to respiratory support. This oil is often found in over-the-counter chest rubs, and when used in a diffuser or inhaled through steam, it can help soothe the airways and reduce nasal congestion. Know your safety guidelines. Do not use eucalyptus essential oil with kids. Do not use if you are living with asthma or epilepsy.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil offers similar respiratory benefits, making it another great option among essential oils for cold and flu season. Its refreshing components may help open airways and provide temporary relief from congestion. It is also important to be careful if considering using rosemary essential oil. Do not use with kids. Do not use if you are living with asthma or epilepsy.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil is a grounding and calming oil that may be particularly helpful for relieving coughs during cold and flu season. Known for its soothing respiratory properties, cedarwood oil may help clear congestion, reduce mucus buildup, and ease throat irritation when dealing with a persistent cough. Adding a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to a diffuser, especially before bedtime, can create a relaxing environment and support restful sleep by alleviating nighttime coughing. Alternatively, combining it with a carrier oil for a chest rub or adding it to a warm bath can help open up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Sore Throat and Cough
When sore throats and coughs are part of your cold and flu symptoms, essential oils can be helpful for soothing irritation:
Thyme Essential Oil
Known for its antimicrobial properties, thyme oil can help ease sore throat discomfort and calm coughs. Create a topical oil with a low dilution of thyme and apply to the upper chest.
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger oil is warming and comforting, making it a great choice for soothing sore throats. It can also support circulation, which helps in maintaining warmth and comfort during recovery.
Clove Essential Oil
Often used for its pain-relieving properties, clove oil can be beneficial for coughs and sore throats. Diffusing clove oil or using it in a diluted chest rub may bring relief when you’re struggling with a persistent cough.
Headaches and Body Aches
The body aches and headaches that often accompany cold and flu may be soothed with the right essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its calming effects, lavender oil can help ease tension headaches and body aches. Add a few drops (diluted) to a warm bath or dilute it in a carrier oil for a relaxing massage.
German Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile has a gentle, calming effect that’s perfect for when you’re feeling achy and under the weather. It may help reduce muscle tension and promote restful sleep, which is essential for recovery.
Marjoram Essential Oil
With its warming properties, marjoram is another good option among essential oils for cold and flu symptoms. It’s particularly soothing for sore muscles and can be used, diluted in your favourite carrier oil, in massages or baths.
Topical, diluted application of essential oils may help you to feel more comfortable as you recover from cold and flu. The soothing scents can help to uplift your mood and may help you to get a better sleep.
Usage Suggestions
There are several effective ways to use essential oils for cold and flu season, depending on your symptoms and preferences.
Diffusion
Using a diffuser is one of the easiest and safest ways to enjoy essential oils for cold and flu relief. Add a few drops of essential oil to your diffuser to disperse the scent throughout your space. This method is ideal for creating a calming environment and cleansing the air. Eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon oils work wonderfully in diffusers, especially when you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms, or need to get some sleep. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using the unit.
Steam Inhalation
For direct respiratory relief, try steam inhalation with essential oils, and be careful to not burn yourself on the steam. Boil your water in a pot or kettle. Carefully, pour the hot water into a heat proof bowl. Add 1-2 drops of an essential oil like cedarwood or eucalyptus. Place a towel over your head and carefully inhale the steam to help open your airways and clear congestion. Steam inhalation may provide relief from congestion for adults, however, do not use this method with young children or those with respiratory conditions.
Topical Application
If you’re dealing with headaches, sore muscles, or body aches, topical application may be the best choice among essential oils for cold and flu symptoms. Dilute your essential oil in a carrier oil and massage it onto your temples, neck, or sore muscles. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and marjoram are ideal for relaxing massages or calming baths. Remember that essential oils being added to a bath still need to be diluted, so add your oils to a carrier oil first before adding it to the bath water.
Safety Tips
Essential oils come with safety guidelines. Get to know them. If you have questions please speak to a trained professional.
Dilute Your Oils
Essential oils should be diluted before they’re applied to the skin as they can cause serious skin irritations. Start small, with a dilution of 1 – 2% in a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. For adults, this means adding about 6-12 drops maximum of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. If you’re using essential oils with children or those with sensitive skin, reduce the concentration further.
Do Not Ingest Essential Oils
Essential oils are very potent, and ingestion is never recommended.
Patch Test
If you’re using a new essential oil, always do a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted oil to your inner wrist to check for any skin reaction.
Use Caution with Children and Pets
Some essential oils are not recommended for children. Additionally, many oils can be harmful to pets, especially cats, so be mindful of where and how you diffuse essential oils around your home. Make sure that you leave the room door open so that your pet can leave if they choose. With these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils with more peace of mind.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While essential oils may provide comfort and symptom relief, it’s important to remember that they are a complementary approach to wellness and not a substitute for medical care. There are times when you should seek the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure your health and safety.
Recognizing Severe Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible:
- Persistent high fever for more than a couple of days
- Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
- Confusion or feeling faint
- Dehydration, indicated by a lack of urination or extreme fatigue
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
Always put your health and safety first by seeking appropriate medical advice when needed.
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