There may not be a cure for the common cold or flu virus, but there’s no need to suffer through the miserable symptoms. Introducing essential oil vapor into a room can keep your space bacteria-free. Inhaling the essences can kill bacterial and viral infections once they’re in your body. Continues use can also boost your immune system to keep from catching colds in the first place. There are several common essential oils that are recommended for prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms.
Eucalyptus- This essential oil is steam distilled from Australia’s blue forests. Used in common over-the-counter cold remedies, it is known to clear up mucus in the lungs and heal the throat and nasal passages. Eucalyptus is a strong antiseptic and can be used on wounds or as a germ-killing sanitizer. It is also known to boost energy levels.
Tea Tree Oil- Sometimes called a ‘medicine cabinet in a bottle’, tea tree oil is distilled from the Melaleuca tree in Australia. It’s been studied by the medical community and proven to have healing benefits even where other medicines fail. Used for everything from acne to lice to bad breath, it serves as a killer of all types of infections: viral, bacterial, and fungal. It can be used to clear up sinus infections and other respiratory ailments including runny nose, cough and sore throat. As an anti-viral, it can fight off the flu.
Peppermint- One of the most widely used essential oils, peppermint is most well-known for benefits to the digestive system. It is often recommended to pregnant women to aid in morning sickness and bloating. But it has other wonderful qualities to help with a cold or flu. Peppermint is a natural pain reliever and kills viral infections. It can clear chest congestion when steam inhaled or mixed in a chest rub. Experts agree it is a strong mental stimulant and can improve concentration. Some even claim it’s an aphrodisiac.
Bergamot- If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of Earl Grey tea, then you’ve experienced the aroma of Bergamot. Some may find the fruity scent more pleasing than the earthy aromas of the Eucalyptus or Tea Tree oils. Bergamot helps stave off viruses including the flu and the chicken pox. It also has antibiotic properties to combat sinus infections. Inhale Bergamot at night as a relaxant if your cold is keeping you awake.
Lemon and Orange- The oils from lemons and oranges are cold pressed for extraction. Lemons have been used to soothe coughs and sore throats for centuries. The oil stimulates the immune system to fight infection. Oranges have a mood lifting property that will help ease the exhaustion that often comes with the flu.
Lavender- A Mediterranean herb used long ago by the Romans in their famous baths, Lavender is best known as a stress aid. It can be used for pain relief, easing muscle cramps and headaches as well as an antiseptic to treat infections. Lavender has one of the most pleasing and well-loved floral scent. It’s also been known to lift depression and can help with those winter blues.
Now that you know which essential oils will relieve your symptoms, what do you do with them? To get started at a basic level, the only thing you’ll need to purchase is the oil itself. From there you can experiment with different methods of using the oil. You may want to purchase an aromatherapy diffuser.
Steam Inhalation- In the same way that a hot shower can relieve chest and nasal congestion, you can use essential oils to inhale in steam form. Start by boiling 2 cups of water, pour into a bowl, then add a few drops of oil, such as Eucalyptus. Keeping your face about a foot away from the bowl, breathe in the steam for about 5-10 minutes. You can place a towel around your head to keep the steam concentrated, but be sure to inhale slowly and keep your eyes closed.
Quick Inhalation- Place a few drops of the oil or a mixture of the oils, such as peppermint and tea tree, on a tissue to carry around with you. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. This is a good solution if you’re on the go. Stash it under your pillow at night.
Massage or Bath- You can also mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with an ounce of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil. Pour it into a running bath or use it as a massage oil.
Overall Room Diffuser- Following the steps for steam inhalation, but instead of direct inhalation, leave the bowl of boiled water mixed with the essential oil placed in a room to disperse naturally. You can use a few more drops of oil for this method.
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Topic: How to Use Essential Oils in Aromatherapy to Treat Colds and Flu (Read 1064 times)