Essential oils for colds can help relieve your symptoms and help you feel better fast. First, you feel a little stuffy, then you start sneezing, your eyes start watering and then your throat starts to feel scratchy and you realize you have all the signs of a cold. That’s when you need to start treating the symptoms so you can start to feel better.
You can pick up cold germs most anywhere. If you touch your nose or mouth after touching an infected surface, then you’ll probably end up with a cold. Coughing and sneezing spreads the germs through the air and increases your chances of catching a cold. You’re also more susceptible to colds when you’re tired or suffering from allergies, emotional distress or some other type of illness.
Best Essential Oils for Colds
When you first feel a cold coming on, you can begin treating it right away with essential oils. In fact, you’ll want to begin treatment as soon as possible before the symptoms get too bad. Many oils have properties that can help with a cold but some are more beneficial than others are.
Here are some of the best essential oils to use for colds and why:
- Lemon – it gives your immune system a boost, stimulates production of white blood cells and helps you fight off the cold
- Lavender – has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to treat respiratory disorders and the floral aroma helps you relax and rest better
- Sweet Orange – has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to clear up congestion
- Eucalyptus – has antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and decongestant properties that clear up congestion, reduces inflammation and fights bacteria
- Peppermint – its antiseptic and antiviral properties will dissolve thick mucus and help clear your respiratory system
- Rosemary – has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to help break up congestion so you can breathe easier
- Oregano – its antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial and fungicidal properties clear up congestion and help prevent sinus infections
- Tea Tree – its antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties help break up congestion and loosen mucus
- Pine – has anti-inflammatory properties that clear up nasal passages, mucous and phlegm, relieves sore throat pain and helps reduce your chances of getting a sinus infection
- Clove – has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to clear up congestion
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Now that you know what essential oils to use, here are some ways to get the most benefits from them.
Ways to Use Essential Oils for a Cold
Breathing in essential oils through aromatherapy or by inhaling steam will provide fast relief from congestion and other cold symptoms. When inhaling steam, add a drop or two of the essential oil you choose in a bowl of hot water. Close your eyes, lean over the bowl and inhale. You’ll begin to feel your head starting to clear up right away.
Add essential oils to your bathwater, use them in a spray bottle or rub them on your chest and back to relieve congestion, stuffy nose and to improve your breathing. Blending two or more oils together will help increase their effectiveness. For example, combine lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus to make an oil blend that you rub on your temples, nose and cheeks to relieve congestion and help you breathe easier.
Essential Oil Recipes For Colds
Chest and Sinus Congestion Reliever:
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Boil a pot of water and remove from the stove. While still steaming, add the essential oils. Cover bowl and head with towel and inhale for at 3 minutes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed to avoid stinging!
Essential Oil Bath Mix For Colds:
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Add 2 drops of each oil along with 2 teaspoons milk or cream into a warm bath. Stir the water and hop in and relax!
All-Natural Homemade Chest Rub
- 1/4 oz Organic Beeswax
- 1/4 cup Organic Virgin Coconut oil
- 10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops Wintergreen OR Fir Needle essential oil
Mix the beeswax and coconut oil together in a boiler. Remove from the heat once combined and allow to cool, then stir in the essential oils. Store it in a glass container and apply to the chest and of course, the soles of the feet for cold relief.
Summing Up
Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits that work together to help you feel better. Some oils treat the symptoms while others help strengthen the immune system and fight off infection to reduce your risks of getting sick. They’re a great alternative to prescription or over-the-counter medications and they’re very effective.
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