posted by The Bewitchin Kitchen on November 20, 2017

Essential Oils to Help Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

Is a cold or the flu making you feel miserable? Have you tried (unsuccessfully) kicking it to the curb with over-the-counter remedies? If so, it might be time to try essential oils. Here are a few essential oils to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Essential Oils to Help Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Note: I personally use Doterra oils, but I am not a wellness advocate. I do buy them at a wholesale discount, but I am in not in business with them. All I care about is that you use quality oils. I recommend Doterra, Young Living, Saje, and have heard amazing things about Rocky Mountain Oils. For more information on finding quality oils that have been tested by a third party, check out the EOA Facebook page.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is great for relieving chest congestion and stubborn coughs. However, while it does relieve stuffiness, the oil can be harmful if swallowed. That being said, the best way to enjoy the benefit of this essential oil when you’re sick is to inhale it.

TBK’s Pro Tip: Add a few drops to your shower curtaina, while you shower the steam will carry it up.

Add a few drops along with the required amount water to your vaporizer or diffuser. Placing the unit in an enclosed room is best. This allows you to breathe in as much of the vapor as possible. You can also run a hot bath and add several drops of oil to the water for virtually the same effect.

Buy the Eucalyptus oil I recommend on Amazon.

Lemon

Lemon is often viewed as a powerful superfood when it comes to combating a cold or the flu. The liquid version is no exception.

Lemon oil has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for either using with a diffuser or taking orally. The scent of lemon is very energizing and refreshing, which means it’s perfect for helping you get back on your feet after an illness. If you choose to ingest lemon oil, you can even mix it in tea or warm chicken noodle soup. The choice is up to you!

My favorite? 1 drop of lemon oil in hot water with raw honey.

Buy the Lemon oil I recommend on Amazon.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

Tea tree oil is a germ fighting powerhouse. It’s known to have potent antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Use it in a diffuser to reduce chest congestion or apply it to your neck and temples to relieve headaches and chronic cough.

You can also use tea tree oil to make a homemade disinfectant spray. Simply mix the desired amount of the oil with either water or vinegar. When cleaning, pay close attention to common areas in your home such as doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and medicine bottles.

TBK’s Pro Tip: Years ago (before the big EO boom hit) a doctor told me to help my sore throat by mixing a drop of tea tree oil in water and to gargle and spit. Continue until the glass is empty.

Buy the Melaleuca oil that I use on Amazon.

Peppermint

The scent of peppermint is cooling and refreshing, which is ideal for helping you get through coughing spells or sore a throat. Peppermint oil contains lots of menthol, making it great for clearing out your airways and relieving sore muscles.

Inhaling the oil from a diffuser can also help to soothe your stomach when you start to feel nauseous. Here’s another tip. Put a few drops of peppermint oil onto a hot or cold compress, to help sooth aching muscles.

Buy my favorite Peppermint oil on Amazon.

Lavender

Lavender oil is very popular when it comes to aromatherapy remedies. The scent is sweet and refreshing. Smelling it is known to bring about a sense of peacefulness.

As far as a cold or the flu is concerned, not only does adding a bit of lavender oil to your diffuser (at night) help to break up phlegm, it also helps you relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Buy Lavender oil on Amazon.

Essential Oil Blends to Beat The Cold and Flu

All of these blends are from Doterra, but if use another company I’m sure you’ll find a similar alternative.

Breathe Oil
Serenity Oil
On Gaurd Oil
Purify Oil I use this to diffuse and purify the air when I’m sick.

These are just a few essential oils that do a wonderful job of helping you knock out colds and the flu. These natural remedies have been used successfully for generations. If you’ve haven’t tried them, why not try?

Want more help natural remedies for what ails ya?