It’s that time of the year again where viruses, colds, and sore throats emerge. Essential oils are a great aid in fighting illness, allergies & building immune system. If you are already sick they can help you get better faster. Essential oils are very versatile & can be used many different ways allowing each person to figure out the best method for them.
Today I’ll share with you a few amazing Essential oils for cold and sore throat that can get you through the colder months of the year. These small all-natural miracles can help you cure and prevent a nasty cold, sore throat, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion in no time.
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
Eucalyptus essential oils is great for congestion, clogged noses & respiratory issue, it has a great clean cooling scent that pairs well with other essential oils or can be used alone. It is best for most to use eucalyptus in carrier oils and it works amazingly in a lot of DIY vapour rubs. Eucalyptus essential oil is anti bacterial, anti fungal, astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic , analgesic & has expectorant properties.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil has been hailed as a medicine cabinet in a bottle and it really is truly amazing! The antiseptic & antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil make it a number 1 on my list of over all favourite essential oils and a number 1 for fighting illness (I use teatree oil for a lot of purposes!). Tea tree oil is great combined in a carrier oil.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Has anti-inflammatory properties that helps with sinus pain and headaches related to cold and also relieves cough! Lavender essential oil pairs well with other essential oils and is milder & relaxing. Lavender essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative, antiseptic & antispasmodic. It is great used in a carrier oil as a chest rub & rubbed on feet.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint it is great for nausea while sick, colds & cough & for getting rid of headaches from allergies & sinus infection while being cooling & soothing & for some not as strong as eucalyptus. Peppermint essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, astringent & expectorant.
HOW TO USE THESE ESSENTIAL OILS
APPLYING DIRECTLY ON SKIN
For cold and cough you can apply the oil in strokes to the back, right next to the spine. The skin absorbs the oil quickly as essential oils naturally penetrate the cell wall and work inside the cell. You could also put a drop or two of oil on a warm washcloth and then place the washcloth on your chest to help ease chest colds. Alternatively you could try rubbing some oil directly on your chest or back to fight a cold or a virus.
COLD AIR ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Cold air essential oil diffuser can be used to diffuse the oil into the air and breathe it in. This method is especially effective because smelling is our most direct sense, sending the oil directly to the amygdala, the part of the brain where the seat of emotions is located. Breathing the oil into your sinuses and lungs can help prevent or alleviate the mucus buildup from a cold or a cough. Cold air diffusers also protect the oil quality, unlike heat, which can damage the oil and make it less effective.
DIY AROMATHERAPY TISSUES Carefully open one side of the tissue box and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on each flap or sides of the cardboard. Tape box back together and repeat on the other side. Every time you pull a tissue out, it’ll be infused with scents that will help you clear stuffy nose and clogged sinuses.
GARGLING
Gargling can be used to soothe the inflammation of throat due to frequent coughing. Add 1 to 2 drops of pure EO to half a glass lukewarm water and gargle for a few minutes. Do not swallow the mixture after gargling.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- If the cold has progressed to chills with a fever, the best oils to reduce the fever are chamomile, black pepper, peppermint, hyssop, lemon and tea tree. These oils can be applied by means of a cool compress to the head or a few drops can be added to a lukewarm bath.
- If the cold has progressed to the congested, mucousy stage, then massaging the oils onto the chest and burning them by the bedside in an aroma lamp will help break up the catarrh. Some recommended oils for congestion are sandalwood, eucalyptus, cedar wood, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense and hyssop.
- The best oils to use in a gargle are tea tree, sage, eucalyptus, garlic and ginger.
** Warning **:
- Avoid the use of undiluted essential oils on the skin.
- Keep essential oils away from the eyes.
- Do not use essential oil if you are pregnant.
- Consult your doctor before using essential oils.