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Best Essential Oils for Colds

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Best Essential Oils for Colds

The dreaded cold and flu season has arrived. Dun dun dunnnn!! The kids are back in school, so it’s just a matter of time before they start bringing home germs. Seriously, how do their hands get so sticky and gross?? Although it feels like someone always has a cold around here, our family actually stays healthy most of the year. But sometime around the end of December, our luck always runs out! In an attempt to treat colds naturally over the years, we have discovered the best essential oils for colds. And I am excited to share them with you.

Be sure to make it to the bottom for an Essential Oil blend that is sure to help you feel better in no time!

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Damn Asthma…

Since my daughter has asthma, we try really hard to keep her healthy. The common cold goes straight to her chest and the cold weather brings on the asthma attacks. We use essential oils to keep the family healthy, but I never diffuse essential oils while my daughters asthma is acting up. Although natural, essential oils do release VOC’s which can agitate the lungs of people with asthma.

As you read the list below, please keep in mind that individuals may react differently to the different oils. If you have a specific helath condition, or have questions, consult with your doctor first.

The 6 Best Essential Oils for Colds

best essentail oils for colds

FRANKINCENSE

One of the most effective oils to use for warding off sickness is Frankincense. It has a warm and soothing aroma which is a great pick-me-up for those days when you just aren’t feeling well. Studies have shown that Frankincense can regenerate tissue at the cellular level, as well as strengthen the immune and lymphatic systems. As a bonus, its high intensity spicy scent will keep you warm and lift your spirits until the weather warms up!.

EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus essential oil has long been used for its positive effects on the respiratory system. It is thought to expand and clear the lungs, as well as to help with chest congestion in general. Eucalyptus has also been shown to reduce fever naturally and to fight off certain viruses. It has a very strong scent, so it should be properly diluted  with a carrier oil before topical application. Eucalyptus can also be diffused and it’s scent mixes well with many other oils.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint essential oil has a number of uses for treating colds. Not only can you diffuse it aromatically to improve breathing and congestion,  you can also apply it topically with a carrier oil to relieve achy muscles and joints. Peppermint oil has been known to calm the nerves and ease headaches, I do not ingest essentail oils, so I would suggest checking with your doctor first, but many people also like to ingest peppermint oil after diluting it in drinks like hot tea. Peppermint oil is one of the most widely used and safest oils, with minimal to no side effects. This would be a great one to try if you are looking for the most bang for your buck.

BASIL

Basil essential oil is a very highly scented hot oil that has been found to have beneficial antibacterial and anttifungal properties. It is highly effective when used  to ease chest congestion and improve breathing while sick. Used in combination with any of the oils on this list, it creates a powerful decongestant. It can be added to chest rubs, mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically, or diffused.

CLOVE

Despite its highly spicy and sometimes disliked aroma, clove essential oil is very beneficial to have during those long winter months. Not only can it make your home feel warmer and more inviting when diffused as a blend, but it has been shown to help with coughing and breathing symptoms while sick. It is also a great numbing oil for toothaches and other simple aches and pains, when diluted.

CYPRESS

Cypress essential oil is great for reducing stress and anxiety, which makes it perfect for the holiday season. It is widely used to relieve muscle pain and aches and pains that are associated with colds or flu’s. Cypress oil is a great one to use when you have the flu. In addition to making you feel better, it can also kill the germs in your home when diffused. Your household will thank you for that!

What are your favorite essential oils when treating a cold? Let me know in the comments.

Scroll down for a suggested oil blend!

These oils, as well as others, are becoming more and more popular to naturally fight off winter colds and flus, and improve breathing and muscle performance while sick. These uses are suggestions only, and are not suggested for use internally or topically without dilution. These statements are not evaluated or endorsed by the FDA. You use these oils at your own risk because everyone reacts differently to different things.

 

RESPIRATORY RELIEF BLEND

4 drops eucalyptus oil
4 drops peppermint oil
8 drops frankincense oil
6 drops cypress oil

Dilute with the carrier oil of your choice to use as a chest rub or to diffuse in a vaporizer to relieve airways and open lungs, as well as break down chest and nasal congestion. DO NOT INGEST.

By on October 3rd, 2017

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33 thoughts on “Best Essential Oils for Colds”

  1. I have some friends who SWEAR by the use of essential oils, but I have yet to hop on board. Great read on how to use them this winter (i.e., cold and flu) season.

    Reply

    • It took me several years to finally give them a try. I also had a lot of friends who swore by them but I just couldn’t get in to them. I actually started using them as a replacement for candles then really liked it! Maybe start with a scent that you like first

      Reply

  2. Haven’t gotten into essential oils yet, but I keep hearing about it. Even at our birthing class they recommended essential oils during labor. I may have to try it out. Thank you!

    Reply

  7. I really need to get some oils. I’ve read so much about them but wasn’t sure which ones are best. Thanks for the info!

    Reply

    • You should give them a try! Good and easy ones to start with are Lavender, Peppermint and Orange or Lemon. Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂

      Reply

  8. I grew up with asthma and had pneumonia almost every year. I remember my mom getting nervous every time I even coughed, knowing there was a chance I would end up sick again. Trying to stay ahead of it is key! Essential oils were never on my radar though – I’ll have to look into it!

    Reply

    • LOL! That will probably be the memory my daughter has of me. I cringe when I hear her cough! Essential oils have helped a lot. Just be sure to look them up first because some are known to irritate the lungs.

      Reply

  10. Great article about EO’s for colds. We started using EO’s about 4 years ago and continue to use them daily. I love thieves tea for when I start to feel a cold coming on. 2 drops theives, 2 drops lemon, 1 Tbsp honey in a mug of warm (or hot!) water. For coughs Frankincense is our go-to!!! Great suggestions 🙂

    Reply

  11. My mom, dad’s side of the family, and best friend LOVE essential oils. Thankfully, they love it so much they gift me with oils as well. I don’t always remember to use them, but when I do, I LOVE to diffuse them.

    Reply

  15. Interesting. I’m very sensitive to strong scents so have been hesitant to try essential oils although I have read about them for a long time. I think I could handle peppermint so might give that a try!

    Reply

    • Let me know if you try it. You might be surprised. I’m sensitive to smells too but I’ve found that it’s the artificial ones that bother me, like candles.

      Reply

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