Which essential oils are good for fighting the flu?

If you suffer from a high fever, there is no shortage of advice from family and friends. But have they ever recommended the use of essential oils for cold and flu symptoms?

The common cold is caused by a viral infection and therefore sometimes antibiotics do not help. Relieving store-bought painkillers can help reduce symptoms, but they do not make the cold go away faster. A couple of your friend's and family’s suggestions like chicken soup and rest may help a little.

But basically, all modern medicine can tell you to take it easy, stay hydrated, and do your best to reduce symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, and stuffy nostrils, until you feel better.

In many cases, having a cold means more self-care as you wait for the infection to reduce. Another effective way to take care of yourself is to use essential oils such as topical rub or aromatherapy. These scented oils can help reduce your flu symptoms, especially by clearing your nose. Some oils can have antibacterial benefits to help control infections and reduce colds. Keep reading to learn how you use these oils and what you should use for the flu.

Here are some essential oils that you can use to reduce cold symptoms and colds:

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia):

Tea tree is a strong immuno-stimulant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Studies also, show that tea-tree essential oil has a protective effect on the flu virus. It is also used for respiratory infections, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, and bronchitis.

Disadvantages: Toxic if ingested, can cause irritation (do patch testing beforehand).

When inhaled, the essential oil can relieve congestion and help soothe sore throats. They can also help to heal cold sores when mixed and applied topically with cotton balls.

Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiate):

Many experts believe that eucalyptus essential oil is extremely effective for cold because of its main ingredient, eucalyptol. Eucalyptol contains antiviral substances that can help fight germs and is an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. The menthol in the eucalyptus can help reduce sinus congestion and chest tightness by acting as an expectorant. Eucalyptus, by the way, is the same ingredient found in many over-the-counter chest rubs used to treat.

Lemon essential oil (Citrus Limon):

Lemon essential oil is effective at stimulating the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system because it stores and transports white blood cells throughout the body via lymph fluid.  The more lymph is able to move freely throughout your body, the better your chances of preventing infections, colds, and disease.

Peppermint Oil (Mint pepper)

This is an excellent choice in treating respiratory system problems because the essential oil of peppermint also contains menthol that can reduce or take a sore throat while acting as a decongestant. Peppermint can also relax the bronchial muscles of the windpipe to prevent coughing and shortness of breath. Studies show that peppermint oil can provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.

Frankincense oil (Boswellia carterii)

The use of Frankincense therapy includes respiratory conditions, coughs, common cold, bronchitis, and mental fatigue. Its aroma opens the nostrils. The incense can stimulate the immune system by stimulating cell function, and some studies have found that it increases the activity of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) by 90%.

Lavender Essential Oil

The therapeutic benefits of lavender essential oil are probably too much to say. When it comes to cold symptoms, the two most important areas of lavender oil are its ability to increase the immune system and release phlegm that causes respiratory and cough problems.

Rosemary Essential oil

Rosemary essential oil is one of the decongestant-containing antibodies that help the immune system. Other similar herbal oils, such as oregano and thyme essential oils, are antimicrobials and antifungals. They contain a substance called carvacrol that can protect you from both germs and viruses.

Other essential oils that have antiviral properties or might help soothe flu symptoms are: 

  • Oregano   
  • Bergamot
  • Lemongrass
  • Chamomile 
  • Cinnamon bark 
  • Clove bud 

Other ways to use essential oils to control cold and Flu:

There are several different ways to make essential oils India useful in flu:

Steam Inhalation

Drops of essential oil are soaked in boiling water, and the head is covered with a towel or “tent” over a container so that the lungs can smell.


Bath oil

A less effective but less aromatherapy method is to apply a few drops of essential oil to a warm bathtub.

Topical

A few drops of refined essential oil india can be applied directly to the affected area to treat other ailments and ailments. However, in the common cold, using a diffuser or steam inhalation procedure may work better.

Diffusers and vaporizers are the most common, but also, an aromatherapist can give excellent advice on the essential oil management of your specific symptoms.

 

 

 

 

Comments