Essential Oils for Colds
When you’re feeling under the weather, with a cold, there’s nothing like a good essential oil to help you feel better. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat all sorts of illnesses, and they’re still just as effective today. In fact, many people find that essential oils work better than over-the-counter medications. If you’re looking for an essential oil to help you get over your cold, there are five that are the most popular and for good reason.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. The oil has a fresh, camphor-like scent and is used for its medicinal properties. It is one of the most popular and effective essential oils for colds. Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called cineole (1), which has been shown to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties (2). These properties make eucalyptus oil an effective remedy for easing the symptoms of the common cold.
When inhaled, the oil helps to break up congestion and clear the sinuses. When applied topically, in other words, directly onto the skin, it can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In addition, eucalyptus oil can also help to boost the immune system and fight off viral infections. For these reasons, eucalyptus oil is a versatile and powerful remedy for the common cold.
To use eucalyptus oil for cold symptoms, add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser or vaporizer and inhale the fumes for several minutes. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath or shower to help clear your sinuses. Alternatively, to make your own vapour rub, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and apply it directly onto your chest at bedtime. Your body heat will warm the oil, enabling you to breathe in the vapours.
Peppermint oil
Common cold symptoms like headaches, sore throats and congestion can be very annoying. However, essential oils can help to ease these symptoms naturally. Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils for cold relief. This cooling, refreshing smelling oil contains menthol. Menthol is an expectorant and a decongestant. This means that when inhaled, peppermint oil helps to clear the sinuses, relieve congestion and make it easier to breathe.
In addition, peppermint oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to boost the immune system and fight off the virus that causes the cold (3). Whether used alone or in conjunction with other essential oils, peppermint oil can be a powerful tool for easing the symptoms of the common cold.
Lavender oil
When you are suffering from the common cold, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, together with not being able to breathe properly, can all make it hard to drift off. However, there are a few things you can do to help make it easier to get some rest. One of them is using lavender essential oil. Lavender oil has a calming effect and has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality (4).
In addition to that, it also has the benefit of helping to reduce the symptoms of the common cold. To use it, simply add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or your pillow before going to bed. You can also add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapours for 10-15 minutes. Better still, add lavender essential oil to a warm bath and breathe in the vapours as you relax. Doing this before bedtime can help you sleep better, feel more rested, and be better able to cope with feeling under par the next day.
Echinacea oil
Echinacea is a plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. Its leaves, roots, and flowers are all rich in compounds that have powerful healing properties. In recent years, echinacea essential oil has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for the common cold and other respiratory infections. Unlike many other essential oils, echinacea oil is non-irritating and can be safely applied topically to the skin. When applied to the chest or throat, it helps to soothe sore muscles, clear congestion and help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and airways.
Additionally, echinacea oil is a potent antibacterial agent, which can help to fight off infection (5). Inhalation of echinacea oil can also help to ease sinus pain and headaches. When used at the first sign of cold symptoms, echinacea oil can help shorten the duration of the illness and help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and coughing. The plant is thought to boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections. Overall, echinacea oil is an effective and safe way to treat the symptoms of the common cold (6).
Echinacea essential oil can be taken orally in capsule form or added to a diffuser to inhale the vapours. It can also be applied topically to the chest or back to help ease congestion and coughing.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil has long been used as a natural remedy for the common cold. Its compounds, including terpinen-4-ol and linalool, have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. When diffused into the air or applied topically, tea tree oil can help to ease the symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose, congestion, and sore throat.
Tea tree oil is thought to be effective at fighting off upper respiratory tract infections and multiple strains of the influenza virus. The antiviral properties of tea tree oil are thought to be due to its ability to inhibit the replication of viruses. Tea tree oil is also effective in treating bacterial infections, by killing bacteria and preventing them from growing and replicating. It is, therefore, a natural alternative to antibiotics. Tea tree oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties make it an effective treatment for conditions that can stem from a common cold, such as sinusitis and bronchitis (7). Whether used as a preventative measure or to ease existing symptoms, tea tree oil can be a helpful tool in the fight against the common cold.
Make your own essential oil cold remedy
One of the best things about essential oils is that they can be blended together to create a custom scent that suits your preference. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and fend off colds, try blending together these three essential oils.
To start, you’ll need a few drops each of three essential oils mentioned above. Simply combine these oils in a diffuser and enjoy the benefits of your homemade cold-fighting blend. Alternatively, blend them with jojoba or coconut oil and rub them on your chest and temples.
Essential oils are a natural way to boost your immune system and help fight off colds. When used at the first sign of cold symptoms, essential oils can help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. If you’re looking for a natural way to fight off colds, try diffusing or applying these essential oils topically. Blending together different essential oils is also a great way to create a custom cold remedy that suits your needs.