Are there Essential Oils for Flu?

Dealing with a cold can be difficult. Although there are various medications for cold, many of these often provide temporary relief with extreme side effects. Fortunately, there are a number of essential oils that provide almost immediate relief for cold. Let’s find out more about them.

What do Essential Oils Contain?

Essential Oils are made up of antiviral and antibacterial chemical compounds that help to prevent and treat cold. These elements work to suppress the activities of the influenza virus. The elements in essential oils have therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Essential oils like peppermint oil contain antiseptic properties that destroy disease pathogens. It also acts as a natural decongestant. Of course, you know that there are different types of essential oils available. Some of these oils work specifically for cold and flu. Here are 8 of them.

8 Essential Oils for Flu

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint and its extracts are often used to make candies that provide relief from nasal and oral infections. The menthol effect creates a cooling and soothing sensational relief for cold too. According to experts, a neat blend of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for sinus. It can also boost your energy while preventing cold and catarrh. Peppermint oil also helps to ease breathing for people with mild to severe cough by relaxing the bronchial muscles. However, pregnant women and children who are not up to eight years of age are advised to avoid peppermint oil and its extracts. You can use peppermint oil in three ways. First, you can dilute a few drops of the oil in hot water and inhale the steam. Second, you can add the oil to a diffuser or you can mix it with other essential or topical oils and apply the mixture around your chest area.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is rich in a number of antioxidants that work to prevent flu. Frankincense essential oil has a rich blend of antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties that all work to provide relief for respiratory conditions. For centuries, it has been used to treat cough, catarrh, and asthma. Simply massage a few drops of the oil into your chest area to clear any respiratory congestions. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the secretion of immune cytokines which can cause swelling of the respiratory organs. It is a perfect treatment for stubborn cough and flu.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is an extract of the eucalyptus tree, and it is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. Its major component of eucalyptol contains antimicrobial effects that prevent respiratory infections. It also relieves pain, especially muscle tension caused by cold and flu. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment option for cold. What’s more? It’s a major component is 18-cineole which can reduce the effects of flu and other respiratory conditions. This oil can be used in different ways to treat cold and cough. The popular method is to mix it with other essential oils like lavender oil and apply the mixture around your chest area and throat thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use the steam method that involves diluting a few drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.

Oregano Essential Oil

This essential oil is an effective antioxidant that works powerfully for all kinds of respiratory conditions. It contains a special antibacterial component that destroys pathogens like P. aeruginosa which congest the airways, providing almost instant relief from cold.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the more commonly used essential oils. It contains various antioxidants that protect the body from disease-causing free radicals which weaken the immune system. Clearly, lavender essential oil strengthens the immune system and helps to provide relief from all forms of colds and flu.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

For centuries, cinnamon has been used to treat different health conditions including cold and flu. Cinnamon and its extracts can increase your body’s internal heat which helps respiratory decongestion. Experts suggest that a blend of essential oils, including that of cinnamon, can reduce the viral molecules in a patient by up to 90%. Add a few drops of cinnamon oil to a diffuser and use the mixture for treatment. You can also mix it with other topical oils to get the best results.

Thyme Essential Oil

You already know that thyme adds spice to your food. Well, it is also a natural remedy for some respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. Thyme essential oil is made up of a number of antibacterial properties. To use this oil, all you have to do is pour about seven drops of the oil into a large bowl containing hot water. Lean over the bowl then place a towel over your head to form some sort of tent. Make sure you are up to 19 inches away from the bowl. Close your eyes then inhale the steam from the bowl deeply in quick successions. You can combine this treatment with your medication to get even faster relief.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon is one of the healthiest fruits around. It is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals that help you stay healthy. The lemon essential oil contains active antibacterial properties that aid the treatment of common cold and flu. It is also a natural stress reliever that relieves the stress that comes with extreme flu and cold.

Common Methods of using Essential Oils for Flu

We’ve already mentioned some methods of using specific essential oils like eucalyptus oil for treating colds and flu. Regardless, here are five common ways to use essential oils for treating respiratory conditions.

Handkerchief or Tissue

Pour a few drops of essential oil on your face towel, handkerchief or tissue. Place the cloth or tissue over your nose then inhale it deeply. This is a good treatment method if you’re outdoors.

Aromatherapy

This is a common method of using essential oils. It involves inhaling the oils through the nose and/or mouth. Often times, the essential oils are mixed with boiling water, and the steam from the mixture is inhaled. This is known as a steam bath.

Carrier Oil

You can also mix any of the essential oils with a carrier oil to reduce any side effects. Essential oils can be diluted in different natural carrier oils like grapeseed oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Warm Compress

You can also use your essential oils in the form of a warm compress. Pour a few drops of the oil into a bowl containing liquid soap and warm water. Soak a clean towel into the mixture then wrap this towel around your head or chest.

Do you Need to See a Doctor?

Cold and cough can be symptoms of a number of conditions. Hence, it is often advised that you see a doctor if these conditions persist. Here are a few warning signs you should look out for.

• Regular shortness of breath
• Cough that produces blood-stained spittles or mucus
• Excessive weight loss without dieting or weight control exercises
• A low fever that persists for more than a week.
• A high fever

Side Effects of Essential Oils

Essential oils should not be within the reach of children because these oils can be poisonous if ingested. Also, be sure that you use these oils in controlled quantities as they can be poisonous if used in large quantities. Many of these essential oils can cause or worsen allergies, so always do a skin test before applying the full dose. Most importantly, speak with your doctor before making use of these oils.

Now that you Know…

Essential oils can help your health by providing almost-instant relief for cold, cough and other respiratory conditions. There are different types of essential oils such as peppermint oil and lavender oil, and all of these contain specific antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral properties that work against the influenza virus and other bacteria responsible for cold.