#EssentialOils to Combat the Common Cold

Essential oils are also referred to as aromatic, ethereal, or volatile oils. They contain the “essence” of a plant’s particular flavor or fragrance. They can be extracted from the leaves, roots, flowers, wood, bark, balsam, and resin of plants.

Ancient cultures including those of China, India, Egypt, and Southern Europe used aromatic or essential oils for religion and medicine.

Today, an increasing number of people are using essential oils to fight the common cold, as well as allergies and respiratory problems like sneezing, congestion, sore throat, hacking cough, and the general feeling of tiredness that often go with these conditions.

Essential Oils

The following are among the essential oils considered most effective for the relief of the common cold:

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is well-recognized for its ability to fight bacteria and viruses. It thins out the mucus and soothes inflammation. It has expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties that make it an effective treatment for cold, sore throats, cough, and other sinus and respiratory infections.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This oil helps to release mucus trapped in the lungs. It reduces inflammation. It promotes respiratory circulation. It strengthens the immune system and gives antioxidant protection. It is not surprising that it is an ingredient often used in over-the-counter products for the relief of cough, cold, congestion, and other respiratory conditions.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon oil is usually extracted from the skin of the lemon. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great antioxidant. Research indicates that the oil strengthens the immune system. It restrains the growth of bacteria.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has been identified as one of the most useful essential oils for cold, cough, influenza, sinus congestion, and other respiratory ailments. The application of lavender oil on the chest, neck, or back can help ease the phlegm on the lungs and relieve breathing difficulties.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Yeast, fungi, and bacteria are microbes that cause inflammation and weaken the immune system, leading to bronchial congestion. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antivirus, and antimicrobial properties that provide protection against these microbes. It is an effective treatment for cold, sore throat, and cough.

Thieves Essential Oil

Thieves essential oil is a combination of rosemary, eucalyptus, clove, lemon, and cinnamon bark. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Thieves is usually used as a throat spray to relieve the symptoms associated with colds, sore throats, and cough.

Frankincense Essential Oil

This oil has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to regulate breathing. It helps clear the lungs by getting rid of phlegm. It helps clear the nasal passages. Adding a couple of drops to your diffuser helps reduce the symptoms of cold or cough.

How to Use Essential Oils

There are different ways you can use essential oils to help combat the common cold.

Aromatherapy

Adding a few drops of your choice of essential oil into a diffuser can help relieve nasal congestion.

The diffuser breaks down the essential oil into tiny molecules that are then dispersed into the air to improve its quality.

You can combine eucalyptus oil (6 drops) and lavender oil (four drops) and put them on several pieces of tissue paper in a zip lock bag. Whenever you have a clogged nose, you can simply take a tissue and hold it over your nose for relief.

Topical Application

Essential oils are ideal for topical use. Dilute the essential oils by blending them with carrier oils like sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, or coconut. Massage a few drops of the resulting oil on your chest, nose, or forehead for quick relief.

Hot Bath Soak

You can use essential oils for a relaxing and soothing hot bath. Add a few drops of the essential oils into your bathwater. Soak in the hot bath water for a few minutes and experience relief from nasal congestion.

Oral Application

Look for essential oils that have been designated as “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.

You can add a drop of your choice of oil to a teaspoon of honey or a glass of tea or water. You can also take this drop with your meal or simply put it under your tongue.

Salt Water Gargle

Saltwater gargle is a classic treatment for a cold or a sore throat. Increase the efficacy of the gargle by adding a couple of drops of your choice of essential oil to salt and water and use it as a soothing gargle.

You don’t have to stay miserable because you have a cold. Use essential oils to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms and hasten the healing process.

This guest post article was provided by Got Oil Supplies. Got Oil Supplies is your one stop shop for essential oil container and accessory needs. And there is a 10% off coupon code available for new visitors if you sign up for our newsletter!

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