Best Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Relief

By Jazmin Stearne

Most of us know what it’s like. You’ve been careful all season long, then suddenly, you’re hit with the flu. It can take up to two full weeks to heal from the flu. For most of us with chronic illnesses, it can take even longer. Did you know that there are a variety of homeopathic (i.e. natural) remedies to aid with cold and flu symptoms? For example, you can use essential oils while waiting for the virus to pass. There are different ways you can use essential oils to help rid your body of the flu. It is worth mentioning that these are just remedies, not a cure. In other words, they can be helpful to use along with cold and flu medicines. I am not a doctor, so please consult with your physician before you begin therapy with essential oils.

How can the use of the following essential oils ease flu-related discomfort? Many of these have been used for centuries. There are different ways to apply them. For example, you can choose to inhale them aromatically in a diffuser, apply them topically to various pulse points on your body, or you can blend them with a carrier oil (i.e. olive oil) and use them for massage purposes. It is always wise to blend your essential oil with a carrier oil if you choose to use them for massage.

Topical Applications

If you wish to apply essential oils topically, try rubbing them onto one (or all) of your pulse points. For instance, if you have a migraine and wish to use peppermint oil you would apply it to your temples, the back of your neck, or the insides of your wrists. I have actually tried this myself for migraine relief. This method usually works! So, if you suffer from headaches of any kind, give it a try.

Here are my favorite essential oils to use for flu-related discomfort.

Bergamot

When you are suffering from sinus pressure, try mixing a few drops of bergamot along with eucalyptus in a diffuser. Then, diffuse for at least ten minutes. Or, you could also place two to three drops of each onto a cotton ball and inhale it that way. This will help clear your sinuses.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has a cool, minty scent which can aid with flu-related discomfort. Eucalyptus is great to use for a number of things including stuffy noses, headaches, body aches, and nausea. It is also used in spas quite often as an ingredient in massage oil. It is known to boost energy and the immune system. It can even kill bacteria when applied topically. A tip for those with sinus pressure: place a few drops of eucalyptus in a hot and steamy bath, then breathe in the aroma. You will not only get relief from sinus pressure; you will also be able to breathe easier.

Clove

Clove is really good for nausea and pain relief. If you are nauseous, place 2-3 drops of clove in a diffuser, then breathe in the aroma for a few minutes. It will help get rid of the nausea. A tip for pain relief: dilute clove with a carrier oil and rub it onto the painful area. This will provide you with gentle relief. I have tried this myself and am happy with the results! Clove is very useful for pain relief, as it kills the inflammation that caused the pain in the first place.

Lemon

Pure lemon essential oil is known to help get rid of nausea and any other form of gastrointestinal discomfort.

Lemongrass

I personally use this for nausea, and it works every time. I rub lemongrass on my temples or inside my wrists for near immediate relief. Plus, I love the scent of citrus. I carry lemongrass everywhere with me when I have the flu; including my purse. It always comes in handy, so I definitely recommend using this for nausea.

Oregano

Oregano isn’t solely used for cooking purposes. It is also good for sinus headaches, congestion, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. You can use this in a variety of ways. Oregano can be ingested, used topically as a rub, and of course, you can also use it for aromatherapy.

Peppermint

Peppermint is my favorite essential oil on this list. My great-grandmother carried this everywhere she went; I grew up using peppermint. I normally use it for nausea and migraines. Like oregano, it can be ingested (you can also try peppermint tea), used topically, or it can be diffused. I have one more tip for flu related headaches. Blend 1-2 drops of peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus in your diffuser. Let it diffuse for at least ten minutes. I do this when I have a severe headache, and it smells amazing. It is very soothing. This blend can help you get rid of different types of headaches such as migraines and tension headaches.

That completes my list of essential oils for cold and flu relief. The next time you are struck with the flu virus, keep this list in mind. I only use Young Living essential oils, as they are of therapeutic grade. If you wish to purchase Young Living products, here is a link to our website

https://www.myyl.com/core3tx

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