Essential oils are a tried and tested remedy for colds and coughs.
With naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, essential oils can help alleviate symptoms of a cold.
Whether it’s fighting bacteria, soothing an itchy throat, or fighting inflammation in the body, if you have a cold, you should definitely consider using essential oils.
Keep in mind, however, that essential oils are not a replacement for prescriptions. Rather, they can be used in conjunction with medical treatment.
Their soothing and calming properties make them excellent remedies for a runny nose, sore throat, and painful body.
Essential oils can put up a powerful fight against a wide range of illnesses.
More than the smell, it’s the chemistry of the oil that allows the body to heal from the symptoms of a cold.
Since essential oils carry the essence of the plant, they almost always have a signature fragrance that synthetic oils don’t.
It is this aromatic, soothing, and extremely calming fragrance that greatly helps with a blocked nose and an itchy throat.
However, essential oils should always be used with care and precaution. They are potent portions that your body might not be ready to accept in one go.
If you have a cold or cough, here’s a guide to the best essential oils and how to use them in a safe way to alleviate your symptoms!
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a magical elixir for congestion and cold. It has a powerful, minty smell that can instantly open up a blocked nose and soothe an itchy, uncomfortable throat.
This is one reason why the oil extract is used in several balms that relieve congestion and headaches. In fact, you’re probably using this oil without even realizing it.
Over-the-counter chest rubs and vapor balms almost always have either the oil or its crucial compound ‘cineole’ or ‘eucalyptol’.
According to the Alternative Medicine Review, this compound has impressive anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties that readily help kill bacteria responsible for colds and cough.
Eucalyptus oil is also extremely anti-inflammatory, relieves muscle pain, and eases tension in the body because of flu or cold.
You can use the oil in many ways. If you have an itchy throat, simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Mix up the oils and gently massage it over your throat and chest. You can also seek its benefits by preparing a facial steam of the oil.
Boil a pot of water and infuse a few drops or a balm into it. After turning the stove off, allow the mixture to relax and create gentle steam.
Once you’re ready, inhale the eucalyptus-infused steam for about 10 minutes to relieve congestion and cold.
You can do this weekly or every other day until your symptoms improve.
2. Peppermint Essential Oils
Another great minty oil is none other than Peppermint essential oil.
Prized for its superior minty taste and smell, this oil is amazing for relieving congestion from sinus and numbing a scratchy throat.
The oil has an instant cooling sensation, which is just what your itchy throat or runny nose needs.
Peppermint essential oil is just as good if your ears feel blocked too. You will find this oil in almost every product made for respiratory conditions.
This is because peppermint contains a critical compound called ‘menthol’, which instantly cools and calms down any sort of inflammation.
The moment you inhale it, the oil with its super-strong and cooling minty sensation will quickly relieve symptoms of a cold.
If it is your itchy throat that’s keeping you up at night, rub a few drops of peppermint oil dissolved in an ounce of carrier oil.
Massage the oil blend over the throat for a cooling and calming sensation.
The oil can drastically help relax the bronchial muscles of your windpipe. As a result, you’ll be able to breathe easily if you have a cough.
There are many ways to use peppermint oil as a cold remedy. You can add a few drops into the steam and inhale it.
You can also add it to your diffuser when you go to sleep at night.
The gentle flurries of air infused with peppermint oil will definitely ease breathing problems, relieve congestion, and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Lastly, you may also use the oil as a simple blend. If you want, you can add a drop of eucalyptus oil as well to enhance the cooling, anti-inflammatory benefits.
Use the oil blend over your itchy throat or add it to your balm.
However, even when it’s an amazing oil, peppermint shouldn’t be used by children young than 8 or pregnant women.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano may be a household herb but it’s just as amazing for colds and congestion.
Like other oils in the list, Oregano essential oil is also highly antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. The essential oil contains high amounts of carvacrol.
This compound is a powerful antimicrobial agent that rapidly fights off bacteria, germs, and diseases.
For this reason, you can use oregano oil as a cold or cough remedy as it’s quite effective at treating bacteria and viruses.
4. Geranium Essential Oil
Mostly used for its pleasant smell, Geranium essential oil can also be used as a cold remedy.
According to many studies, Pelargonium sidoides – the germanium extract – has proven to be a powerful cough treatment.
It has instant soothing properties that relieve an itchy, painful throat.
Owing to its lovely floral smell, the oil can be added to a warm bath or facial steam. You can add it to your diffuser for a peaceful sleep, especially if you have a cold.
A Final Word
Essential Oils are amazing for the human body. They are a gift from nature and are packed with nourishing and healing properties.
While they’re extremely beneficial for colds and cough, essential oils can be used as part of your skincare routine as well!
With so much to offer, it’s time to get rid of your cold with a few drops of the oils mentioned above!
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