Essential Oils for Cold, Flu, and Sinus Congestion Relief

Contributed by: Kimberly Black, 200YT

Cold and flu season is upon us and if over the counter medications aren’t your thing why not try a natural remedy? Essential oils are a fantastic and natural way to combat sinus infections, cough, colds, flu or just those winter blues. Here are some oils to try and their benefits:

• Peppermint Oil has antiviral properties and a high amount of menthol which has been shown to reduce sinus pressure, congestion and relief from coughing.

• Lemon or Lime oils are antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. They also help breath down mucous which aids in cough and congestion relief.

• Lavender oil, much like the citrus oils, is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and help relieve cough and sinus congestion.

• Eucalyptus oil has anti-allergen, antibacterial and pain relieving properties. It can also assist in soothing the nasal passages and opening the airways.

When using these oils there are several ways to incorporate them. The easiest way to use them is direct inhalation. This means applying a few drops to a handkerchief or tissue and inhaling occasionally as needed. This can also be done by simply inhaling the smell directly from the bottle. Essential oils can also be added to warm bath to help soothe the body and ease any symptoms from cold or congestion. A steam inhalation helps break up mucous as well, add a few drops of oils to a bowl of steaming water and position face directly above the bowl and breath in. You can also use a towel to cover your head and bowl to help trap some of the steam. To help relieve sinus congestion you can also massage a diluted blend of oils around the nostrils. This not only relieves some of the pressure but it also smells great.

When you start to feel some congestion creeping up or those aches that come with cold or flu, reach for some essential oils instead of the cough syrup and try a natural remedy! They smell great and will have you up and feeling normal again in no time!

Sources
https://www.youngliving.com/blog/canada/7-natural-remedies-for-cough-or-cold/

https://betterhealthorganization.com/essential-oils-for-flu/