Essential Oils for Colds and the Flu: Learn How to Effectively Use Essential Oils to Treat Your Sickness and Stay Well

Essential Oils for Colds and the Flu: Learn How to Effectively Use Essential Oils to Treat Your Sickness and Stay Well
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Essential Oil Overview

Essential oils have been used since ancient Egyptian times. The first distilling pots have been traced to Tepe Gawra dating back to 3,500 BC. From ancient times to modern times essential oils can be incorporated into everyday living as a healthy alternative to many common, harmful remedies. Essential oils lack chemicals and processing which are both unnatural.

There are several essential oils that can be used to combat colds and the flu either through air diffusers, hot baths or as hot and cold compresses. Essential oils are better than mainstream cold medicines and pills because they do not cause the side effects associated with alopathic medications. Using essential oils instead of these mainstream remedies is a great way to boost your immune health.

Relieving Congestion

Some essential oils are very effective in releasing congestion in the chest area. You can use them in an air diffuser or as a compress. Sometimes just rubbing the oils on your chest can also help ease congestion. The essential oils best for this are ginger, myrrh and sandalwood. They loosen up the mucus membranes which will then ease congestion. Use these oils as hot and cold compresses directly on the chest area to ease the congestion associated with a cold and the flu.

Quick Recovery from a Cold or the Flu

If you already have a cold, then you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Several different essential oils can help with this process. Peppermint, Tea Tree, Thyme and Rosemary, when used as compresses or as teas, will help speed up the recovery time when beating down a cold or the flu. Hot teas with these ingredients can also help ease sinus congestion and soothe sore throats.

Immune Health

Boosting immune health is important because it prevents colds and flu bugs from invading our bodies. The best way to deal with a cold is not to get one in the first place. Essential oils that are incorporated into your daily life can have wonderful immune boosting qualities. The best essential oils for this are lemon, tea tree and juniper oils. These oils can be blended together for maximum health benefits.

How to Use Essential Oils

If you are adding essential oils to an air diffuser, use 5-10 drops so the essential oil gets distributed through out the air you are breathing in. In a hot bath use approximately 10 drops so the scent rises in the steam. On a hot or cold compress, use 5-7 drops of essential oils. Rub directly onto skin, especially the chest area for congestion.

Essential oils are great to use for everyday health. They can increase your immune system, ease up congestion and help speed away a cold or flu bug. They are a safe, natural alternative to cold medicines that make you drowsy or pills that can make you nauseous.

These oils can be found online or at your local health food store. They can also be found in vitamin and nutrition shops. If they don’t have the one in you are looking for do not hesitate to ask. Most health food stores are happy to special order the product for you.