As the cold weather sets in and flu season arrives, it’s important to have some natural remedies at your disposal to alleviate the symptoms of a cold or flu. Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties, and they can be a powerful tool to help boost your immune system and fight off the common cold and flu.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. While there is no cure for the flu, there are many natural remedies that can help relieve the symptoms and speed up your recovery time.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that contain the natural essence of the plant, including its fragrance and healing properties. They can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusing them in the air, adding them to a warm bath, or applying them topically to the skin.
This list of top 10 essential oils for flu season is a great starting point for those who want to try DIY and homemade remedies for their cold and flu symptoms. These oils can help boost your immune system, soothe sore throats, ease congestion, and provide relief from headaches and body aches.
When using essential oils, it’s important to remember that they are highly concentrated and should be used with caution. Always dilute them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil, and do a patch test on your skin to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. If you have any health concerns or are pregnant or nursing, consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils.
In addition to using essential oils, it’s also important to practice good hygiene habits to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine and practicing good hygiene habits, you can help boost your immune system and fight off the flu this season. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 essential oils for flu season:
Eucalyptus Essential Oil – helps relieve congestion and coughing
Peppermint Essential Oil – helps soothe sore throats and reduce fever
Tea Tree Essential Oil – has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight off infection
Lemon Essential Oil – helps boost the immune system and provides relief from headaches and body aches
Lavender Essential Oil – helps promote relaxation and sleep, which can aid in recovery
Frankincense Essential Oil – has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease respiratory symptoms
Thyme Essential Oil – has antiviral properties that can help fight off infection and boost the immune system
Oregano Essential Oil – has antibacterial properties that can help fight off infection
Ginger Essential Oil – helps soothe nausea and stomach upset
Rosemary Essential Oil – helps boost the immune system and relieve respiratory symptoms.
By incorporating these essential oils into your daily routine, you can help alleviate the symptoms of the flu and boost your immune system to fight off infection. Remember to always use essential oils with caution and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.
is one of the best natural remedies if your immune system is under attack by a cold virus, the flu, respiratory infections, or any other illnesses. This is due to its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties2. Thyme
Thyme is antiviral, a decongestant that fights fatigue and is an antidepressant which makes it a perfect essential oil for colds and the flu.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is also used to create a cool compress to reduce fever. Clears the sinuses and is an antiseptic.
4. Lime
Antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral.
5. Frankincense
Frankincense oil is said to be a natural remedy for the lungs so it is perfect for coughs.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint oil is great for digestion and upset stomachs, it’s beneficial to the respiratory system.
7.Basil
Apply basil essential oil to fatigued or sore muscles and joints to relieve swelling and pain.
8. Lemon
Lemon essential oil, with its high vitamin content, helps boost the body’s immune system and stimulates the production of white blood cells, thereby increasing your ability to fight off illness.
9. Clove
Known for its toothache-remedying powers, clove oil is also anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial. It’s often mixed with cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary in a blend called Thieves Oil. Or mix with vanilla and use it in this DIY body oil.
10. Ginger
Use ginger essential oil for nausea associated with flu. Can help with aches and pains. Not a very pleasant-smelling oil so use it sparingly.
Here are some essential oil blend recipes specifically for different cold and flu symptoms:
Congestion Relief Blend
2 drops Eucalyptus oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
2 drops Rosemary oil
1 drop Lemon oil
1 drop Tea Tree oil
Directions: Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Alternatively, add the essential oils to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
Sore Throat Soothing Blend
2 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Directions: Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Alternatively, add 2-3 drops of the blend to a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Immune Boosting Blend
3 drops Tea Tree oil
3 drops Eucalyptus oil
3 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Frankincense oil
Directions: Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Alternatively, add the essential oils to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the chest, neck, and back of the feet.
Cough Suppressant Blend
2 drops Peppermint oil
2 drops Eucalyptus oil
2 drops Lemon oil
1 drop Cinnamon oil
Directions: Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Alternatively, add the essential oils to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the chest and back.
Headache Relief Blend
2 drops Peppermint oil
2 drops Lavender oil
1 drop Frankincense oil
Directions: Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Alternatively, add the essential oils to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply to the temples, forehead, and back of the neck.
Remember to use caution when using essential oils, especially around children, pregnant women, and pets. Always dilute essential oils properly in a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and do a patch test first. It is also important to note that essential oils should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Looking for more tips on how to build up your immunity and prevent common colds and flu? check these articles out
5 Essentials oils for coughs and Colds
7 medical maks you can make at home
How do you use them? Ingest (so they should be food grade-is that the correct term?), diffuser, topical? A little more information would be helpful.