If you are like me, you probably hate catching the cold. The sneezing nonstop, runny nose, sore throat-just everything seems to make it worse. I have been there and know just how frustrating that can get. Sometimes you’re just looking for some easy, natural way to feel better. That’s where the essential oils come in. Let’s dive into how they help combat the common cold symptoms.
Essential oils have been used for many centuries due to their versatile purposes: nourishing skin, and strengthening one’s psyche, among others. Yes, they can be used in alleviating a cold. They cannot cure it, yet they will make you a bit more comfortable.
How Essential Oils Help with Common Cold Symptoms
- Eucalyptus Oil: A Breath of Fresh Air
Eucalyptus oil, when one’s nose is clogged up, cinched tightly shut, may feel like a lifesaver. The active ingredient of cineole serves well in its remedy for respiratory illnesses. Even just inhaling it, one breathes a little easier.
You just need to add a few drops in a bowl of hot water and inhale that steam. This I have done when my congestion was so bad that, practically, I could hardly breathe; all of a sudden, it was as if I breathed again, air reaching my lungs. Besides, it gives off a fresh scent, leaving everything a little cleaner.
- Peppermint Oil: Cooling Relief
Peppermint oil is yet another on the list of favorable cold symptom relievers. It is the menthol in it that gives the cooling sensation one feels when using it. I like to rub a diluted version of peppermint oil onto my temples when I have a headache or onto my chest when I am feeling congested. The instant relief given makes it easier to relax.
And the best part? You can take a couple of drops and add them to a diffuser so that it gives off a nice scent around your room. It not only clears airways but also creates freshness in your space and makes it fresh and calming for the senses.
- Lavender Oil: Relax and Recover
Lavender oil is perhaps not the first oil one would turn to when catching a cold, but it will be very effective. Lavender has a reputation for its calming properties, and when you are sick, rest is an urgent need to recover well.
Whenever I have a cold and am feeling uneasy, I sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil on my pillow. It works for me to fall asleep, sleep faster, and sleep longer. Let me assure you that when one is sick with a cold, nothing works as well as a good night’s sleep.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
As for inhalation, don’t overdo it: a couple of drops in a diffuser or steam bowl will do. Sometimes more is not better, and you would not want to overwhelm your senses.
Last but not least, do not take essential oils internally without consulting any healthcare professional. The reason is that several oils are toxic if ingested internally.
Essential Oil Blends for Cold Relief
Steam Inhalation Blend
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop of tea tree oil
Add these to a bowl of hot water, lean over it, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. It’s like a mini sauna for your sinuses. I’ve used this at times when I’m feeling completely stuffed up, and within minutes, I could breathe more easily.
Bedtime Blend
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop eucalyptus oil
Diffuse this blend into your bedroom before bed. It clears the airways while it calms the mind, helping you to easily slip into sleep. And if you have ever been awakened all night by a cold, you can appreciate how priceless that is.
Why I Choose Essential Oils Over Medications
Besides, with essential oils, it is not only that they just alleviate the symptoms, but they relax me, and while I am sick, peacefulness also matters.
My Personal Experience with Essential Oils for Cold Relief
It was not only opening up my sinuses but offering a relaxing effect. That night, I had put the lavender oil on my pillow. Voilà. I slept one of the best night’s sleep I’d had in days. The next morning, I was much better. Since then, essential oils have been my first-aid therapy or solution whenever I feel unwell.
Other Essential Oils You Can Try
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, this oil will help you battle nasal monsters to ward off the cold. Very good for inhalation with steam or diffusing.
- Lemon oil is refreshing, but it rejuvenates the immune system. I love putting a drop in my diffuser during the day to keep my atmosphere clean and fresh in every form.
- Thyme Oil: Perhaps contains the most potent antiviral properties, and it can be taken in via the steaming of the product for the cleaning of your respiratory tract.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oils for the Common Cold
- Can aromatherapy cure the common cold?No, they cannot cure colds; instead, they are used to comfort and relieve symptoms such that your body can fight the virus.
- How often can I apply essential oils for the cold?You can use them a few times a day, but remember to use them sparingly. Steam inhalation should be used once or twice a day. Diffusing oils may be done throughout the day, but careful not to overdo it.
- Are there any side effects to using essential oils?
It might, however, irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in some. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or carry out a patch test, if you ever use them on your skin. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any health complications in the background, it is better to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Next time you catch a cold, instead of reaching for medications right away, take a considerate try with essential oils. They bring in natural relief and clear up blockages, relaxing you further. In my experience, they made a huge difference to me in managing the symptoms of a cold. You’ll be surprised how a few drops of these oils will make you feel a lot better.
And to help you relax, and give your body much-needed rest while colds do pass, don’t forget a massage can, too. You can book a session to come in and relax at Step Above Massage.
Take good care of yourself, and remember that nature’s got some pretty cool tricks up its sleeve. You got it!