Essential Oils for Flu Season

The warm weather of summer is now over, and with it comes the onset of cold and flu season, along with runny noses and sore throats. You may be seeking strategies to strengthen your immune system in preparation for flu season. At this time of year, it's always a good idea to take medicine or vitamin supplements, but you might be interested in natural ways to boost your immune system. Essential oils can now be used in a diffuser or applied topically to provide treatment during the cold and flu season.

essential oils for cold and flu

Popular today for their usage in skin, hair, and home care, essential oils have long been employed in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. The strong scents of these oils can help ease the symptoms of the flu, especially by clearing your nose and easing headaches. Some oils may also have antiviral properties that can help treat infections and lower fever.

Keep reading to learn which essential oils are most effective against the flu and how to use them.

Essential Oils for Flu Season

Essential oils are made by distilling the leaves, stems, bark, and flowers of plants in steam or water. They aid in the protection of plants from predators, fungi, and bacteria. In addition, they attract pollinating insects. Some essential oils include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that may be beneficial for humans.

Essential oils have been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of viral infections, including the common cold and the flu. The essential oils' positive effects on health were acknowledged in a 2014 review. Additionally, they found characteristics against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, suggesting potential medical applications1.

With so many essential oils on the market, we will list the most effective ones for battling flu symptoms.

1.   Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Colds, sore throats, and coughs are frequently treated with eucalyptus oil as an antiseptic. This oil possesses antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, but it should never be ingested or taken orally.

Best eucalyptus essential oil
Research indicates that eucalyptus oil is very effective against respiratory viruses and may deactivate viruses in the air (excellent for possible protection if a housemate is sick) and assist clear phlegm if you're sick2. A study discovered that aerosolized eucalyptus and tea tree oil killed airborne influenza virus within five to fifteen minutes3.

In another study, the antibacterial effects of various types of eucalyptus oil were compared. The chemicals in oils made from different parts of the plant were different. Researchers discovered that all eucalyptus essential oils possessed some antimicrobial properties. Oil extracted from eucalyptus fruit was the most antimicrobial, even against drug-resistant microorganisms4.

Add a few drops of Harmony's Essential Oils - Eucalyptus to your diffuser before bed to prevent waking up with a hacking cough in the middle of the night. Since Harmony's Essential Oils are pure and sourced from organic farms, you can purchase them without doubt or concern.

2.   Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil may be useful in relieving symptoms of a cold, the flu, congestion, cough, or other respiratory illnesses. Bergamot oil, extracted from the rinds of citrus fruits, contains antiviral effects. It contains camphene, which assists in loosening phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts5.

In one study, the vapor from diffused bergamot essential oil greatly slowed the growth of the influenza virus after only ten minutes6.

This has not been demonstrated to lower the virus in your body or your symptoms if you are already ill, but diffusing the oil in your house may help reduce the number of viruses in the air and surroundings.

Harmony's Essential Oils – Happy is a blend of bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, and melissa essential oils. These can help you obtain rapid relief from flu symptoms, promote relaxation, and positively affect your general health.

Apply Harmony's Essential Oils - Happy to your chest and throat for immediate comfort. Moreover, you can put a few drops of the oil in your humidifier or diffuser.

3.   Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities, and its essential oil is frequently used as a decongestant7. Peppermint contains menthol, the primary active ingredient in numerous throat lozenges and cough drops used to heal sore throats.

Research shows that menthol may help open airways and get rid of mucus8. It may also help stop a cough9. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil may help relieve pain, including headaches10

According to research, peppermint oil has antibacterial effects comparable to the antibiotic gentamicin (Garamycin)11. Inhaling peppermint oil might also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation12.

You can use Harmony's Essential Oils - Peppermint in H.E.A.L.'s Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser.

4.   Tea Tree Essential Oil

where to buy pure essential oils

Tea tree oil, which is typically used to treat skin diseases, also shows potential to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian native tree.

Tea tree oil has antiviral and antibacterial characteristics and may be able to deactivate airborne viruses if added to an air filter13. According to a study, tea tree oil possesses potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties against pathogens14.

It is frequently used as an antiseptic to treat gum infections and other oral conditions. In addition, as an effective expectorant, it can significantly alleviate congestion while you are sick.

To cure colds and persistent coughs, diffuse Harmony's Essential Oils - Tea Tree in your room or home. The addition of Harmony's Essential Oils - Tea Tree to a vaporizer is another option for relieving chest congestion.

5.   Cinnamon Essential Oil

Essential oil from cinnamon trees has been shown to kill bacteria, fungi, and even viruses15. It contains eugenol, a chemical with potent antibacterial activity. One study found that when cinnamon was mixed with other essential oils, it could get rid of viral particles and stop infections in animal cells16.

Another study found that an essential oil combination consisting of cinnamon, wild carrot, eucalyptus, and rosemary was effective against bacteria and viruses. Researchers believe this combination could effectively treat flu and bacterial pneumonia, a common flu complication17.

Cinnamon oil can quickly eliminate bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Additionally, its therapeutic powers will expedite your recovery from the flu. If you use cinnamon oil often, it might even keep you from getting the flu. Here is a simple recipe for a flu-fighting spray that you may frequently apply to strengthen your immunity. This is effective against nasal congestion, colds, and sore throats18.

In a spray bottle, combine 4 drops of Harmony's Essential Oils - Cinnamon with 100ml of water. Shake well prior to use. Utilize this spray mist on clothing, surfaces, and every room you enter. It has a pleasant aroma and can keep illness at bay.

6.   Lemon Essential Oil

how to use lemon essential oil

Some people have found relief from sinus congestion and sore throat by using lemon essential oil. Lemon oil is extracted from the peel of fresh lemons and has the same pungent, lively aroma as fresh lemons. Due to its antiviral qualities, lemon oil could be an effective disinfectant against flu and other airborne viruses19.

In a 2017 study, it was discovered that lemon essential oil exhibited potent antibacterial properties against the germs that cause listeria. This suggests that it may also be helpful against other forms of sore throat-causing bacteria20.

Essential oils from citrus fruits can cause sun sensitivity. Avoid exposure to sunlight if you have applied these diluted products to your skin. You can try diffusing Harmony's Essential Oils – Lemon and using its soothing effects to distract yourself from how awful you feel.

7.   Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil, which is extracted from the lavender plant, is antimicrobial and helps to relax the body. According to research, the lavender essential oil may also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties21.

Once you're ill, it can be difficult to obtain a good night's sleep; thus, the calming effects of Harmony's Essential Oils – Lavender can give you that much-needed comfort, particularly when combined with the potency of tea tree oil.

How To Use Essential Oils for Flu Season

Essential oils can be employed in many ways to treat the flu and the common cold:

Inhalation – Inhalation is the most effective method for using essential oils to treat flu, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory illnesses. Essential oils may be inhaled directly from the container or by applying a few drops to a cotton ball or handkerchief. This procedure clears your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily. Additionally, the oils may assist you in getting a better night's sleep and relieve stress.

Bathing – Add essential oils to a hot bath as an alternative inhalation method.

Diffusion – Simply put a few drops of your preferred essential oil into your diffuser and enjoy the aroma throughout your home. This apparatus will diffuse the oil into the air, allowing you to breathe it in. H.E.A.L.'s Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser is the most efficient and recommended diffuser.

Compresses – For a headache, backache, or other aches and pains, make a hot compress with a washcloth or heating pad and add a few drops of essential oil.

Massage – Using essential oils directly on the skin might irritate or burn it. Add a few drops to a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil, and then massage the mixture directly onto the skin. Essential oils are derived from plants; therefore, if you are allergic to plants, pollen, or other irritants, you should perform a tiny skin test before widespread application to prevent allergic responses.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for an herbal remedy for the flu season, try using essential oils. Studies have demonstrated that several essential oils can potentially eliminate viruses and bacteria, lower inflammation, and accelerate healing.

Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and bergamot are the most efficient essential oils for combating respiratory viruses when diffused into the air. Not all essential oils are made equal, but you may use Harmony's Essential Oils with confidence because they are pure, of high quality, and derived from organic farms that have been validated.

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