There are many beneficial uses for naturally derived essential oils, including balancing emotions and giving an energy boost. However, preventing and soothing symptoms of illness are some of the best uses for essential oils. Here is how instead of being a victim, you and your family can stay healthy this cold and flu season.
Essential Oils for Killing Germs Around the House
Essentials oils have been used successfully as disinfectants for generations because many of them contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy conducted a study that shows some of the strongest oils (i.e., rosemary, tea tree, and coriander) are even able to inhibit staph, pneumonia, influenza, and E. coli bacteria.
- Disinfectant Spray: In a spray bottle, mix 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar with several drops of tea tree oil. Spray liberally on all hard surfaces and wipe up with a clean cloth.
- Hand Sanitizer: With organic aloe vera gel, mix a few drops each of orange, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and lavender essential oil. Rub on hands a couple of times a day.
Essential Oils for Staying Healthy
Keeping your body healthy goes a long way to preventing nasty germs from taking hold on your immune system. Do this by eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, exercising daily, and getting enough sleep.
Essential Oil Recipes for Preventing Illness:
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Water Enhancer: Add a drop of lemon oil to a bottle of sparkling water. Drink up!
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Sleep Aid: Add 4 drops each of lavender oil, chamomile oil, and cedarwood oil to a diffuser or humidifier before going to bed.
Essential Oils for Soothing Symptoms
Sometimes, regardless of our best efforts, we get sick anyway. Fortunately, there are a plethora of essential oils that can soothe your symptoms and help get you back on your feet and feeling better faster.
Essential Oil Recipes for Soothing Flu Symptoms:
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Topical Soother: Combine 2 drops each of oregano oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and cinnamon oil with a ½ ounce of carrier oil. Rub the mixture onto the feet every three hours.
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Body Aches Bath: Combine 15 drops of thyme oil and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil with a ½ cup of carrier oil. Add the desired amount to a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. (Note: This blend is not suitable for children.)
Essential Oil Recipes for Soothing Cold Symptoms:
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Steam Inhaler: Add several drops of frankincense oil to a bowl of hot, steaming water. Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes several times per day.
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Massage Oil: To 4 teaspoons of carrier oil, blend in 4 drops of lemon oil, 4 drops of myrtle oil, and two drops of manuka oil. Massage liberally over achy muscles and joints. (Note: This blend is not suitable for pregnant women.)
When to Call a Doctor
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are millions of cases of the common cold and influenza in the United States each year. Adults catch an average of 2-3 colds per year and children get them even more, taking an average of 7-10 days to recover from each episode.
Typically, symptoms will just run their course and don’t need any medical intervention, but call your doctor if you have one or more of the following conditions:
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A temperature of 100.4℉ or higher
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Symptoms that last 10 days or longer
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Severe or unusual symptoms
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If the sick child is 3 months old or younger
Fight Back with Essential Oils
The fact is, although there is no cure for cold and flu season, that doesn’t mean you have to just cross your fingers or simply suffer through the consequences. With essential oils, you can fight back!