Simple Remedies for Comforting Your Illness with 19 Aromatic Oils
Essential oils, derived from plants, have been used for centuries for their potential health benefits. However, it's important to note that they aren't safe for everyone, especially babies, young children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and pets. Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you fall into any of these categories.
These potent plant extracts may help relieve cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, congestion, inflammation, and fatigue. Some popular essential oils for cold relief include eucalyptus, peppermint, chamomile, and lavender.
Eucalyptus oil is known for its decongesting and antiviral properties, making it a great choice for steam inhalation or warm compress. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can soothe muscles, ease inflammation, and alleviate coughing. It's often diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically on the temples or chest.
Chamomile oil is particularly noted for its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects, which can help relieve respiratory discomfort. It can be used in a diffuser or a steamy inhalation session. Lavender oil, meanwhile, can promote sleep and reduce pain, and it can be diffused in the bedroom for relaxation and sleep or applied topically with a cream or carrier oil.
Ginger oil can soothe sore throats, while frankincense, cinnamon, or sandalwood oil can reduce general inflammation. Cinnamon oil can help kill bacteria and soothe inflammation, and it can be mixed as a room spray or disinfectant cleaner.
Other essential oils like rosemary, thyme, geranium, and clary sage might also offer benefits for treating cold symptoms due to their antimicrobial, antiviral, and soothing properties. However, it's crucial to research the quality of a brand's products and do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It's important to talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Remember, essential oils are super concentrated and should be diluted before use to avoid irritation, burns, or rashes. Breathing in steam from essential oils for a long time can cause headaches or dizziness, and steam inhalation and diffusers should be used in a ventilated area. Topical application of essential oils (particularly citrus like lemon, orange, neroli, etc.) can boost your risk of sunburn, and sun exposure should be avoided after using essential oils.
In addition to essential oils, other ways to treat cold symptoms include sipping ginger tea or sucking on lozenges for a sore throat, using over-the-counter decongestants for a stuffy nose, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for headaches and general achiness, taking vitamins, staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and resting.
Colds should get better in about a week, but if shortness of breath, or your cough and your fever don't go away (or get worse), chat with your doctor. Essential oils can be a helpful addition to your cold relief arsenal, but they should not replace professional medical advice.
