One of the most common ailments that we struggle with is the common cold. Common colds are caused by a virus and can make our lives pretty uncomfortable. Viruses including the one that causes the common cold, attack our bodies, and use our cells to reproduce and overwhelm the body’s defenses. Our bodies typically can fight off most of these viruses but sometimes we need a little help to overcome the common cold virus.
For a long time, people have used essential oils to alleviate flu and common cold symptoms. Essential oils are very effective when it comes to alleviating cold symptoms because our bodies perceive essential oils as natural and so do not give the body an extra burden of filtering them to ensure that they are safe.
Here are some essential oils that can help you get on top of any flu and cold symptoms that you may be suffering.
Congestion and Stuffy Nose
If you are suffering from a stuffy nose, Eucalyptus essential oil is pretty effective at easing congestion and offering relief from a stuffy nose. Eucalyptus essential oil can also help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Other essential oils that can help you manage a stuffy nose and chest congestion include thyme oil as well as Douglas Fir oil.
Sore Throat
Colds and cases of flu are sometimes accompanied by a sore throat. This is where an infection sets in at the back of your throat and makes it painful to talk or swallow anything. There are many essential oils that offer relief to sore throats. These include Tea Tree oil which has antibacterial properties that kill the infection. Other essential oils that can offer relief for a sore throat are Rosemary essential oil among others. Rosemary essential oil is particularly good as also helps to relieve joint pains and body aches that normally come with the flu. Lastly, Lemon essential oil is a powerful disinfectant that is also well known for alleviating symptoms of cold and flu including sore throat.
Coughing
When your suffering from a cold or flu, one of the most difficult symptoms to deal with is coughing. This is because it can be painful and the process of coughing triggers discomfort in the throat and chest. To get relief from coughs, cardamon essential oil can be used as it is a natural decongestant and expectorant. Marjoram essential oil can also offer relief from coughs and reduce their severity. This essential oil also helps to relax tense muscles and thus reduces aches and pain associated with the flu.
Nausea
If your cold or flu is making you nauseated, you can get relief by using peppermint essential oil. In addition to reducing nausea, peppermint essential oil also helps in making your digestion process better thus ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from the food that you eat. Another essential oil that can help with nausea is Ginger essential oil which is known to lower fever and control nausea.