If you're looking for a natural way to relieve coughs or congestion, you may want to try using essential oils. Essential oils are distilled from plants and have been used for centuries for their healing properties. Plus, they are a great natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, which can sometimes have unwanted side effects such as drowsiness or headaches. Keep reading to see which essential oils are best for colds and how to use them.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider if you have questions regarding treatment.
Top Essential Oils for Colds, Coughs, and Congestion
Whether you’re dealing with the common cold, sinus issues, or allergies, there are many different essential oils that can be effective for alleviating coughs and congestion. Some of the best essential oils include the following:
Eucalyptus essential oil: Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh scent and gives off a cooling sensation when inhaled or applied to the body with a carrier oil. One of the main reasons eucalyptus oil is so effective is that it contains cineole, a chemical compound that is known for easing congestion.
Peppermint essential oil: Similar to eucalyptus, peppermint essential oil also has a compound that gives it a refreshing, cooling sensation when inhaled or applied to the body. It can soothe irritated airways and also provide a much-needed pick-me-up when you’re feeling fatigued.
Tea tree essential oil: Extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, tea tree essential oil has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine to treat many health ailments. It has an herbaceous aroma and blends well with peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.
Rosemary essential oil: Rosemary essential oil comes from the rosemary plant. It is effective for both colds and coughs as it can calm irritated airways and sinuses. A bonus: it can ease a worried mind. Combine it with eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils for added benefits.
Lavender essential oil: Well-known for its calming properties, lavender essential oil is ideal for colds, as it can help promote easy breathing and sleep. It also has a lovely floral aroma that can help to enliven the senses.
How To Use Essential Oils For Colds, Coughs, And Congestion
To use essential oils for coughs and congestion, you can either inhale them directly from the bottle or add them to a diffuser. You can also apply them topically to your chest or back. When using essential oils topically, be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
If you're diffusing essential oils, start with just a few drops and increase the amount until you find the scent that's right for you. Diffusing for too long can cause headaches or nausea. Inhaling essential oils from the bottle is a quick and easy way to get relief from cold symptoms. Simply hold the bottle up to your nose and take deep breaths.
Special note on safety: Essential oils are generally safe to use and have many benefits for the body, however, you should never ingest essential oils. If applying essential oils topically, be sure to always combine with a carrier oil and conduct a patch test before applying it over a larger area of skin. When diffusing essential oils around kids and pets make sure the room is well-ventilated and the diffuser is not left on for prolonged periods of time. In addition, avoid having essential oils come into contact with your eyes. As always, consult your doctor for advice on treating any sinus issues or medical problems.
Essential Oil Recipes For Colds, Coughs, And Congestion
There are a few different ways that you can use essential oils to help relieve the symptoms of colds, coughs, and congestion. Here are some recipes from Cliganic for using essential oils to ease these conditions:
Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
Ingredients
- 1 essential oil diffuser
- 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
Instructions
Add all essential oils to your diffuser with water (as directed), turn it on, and breathe in to promote clear breathing.
Essential Oil Breathing Steam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tea kettle
- 1 mug
- 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions
Fill the tea kettle with water and bring to a boil. Pour water into a mug and add all essential oils and mix with a spoon. Inhale the steam slowly and avoid contact with your eyes.
Closing Thoughts
The next time you’re feeling under the weather, consider using essential oils to promote easy breathing and help alleviate your symptoms. Eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil can be used on their own or in combination with each other. Try experimenting to find the mix that works best for you. To learn more about how you can use essential oils to stay healthy, take a look at this article: How to Make Your Own DIY Homemade Hand Cleanser With Essential Oils.
