The regular use of essential oils can drastically help improve one's
immune system and resistance to seasonal strains of the flu. In recent years,
there has been far more concern over a particular flu virus called H1N1 as it attaches to
the deep lung tissue and can create a bad viral pneumonia causing
people who have contracted it to be far sicker than flu strains from
previous years. Further, the H1N1 is disproportionally infecting high
risk groups such as children under 5, pregnant women and seemingly
healthy robust young people in general. To help prevent colds & flu, read about how to prevent the spread of germs and how to boost your immunity using essential oils.
Essential Oil Vapour Therapy for Colds & Flu
A steam inhalation is a deeply penetrating method of treating cold/flu symptoms. Bring a kettle of water to a boil then pour into to a large
bowl. Add 5 drops of any decongestant essential oils like peppermint, pine needle, tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lemon, orange, clove, cypress, spruce, cedarwood, frankincense, grapefruit, ginger, niaouli, rosemary, rosewood, or our Respiration Essential Oil Blend, specifically created to help with blockages to the respiratory tract. Bring your face over top of the bowl then cover
both your head and the bowl with a towel. Breathe deeply for 10 – 15
minutes. For vapour therapy throughout the day or as you sleep add any of the above essential oils to an ultrasonic diffuser when suffering from a cold or flu.
Essential Oil Bath & Body Care for Colds & Flu
A bath is a nice way to soothe your body when suffering from a cold or flu. Blend 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 5 drops peppermint oil and 4 drops of lavender oil with 30ml of unscented bath oil, add to bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Another good choice are our Muscle Relief Bath Salts or Muscle Relief Bath Bomb with cypress and peppermint, which simultaneously help soothe muscle aches and respiratory symptoms as a result of colds and flu. A massage is also a great way to be comforted when you have a cold or flu. Try our immunity boosting massage oil, making sure you pay particular attention to the chest and back.
Natural Wellness Pre-Blended Remedies for Colds & Flu
Escents offers a pre-blended natural remedy, the Darn This Cold Vapor Rub with Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils. This can be applied to the chest and neck area to help relax the trachea and allow the lungs to rest and recover from coughing fits. It's also great to use with a heating pad to intensify the effects. For on the go treatment, our Respiration Essential Oil Roll-On or our Natural Headache Relief Roll-on with its blend of Peppermint and Lavender is also a good choice.
NOTE: This guide is based on published traditional uses of Essential
Oils and is for reference purposes only. It is not intended to treat,
prescribe or diagnose. The information contained herein is in no way
considered a substitute for consultation with a duly licensed health
care professional.
