All rights reserved. Learn the symptoms of the flu so you know when to start your essential oil treatment. There’s not enough research about the safety of essential oils for children or pregnant women. A 2010 study looked at a commercial essential oil blend of clove, wild orange, and cinnamon. Keeping a few basic oils around, such as tea tree, peppermint, and lavender, can be helpful, even if you’re not sick. You also shouldn’t use a concentrated amount. Leave a comment. The results of another laboratory study suggest that a commercial blend of essential oils might help reduce the activity of one type of flu virus. The oil blend also decreased infection. Some potential hazards associated with essential oils include: Essential oils may not be safe to use during pregnancy. It is that time of the year again. Plastic bottles increase the risk of contamination and decrease the shelf life the oil. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to avoid using essential oils. Using a diffuser keeps air humid and is a great way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. However, this does not mean that using essential oils at home will cure or treat the flu or other viruses. Pine Essential Oil. The Essential Oils Flu Season Preparation Guide. Chamomile essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils out there, as it helps soothe depression symptoms and ease sleep issues. Here’s our process. General flu blend. Eucalyptus-decongestant. Here are…. Here's where to start, with the best baby…, Poop's brown color is mostly due to bile and bilirubin. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about essential oils for flu or cold prevention, and note that pure essential oils should never be ingested through the mouth. Shannon Becker PhD. You can use essential oils for flu prevention and to help relieve flu symptoms and speed the healing process if you become sick. Organic lemon stimulates white blood cell production and boosts immunity against serious infections including pneumonia and staph. It has antiviral, … Inhalation is the most beneficial way to use essential oils for a flu. Read more: Drugs and treatments for the flu ». For inhalation therapy, float the essential oils in hot water and inhale the vapors, or use a room diffuser. After diluting an essential oil, a person can apply it to the skin or add it to lotions and bath products. All rights reserved. Many essential oils are dangerous for pets, so people should research which oils are safe for animals before using them at home. Always keep essential oils away from the eyes and any open flames. The weather has changed, punctuated by rapid temperature swings. That said, some people with mild symptoms may find that essential oils help them feel better. How does fake news of 5G and COVID-19 spread worldwide? What is flu? Seek medical attention if you have symptoms for longer than three days or if they are getting worse. You can inhale essential oils by sniffing the bottle directly or adding a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Risks and warnings of using essential oils, 9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your Congestion, The Best Baby Toothpaste to Shine Up Those Sweet Smiles. 1 drop Peppermint. Why’s Your Poop Brown and What Can Cause Color Changes? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Like medication, they can cause severe side effects if a person uses them improperly or in excessive amounts. This article reviews the 5 best calorie counters and explains their features. Email. Do a patch test on the inside of your forearm to check for any skin sensitivities. The symptoms of sinusitis are similar to a cold, but it also…, COVID-19 shares some similarities with other respiratory conditions, such as the common cold and influenza, although there are also crucial…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. You can make so many blends with just these 5 oils! Avoid taking essential oils by mouth. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Oregano can immediately relieve your cold and flu symptoms. 2 drop Lavender. It is very easy to count calories with help from website and apps. 1 drop geranium. For more information about COVID-19, click here. Garden plants (think thyme, oregano, rosemary, lavender), trees (juniper, sage, frankincense), and grasses (lemongrass, citronella) all produce germ-fighting essential oils. If your symptoms are located above your neck…, Besides medication, there are several natural decongestants that can unclog stuffy nasal passages and help you breathe easier. Pine essential oil, derived from the pine tree (Pinus Sylvestris), helps to clear the … A bit weak, rundown and suspicious of the tingling in your throat, nagging headache or stuffy nose, you reach for the medicine cabinet hoping to allay the onset of a nasty cold … You can also add a few drops essential oils to: Benefits depend on the application and type of oil. An article in the American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products suggests that some essential oils may help fight flu viruses, though more research is necessary. Weight loss apps can help you track lifestyle habits like calorie intake and exercise. Other Natural Remedies for Flu: You can use an ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for every few drops of essential oil. And if you think about it, plants create these compounds for a reason—protection! Quality: Be sure to buy your essential oils from a reputable source. Wash your hands frequently and stay generally healthy by eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and negative thinking. (For those of you not in-the-know, essential oils are the concentrated, carefully-extracted volatile chemical constituents of plants and plant materials). In this article, learn more about how to use essential oils, their potential benefits for flu, and some risks associated with them. However, there is no evidence to suggest that essential oils can treat or cure flu symptoms or those of other viruses, including coronaviruses. Essential oils are commonly used during cold and flu season for their many antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some researchers have looked at how the ingredients in essential oils might impact different kinds of flu virus. Essential oils can be used as an alternative treatment for a variety of problems - and if looking for a specific problem area please use our search page to find relevant information. Some oils have antiviral benefits to help treat … Essential oils are known to be effective against flu and herpes simplex, having strong anti-viral properties. They also noted antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other properties that may have applications for human medicine. We include products we think are useful for our readers. According to the study authors, ingredients in the following essential oils have shown some antiviral activity: Tea tree oil may also have antiviral properties if a person incorporates it into air filtering systems, some scientists suggest. ... treat, cure or prevent any disease. Bergamot Oil: One study showed that sniffing bergamot aroma for just 15 minutes reduced cortisol levels. Essential oils to prevent the spread of flu. This isn’t just a sales pitch by essential oil sellers, the research for this activity is positive. Oregano essential oil. Dilute a few drops of essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil. All statements on this website are intended for informational purposes only. Potency: Essential oils are extremely potent. I’ll also explain WHY these oils are so effective and share 2 recipes, so you can start supporting your immunity right away. In some cases, it can be life threatening. Some oils may even have antiviral benefits to help treat infections and reduce fever. Last medically reviewed on March 23, 2017, If you have a cold and want to run, a good rule of thumb is to consider the location of your symptoms. It may be toxic in large doses. This FREE course will be delivered straight to your inbox, one lesson at a time, to help you get started using essential oils safely! Learn more about how to use essential oils for the flu. As an … Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, The 8 Best Veggie Burgers for Your Meat-Free Routine, The 11 Best Meal Planning Apps to Help You Lose Weight, The 5 Best Calorie Counter Websites and Apps, The 10 Best Weight Loss Apps That Help You Meet Your Goals, clears your nasal passages and allows for steady breathing, relieves stress, fatigue, depression, and headaches, reduces coughs, sinusitis, and throat infections, has antibacterial activity to help fight respiratory infections, has antiviral and antifungal properties to clean surfaces or air, is a nontoxic way to clean surfaces or air, dilute in a carrier oil and add to steamy bathwater, a carrier oil, for massaging the head, neck, or feet, a large bowl of hot water, for steam inhalation, decongestants, which should only be used for a few days to avoid any rebound symptoms, antihistamines, which block typical flu symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose, acetaminophen, which relieves fever and other pain associated with the flu, throat lozenges, which you can suck on to relieve a scratchy throat. Cold and Flu Chest Rub. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate essential oils or their use. To prevent yourself from getting the flu, keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet and getting your annual flu vaccination. You can find essential oils online or at a health store. Are you new to the idea of using essential oils for the health and wellness of your family? MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Use Oregano oil or Cinnamon oil and Lemon oil as a gargle for sore throats. I love to use essential oils during the cold and flu season for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. This recipe is a bit more involved but well worth taking the time to whip it … A person should talk with their healthcare provider before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Organic Lemon: Organic lemon essential oil is one of the most potent oils and the first to go to when one’s immunity is compromised. It is a gentle oil extracted from the lavender plant, which is part of the mint family. Inhaling eucalyptus may help ease congestion. Also, lemon balm may contain ingredients that could help prevent one type of bird flu virus from reproducing, according to one laboratory study. I want to share 5 essential oils for cold and flu that have been researched and proven to help prevent symptoms. There is limited research on essential oils and the flu, especially in humans. How to Use Essential Oils During Winters: – Start your day with a glass of warm water with a drop of lemon … This method helps clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better. Just because essential oils are natural products, it does not mean that they are harmless. Complications associated with the cold and flu can lead to upper respiratory infections such as bacterial sinusitis and strep throat, and the flu can lead to lower respiratory infections in the lungs that can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis. COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Israel: Successes, lessons, and caveats, 20 natural options for treating psoriatic arthritis, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. For this reason, people should always buy them from reputable sources and use them with caution. Some studies show that essential oil have properties that can fight viruses, alleviate flu symptoms, and increase comfort during the illness. 3 drops Eucalyptus. How to use: 4 drops undiluted on each sole of the foot. With 5 Powerhouse Essential Oils for Cold and Flu. For example, the menthol and cooling effects of peppermint oil may work better in a chest rub than in a diffuser. While essential oils can help fight the flu and decrease your symptoms, you shouldn’t rely on them as your only treatment. This product, sold as doTERRA On Guard, contains the essential oils of wild orange peel, clove bud, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus leaves, and rosemary. Learn insider information that will make all the difference in the … Benefits: Antibacterial, antioxidant, strengthens immune system. Oregano-support healthy immune, digestion, and respiratory functions; cleaning and purifying agent; … Pregnancy: Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about essential oil use. The Essential Oils Flu Season Preparation Guide. ... treat, cure or prevent disease, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. Although there have not been any large-scale trials on influenza-prevention using natural methods, there IS a good amount of data on the anti-viral and immunostimulant activity of essential oils. Here are the 10 best weight loss apps to help you meet your…. Cold and Flu Treatment Essential Oils for Specific Cold and Flu Symptoms or Purposes: Frankincense-rejuvenation and restoration, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, calming. Most of these medications have side effects such as drowsiness or alertness, but you can try: Limit what medications you take to avoid overloading your system. Start early treatment . Depending on the essential oil, the ratio can vary. Medical…, Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when a virus of bacteria enters the sinuses. What can science tell us about mediums who hear voices? Add a few drops to your bath, diffuse them into the air, or mix them with a carrier oil for a rub. Prevent Colds and Flu With Essential Oils. You can dilute essential oils with carrier oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil, or others. Healing With … 1 It is never safe to consume essential oils, and children should not use them in any way. Elderberry (10 mL daily) It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost … That’s one of the big selling points with the oils. A 2014 review of essential oils recognized the health benefits of essential oils. Influenza A and B cause the typical “flu” symptoms, but influenza C is typically not a concern for human health. Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Other oils include tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and ravintsara. These oils may also help give you soothing support for common symptoms of cold and flu. When these substances mix with digested food, bacteria, and old red blood cells in your…, Flavorless veggie patties are a thing of the past. ... is my favourite when you feel the first flu or cold symptoms. Inhaling the vapor of eucalyptus essential oil can help alleviate symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, as well as symptoms of the common cold and flu. These strongly scented oils can help alleviate your flu symptoms, especially by clearing your nasal passage and reducing headaches. Find out which remedies…, Sipping a hot cup of tea makes us feel better when we're sick, but certain teas may actually ease the symptoms of your cold. Over-the-counter medications work better and may even decrease your recovery time. Fall and winter usher in the season of acute respiratory illnesses, and many people are beginning to suffer from sneezing, sore throats, coughs, fever, and achiness. The best line of defense against the flu is, of course, prevention. For adults and children over 10 years old, essential oils of thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, and sage all have antiviral … Essential Oils. Its application reduced in vitro viral particles by 90 percent. Prevention is the best cure for flu. As an essential oil for colds and flu it has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. With topical applications, be sure to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. Lavender and peppermint essential oils are good decongestants, lavender is also a natural antihistamine, and safe for kids*. There is often confusion surrounding the reason for these ailments, and common terms like “cold”, “flu”, “pneumonia”, and “stomach flu” are used to describe distinct bacterial, viral, or … They can also help with stress or pain. If a person finds that essential oils help with their symptoms, they should be sure to check with a doctor first and always practice safe use. Essential support. Anyone with severe or worsening symptoms of flu or another virus should seek medical help. When applying an essential oil to the skin, always mix it with a carrier oil beforehand. Keeping a few basic oils around, such as tea tree, peppermint, and lavender, can be helpful, even if youre not sick. Keep reading to learn how to use these oils and which ones to use for the flu. When used properly, essential oils can offer the best supportive care during a cold or flu spell, soothing symptoms and hastening the healing process. Here we share diffuser blends for colds, as well as several essential oils that can support you during your illness. Limit what medications you take to avoid overloading your system. To prevent yourself from getting the flu, keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet and getting your annual flu vaccination. Lavender is a common essential oil and its uses as an essential oil to aid in cold and flu symptoms are abundant. Name. 3. They should ships your oils in glass bottles. While taking medications to cure these symptoms can be crucial, for those wishing to complement their treatment with alternative methods, or for those who may not be able to … But it is extremely potent so it must be used with caution. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, Heart disease risk associated with eating fried foods, Diabetes treatment may protect against COVID-19 mortality. General flu blend #2. In most cases, having the flu means increasing self-care as you wait for the infection to run its course. There is no "cure" for the common cold or the flu, but there are tools available to increase self-care as you wait for the virus to run its course. Avoid in the use of children and for those with sensitive skin. This essential oil is also known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic properties, as well as its ability to stimulate the immune system. 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