Diffusing Essential Oils for Colds

We have all been there. You feel that scratch in your throat, and know it’s only a matter of time until your nose starts running and your head hurts. If you’re anything like me, you immediately run to your planner and look at your commitments for the week - what will need to be canceled or moved? What are you going to have to adjust to deal with this nasty sickness that is about to descend on your home?

There is an alternative, and many essential oil lovers have developed go-to strategies for getting through cold and flu season, and boosting their immune system year round. There are many oils that can help with not only cold symptoms (congestion, breathing issues, sore throat, cough, and fever), but also ongoing fatigue, headaches, and more. Whether you choose to inhale the beneficial properties using a diffuser, or add essential oils to your bath, or use a Young Living roller to apply the oils topically, adding essential oils to your healthcare routine can help tremendously whether you’re sick or healthy!

Here are a few of our favorite remedies.

1. Cardamom Oil - This oil delivers a spicy-sweet scent that brings a warm cozy feeling. It’s incredibly efficient at helping with cold and flu symptoms. Cardamom can soothe a persistent cough, and helps to relieve congestion and boost immunity. To use it, diffuse throughout the day. You can also put a few drops in a pot of hot water, and then lean over the water with a towel draped over your head to inhale the steam. For cough and chest congestion, simply mix a few drops of this oil with a carrier oil and rub onto your chest like a Vicks-type rub.

2. Lemon Oil - This is an incredibly versatile oil that has a lot of properties that will help with illness. Lemon oil is great for disinfecting, which is super important when germs hit your household! It’s also good for purifying and energizing. Think of lemon essential oil as a boost to your body and mind to help them get better and stay healthy. To use lemon essential oil, diffuse in a room to help reduce fatigue, and ease an annoying cough. Diffusing will also help kill germs in the air in your house. Also try diluting lemon oil with a carrier oil and rub it onto your chest to help with congestion.

3. Eucalyptus - This oil has a very strong aroma that has been used in health and spa products for years. It’s particularly helpful for sinus issues. If you’re feeling stuffed up, eucalyptus is a great way to clear those passages. It also has cleansing properties that help kill viruses and germs. Eucalyptus also has cooling properties when applied topically, so it’s great for sore muscles or when you feel overheated. Use it with a carrier oil to rub on tired legs and feet, or use it in all the same ways you’d use cardamom. When you have a fever (or just for some relief on a really hot day), add about 10 drops of the oil to 2 cups of room temperature water and dip washcloths into it, then drape the washcloths over arms and legs for an immediate cool-down.

4. Rosemary - Another versatile oil, rosemary is great for aiding digestion and helping with cramps and bloating. It also helps to detoxify the body, particularly the liver. Studies have shown rosemary to be effective in eliminating free radicals from the body, and also protecting the liver against damage.

There are so many oil blends that offer medicinal properties when diffused. Though some oils can be helpful when ingested or applied topically, using some oils together as a blend brings added benefits during cold and flu season. Here are some of our favorite essential oil blends to diffuse during illness.

Sinus blend for relieving congestion - combining 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops camphor essential oil, and 2 drops peppermint essential oil in your diffuser creates a blend that is great for clearing sinus passages and making breathing easier when you feel stuffed up. Peppermint is soothing and can help calm respiratory passages. All of these oils will provide antimicrobial properties when diffused.

Respiratory blend to help with cough - a great blend for help in purifying your lungs and reducing mucus is a combination of 4 drops hyssop essential oil, 3 drops cedarwood essential oil, 3 drops frankincense essential oil, and 2 drops anise oil essential oil. Each of these oils are helpful in soothing coughs and helping with breathing problems like bronchitis.

Help with Winter-time sleep - Many people who live in climates that are cold during the winter experience congestion, dryness, and interrupted sleep. You probably already know that lavender is a terrific sleep aid, but did you know adding a few drops of eucalyptus to your diffuser, along with the lavender, can create a calming mist that actually helps you breathe? Diffuse 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil with 5 drops lavender essential oil for a great sleep aid that will help ward off sickness and the symptoms of common cold.

Thieves - A proprietary blend developed by Young Living, this mix of essential oils is custom created using the highest quality ingredients. A potent combination of clove, lemon, rosemary, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, this is one of Young Living’s more popular products. Many people swear by it for warding off illness, and battling a sore throat. In addition to diffusing it, you can combine with water and gargle the blend, or apply it to minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection. It’s also worth noting - this great blend has great cleansing properties which makes it very versatile. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth adding to your list!

Disclaimer: We are avid essential oil enthusiasts and not medical professionals. We do not attempt or proclaim to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Any health and wellness products - including all natural, holistic, and essential oil remedies - should be discussed with your doctor prior to use. All information and content on this site are for purely informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice or to self-diagnose or self-treat. Please read all product labels carefully as specific information might differ from this website. Call a medical professional immediately if you suspect that you have a medical or health issue. Information on this website has not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration and should be taken as such.

Mi Essential Oils are not medical practitioners and do not diagnose, treat or prescribe in any shape, manner or form. Always discuss with your medical practitioner before using any alternative medicines, natural supplements, or vitamins. All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site are for reference purposes and are not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Actual product packaging and materials may contain different information than shown on this website. Contact your health care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding Wellington Fragrance products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.”