Essential oils that are suitable for fighting the common cold

Essential oils have been used by traditional healers for centuries, but recently they have become more popular. Although they gained popularity for their pleasant smelling and soothing aromas used in aromatherapy, they are now becoming sought after for their healing properties. Now many people use essential oils as a natural alternative to medicines or as an aid in the treatment of certain diseases. They help relieve anxiety, insomnia, headaches, inflammation and stress, and improve mood.

Some essential oils have antimicrobial properties while others have antifungal properties. These include oregano, thyme, cloves, lavender, clary sage and thuja. In combination with each other, they have a healing effect and work as a barrier against bacteria and viruses, disinfecting the living space. When certain essential oils are mixed together, they can help reduce cold symptoms.

How to use essential oils to prevent colds

While there is no surefire way to prevent colds, there are things we can do to be resistant to them. It is necessary to strengthen our immune system, which can be done in many ways.

Getting enough sleep is one of the best things we can do for our immune system. Those who sleep less than six hours are four times more likely to catch a cold than those who sleep at least seven hours a night. To improve sleep—and thus avoid colds—try using lavender, chamomile, bergamot, and sandalwood essential oils. Add a few drops to a humidifier, aroma lamp, or simply any small container of water.

Clove is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects and helps relieve pain. Lavender not only smells good and helps you fall asleep, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils also lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, which helps reduce inflammation. When we strengthen our immune system, we experience fewer symptoms and complications when we get a cold.

How to use oils when you already have a cold

Despite trying to prevent a cold, one fine morning you may find yourself with a stuffy nose and a cough. You can use essential oils to help relieve symptoms and get you back on your feet.

The best way to use essential oils during a cold is to take a steam inhalation. Pour warm water into a wide bowl, drip 3-5 drops of essential oil, cover your head with a towel and breathe for 10-15 minutes. It will also be useful to spray the essential oil with water into the air with a spray bottle, this will reduce the number of viruses as an antiseptic. When we inhale the essential oil, we get great benefits for the weakened body, since the cold begins in the respiratory tract.

A combination of several essential oils may be most helpful in fighting a cold. Try the following mixture:

• 5 drops of rosemary;
• 4 drops of eucalyptus;
• 4 drops of peppermint;
• 3 drops of cypress;
• 2 drops of lemon.

Inhaling these aromas can help relieve headaches, open nasal passages, and promote sleep and relaxation, leading to faster recovery.