When cold and flu season hits, it’s important to have the right tools in your arsenal to combat the pesky germs that can wreak havoc on your immune system.
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties and are a natural way to alleviate symptoms associated with colds and the flu. At Simply Earth, we have scoured the globe to find only the best, high-quality essential oils that can help fight off the sniffles. From peppermint to eucalyptus, our top 12 essential oils for colds and flu season are good to have on hand.
What Are Essential Oils?
When it comes to natural remedies for health and wellness, essential oils have been used for centuries to provide a range of benefits. These concentrated oils are extracted from plants and contain natural constituents that have been scientifically proven to improve general well-being. From relaxation to soothing pain, essential oils are known to have a variety of healing properties. And as more research and studies back up their effectiveness, many are turning to essential oils as a complementary and natural solution to traditional medicine.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Colds & Flu
Boosts Immunity
Essential oils can also help boost your immunity, thanks to their antiviral properties. As a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, essential oils can help you take charge of your health.
Supports Wellness
Using essential oils for colds and the flu has become a popular natural remedy for supporting wellness and boosting our immune system. Instead of relying on synthetic medications, essential oils provide a natural and safe alternative to help keep us healthy during the winter months.
Supports and Soothes Respiration
Essential oils have been a game-changer for anyone looking to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu. Not only are they a natural and safe way to soothe common respiratory issues, but they also provide a range of benefits that can keep you breathing easy and feeling your best. With their decongestant properties and ability to soothe coughs and sore throats, essential oils offer a powerful and effective complement to traditional cold and flu treatments.
Eases Seasonal Discomfort
Essential oils have been used for centuries to ease seasonal discomforts and can work wonders for those struggling with allergies. With their soothing scents and calming properties, essential oils offer a gentle and effective way to take care of yourself and your loved ones when sickness hits.
Best Essential Oils For Cold & Flu Season
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Aroma: Clean & Herbaceous
One oil that stands out among the rest during flu season is Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Known for its ability to support respiratory health, ease seasonal discomfort, and even energize your body, this oil is a must-have during the winter months. Plus, a recent study1 found that Eucalyptus has mucolytic, broncho-dilating, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful tool in fighting off colds and flu.
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
Aroma: Herbal & Woody
Rosemary Essential Oil is definitely a winner. It helps to promote relaxation which is much needed to help the body recover when experiencing cold and flu symptoms.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Aroma: Sharp & Minty
When it comes to fighting off the sniffles and sneezes of cold and flu season, Peppermint Essential Oil is a true powerhouse. It supports respiration, eases seasonal discomfort, and can also provide a much-needed energy boost during those sluggish days. And if you’re suffering from head discomfort, this oil can soothe it away. As an added bonus, studies2,3 have found that Peppermint Essential Oil can provide symptomatic relief for coughs, colds, and congestion – talk about a versatile must-have for your wellness toolkit!
4. Lemon Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy
Lemon Essential Oil is perfect for adding a zesty touch to your home and can also help ease seasonal discomfort. With its refreshing scent and countless health benefits, Lemon Essential Oil is a great for anyone looking to keep their immune system in top shape.
5. Frankincense Essential Oil
Aroma: Spicy & Woody
Frankincense Essential Oil boosts your immunity and helps you fight off illness while also promoting rest and relaxation during those times when all you want to do is curl up in bed. A recent study4 has shown that Frankincense possesses impressive antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an all-around superstar when it comes to preventing and managing common ailments.
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Aroma: Medicinal & Herbaceous
When it comes to fighting off cold and flu symptoms, Tea Tree Essential Oil is definitely one to have in your arsenal. This powerful oil boasts antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties according to a research5, making it a great support for respiration. So, whether you’re dealing with a stubborn cough or stuffy nose, Tea Tree Oil can help provide relief.
7. Chamomile (German) Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Warm
When it comes to fending off those pesky cold and flu symptoms, few essential oils pack as much of a punch as Chamomile. This fragrant oil is an excellent mood-booster and stress-soother, but it’s also been known to help support healthy respiratory function. Whether you’re feeling stuffy, achy, or just plain run down, just a few drops of Chamomile Essential Oil can help you feel like yourself again in no time.
8. Cinnamon Essential Oil
Aroma: Warm & Spicy
Among the best essential oils for fighting colds and the flu is Cinnamon Essential Oil. It offers a warm and comforting scent and a study2 has shown that it can also soothe respiration and fight off respiratory infections. This can be attributed to its anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Lavender Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
Lavender Essential Oil stands out as a contender to keep in your medicine cabinet. It promotes relaxation and rest and also soothes head discomfort, a common cold symptom. Plus, it has antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, as shown by a study6, making it a powerful tool in fighting off sickness.
10. Thyme Essential Oil
Aroma: Spicy & Herbal
If you’re feeling under the weather, Thyme Essential Oil could be the natural relief you’re looking for. Research7 has shown that this powerful oil is great for supporting respiratory health and reducing the duration of cold and flu symptoms. With its antispasmodic properties, as per a study7, it can help soothe your airways and make breathing easier.
11. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Aroma: Herbaceous & Floral
Clary Sage Essential Oil promotes rest and relaxation and a study8 has shown that it can also calm and ease stress when inhaled. So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, try incorporating Clary Sage Oil into your self-care routine.
12. Clove Essential Oil
Aroma: Spicy & Rich
If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immunity during colder months, look no further than Clove Essential Oil. In fact, a study9 found that Clove can be effective in fighting off viral infections and enhancing your body’s defenses. This oil has incredible anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and antithrombotic properties!
Simply Earth Blends for Cold & Flu Symptoms
Breathe Easy Blend
Aroma: Fresh
Simply Earth offers an essential oil blend that can help provide relief to both your body and mind. Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend is specifically designed to support respiratory functions and bring a sense of peace and comfort to you. The combination of oils in this blend works together to open up your airways, clear your sinuses, and promote relaxation.
A pre-diluted version, Breathe Easy Essential Oil Roll-On, is available for remedy on the go.
Defender Blend
Aroma: Spicy
When the seasons change and the cold and flu season arrives, it can feel like we’re constantly battling illness. That’s where Simply Earth’s Defender Essential Oil Blend comes in handy. This powerful blend is specifically designed to support our respiratory system and boost our immunity and overall wellness. Its unique combination of essential oils works together to create a natural barrier against germs and viruses to help cleanse the air and protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
For immunity support anytime, anywhere, check out Defender Essential Oil Roll-On.
How to Use Essential Oils to Soothe Cold & Flu Symptoms
All-Natural Shower & Bath Recipes
Essential oils are a powerful tool to help ward off sickness, and incorporating them into your shower and bath routine can help ease congestion and promote relaxation. Our all-natural shower and bath recipes are the perfect way to utilize the healing properties of essential oils. These recipes offer a variety of solutions to help you feel your best during the flu season.
All-Natural Remedies
Using essential oils can be a great way to lessen the symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. There are plenty of all-natural remedies to choose from, such as steam inhalation and chest rubs to soothe your sinuses and help ease congestion and coughs. These simple remedies are not only effective but also chemical-free, providing a more natural and gentle approach to treating cold and flu symptoms.
Roll-On Recipes
Essential oils are a powerful tool to combat colds and the flu, especially when incorporated into roll-ons. These roll-ons are incredibly easy to make and use, making them ideal for those on the go relief.
- Eucalyptus & Lime Roll-On
- Breathe Deep Roll-On
- Congestion Support Roll-On
- Cold Buster Roll-On
- Vapor Chest Roll-On
Safety Tips
Always Use Dilutes Oils
Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. Essential oils are unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods of time) it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting essential oils properly.
Never Ingest Essential Oils
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the direction of a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.
Essential Oils Aren’t Safe for Everyone
Caution should be taken when using essential oils around children, pregnant women, and pets.
For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.
For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
Don’t Overdo Steam Inhalation
It’s important to not overdo steam inhalation. Additionally, when performing this method, it’s crucial to keep your face a safe distance away from the water.
Note Phototoxic Essential Oils
Some essential oils, especially citrus oils. These oils, when applied to the skin, can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to burns or other skin damage.
Other Natural Ways to Soothe Cold & Flu Symptoms
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
One of the best things you can do when you’re feeling under the weather is to drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, and herbal tea can help to keep you hydrated and may also help to thin out mucus.
Get Plenty Of Rest
When your body is fighting off an infection, it needs all the rest it can get. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take it easy when you’re feeling sick.
Drink Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids can help to soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus. Try sipping on chicken soup, herbal tea, or warm water with honey.
Gargle Salt Water
Gargling salt water can help to relieve a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit the mixture out afterward.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air can irritate the respiratory system and make your symptoms worse. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help you feel more comfortable.
References:
- Fischer J, Dethlefsen U. Efficacy of cineole in patients suffering from acute bronchitis: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. 2013 Nov
- Horváth G, Ács K. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. 2015 Sep
- Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. 2015 Aug
- Yingli Chen, Chunlan Zhou, et al. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense. 2013 Aug
- Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. 2006 Jan
- Nelson D. 5 Essential Oils for Immune System Support. 2020 May
- Schönknecht K, Krauss H, Jambor J, Fal AM. Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections – the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol. 2016
- Seol GH, Lee YH, Kang P, You JH, Park M, Min SS. Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination. 2013 Jul
- Roviello, G. Anti-COVID-19 potential of Clove phytochemicals. 2021