It’s that time of year – sniffles, sneezes and coughs abound! You can help you and your family make it through the Sniffle Season by taking advantages of some of the wonderful properties and benefits of essential oils!
Essential Oil Safety
Because essential can be quite potent, care and caution must be taken when using them with little ones.
For children under 2, all oils should be diluted at a ratio of 1 drop of essential oil to 4 teaspoons of carrier oil (Coconut oil, Castor oil, etc) for topical use. Topical use should be avoided for babies under 3 months old – this includes not only rubs and lotions but baths as well.
When diffusing oils, be sure to place the diffuser a few feet away from the bed in a well-ventilated room.
The Best Oils for Coughs and Colds
Tea Tree
Also known as Melaleuca, Tea Tree oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Often used in natural cleaning products, Tea Tree oil is also beneficial in reducing a stuffy nose and alleviating breathing issues.
As soon as you feel or notice a cold coming on, add a few drops to a nice, warm bath. Be sure to mix the oil with a little bit of baking soda or Epson salts first – this helps the oil blend in with the water.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular ingredient in chest rubs because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This oil combats inflammation of the lungs and eases breathing. It is best used in a rub or diffuser and should not, under any circumstances, be taken orally.
You can skip the diffuser and inhale Eucalyptus oil through steam. Simply boil a pot of water, carefully place it on a table, drape a towel around your head and lower your face into the steam. Be sure not to burn yourself in the process. (This method is not recommended for children.)
Peppermint
Primarily used as a digestive aid, Peppermint oil is also beneficial to the respiratory system and relieves the body of aches and pains.
Peppermint oil is the perfect addition to a nice hot cup of tea. Add one drop to your cup and gently sip away your cold symptoms.
Lemon
Antibacterial and disinfecting, Lemon oil is another popular choice for natural cleaning products. It also fights viruses in the body and reduces coughs, congestion and body aches.
Drinking a glass of water each morning with a drop of Lemon water not only will help fight the cold symptoms but will improve your overall health. Or add a drop to a cup of tea along with some honey, which has its own antibacterial properities.
Lavender
The soothing and calming properties of Lavender oil also work as a natural pain reliever. For those pesky sinus-related viruses, it relieves sinus congestion and alleviates phlegm.
Mix a few drops of Lavender oil with some baking soda or Epsom salts to a warm bath for a relaxing and relieving soak.
(PS: Bathing in baking soda and Epsom salts is a great way to draw toxins from your body!)
Blends and Rubs
Essential oils can be combined to pack an even harder punch against the sniffles. Here are some ideas for diffuser blends and a recipe for an amazing topical rub:
Diffuser Blends
Mix these oils in a diffuser with distilled water to alleviate cold symptoms:
Sinus Relief Blend
5 drops Lavender Oil
5 drops Eucalyptus Oil
3 drops Tea Tree Oil
2 drops Peppermint Oil
Congestion Be Gone
3 drops Peppermint Oil
2 drops Eucalyptus Oil
2 drops Tea Tree Oil
1 drop Lemon Oil
Topical Rub
Lung-Love Rub
¼ cup Coconut oil
8-10 drops Eucalyptus oil
8-10 drops Lemon oil
8-10 drops Peppermint oil
Mix the Coconut oil and essential oils until well blended. Store in a glass jar (the Lemon oil will eat away at plastic). Apply the rub to the chest, below and around the nose and on the bottoms of the feet. Avoid the eyes.
