When one of us gets a cold, it rages through everyone in the house. Usually by the time the last person gets it, it makes another round through us all. Sure there are times through the year when colds seem to strike most, yet really, it can happen at any time.
Yet, the last time one of my twins started showing symptoms of a cold, we had a different experience. I stopped it in it’s tracks. Not only did my 6 year old only show very mild symptoms for less than two days, but no one else in the house caught it. Hooray!
So, what was my plan of attack? Essential Oils
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In the last few months have I increased my knowledge and collection of Essential Oils, and am constantly amazed by the difference they make. Their natural properties are ones that I have come to trust for such a vast array of reasons and remedies. I love this frugal deal as a starter: Aromatherapy Top 6 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Basic Sampler Essential Oil Gift Basic sampler essential oil gift set 6/10ml (lavender, sweet orange, peppermint, lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus)
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For now, let’s concentrate on the dreaded colds, and what you can do lessen the severity or help get over this attack on our bodies.
7 Essential Oils for Colds
- On Guard Essential Oil Protective Blend
: This thieves blend is commonly used to guard against illness. Since it strengthens the immune system booster, you can use it daily to keep your health at best and lessen the severity when you have a cold. On Guard consists of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. The oils in this blend kill harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. To use On Guard – diffuse it into air, or mix with a carrier oil such as coconut to massage on the bottoms of feet, or throat.
: This thieves blend is commonly used to guard against illness. Since it strengthens the immune system booster, you can use it daily to keep your health at best and lessen the severity when you have a cold. On Guard consists of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. The oils in this blend kill harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. To use On Guard – diffuse it into air, or mix with a carrier oil such as coconut to massage on the bottoms of feet, or throat.
- Breathe Again {blend} – The name says it all! When the nose is stuffed and congestion is at it’s worst, Breathe Again is one I’d instantly reach for. I’d suggest mixing ~5 drops with a tablespoon of coconut oil {or your favourite carrier}, and rubbing it on the chest and nose. While, sleeping, diffuse Breath Again, to sleep more comfortably. Breathe again is a blend of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Ravensara essential oil.
{blend} – The name says it all! When the nose is stuffed and congestion is at it’s worst, Breathe Again is one I’d instantly reach for. I’d suggest mixing ~5 drops with a tablespoon of coconut oil {or your favourite carrier}, and rubbing it on the chest and nose. While, sleeping, diffuse Breath Again, to sleep more comfortably. Breathe again is a blend of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Ravensara essential oil.
- Frankincense Oil: This oil has been used since 1500BC as a treatment of disease and illness. This oil has endless benefits and some include muscle relaxation, immune support, uplifting of mood and heightening awareness, and its general support of body systems. One benefit is that it’s a powerful immune enhancer. It is great for use during the cold and flu season yet there isn’t a wrong time to boost your immune system so use it any time. Since it’s a muscle relaxant, it’s a good choice to use when coughing with a cold. Frankincense oil can be used topically, internally, and diffused into the environment.
: This oil has been used since 1500BC as a treatment of disease and illness. This oil has endless benefits and some include muscle relaxation, immune support, uplifting of mood and heightening awareness, and its general support of body systems. One benefit is that it’s a powerful immune enhancer. It is great for use during the cold and flu season yet there isn’t a wrong time to boost your immune system so use it any time. Since it’s a muscle relaxant, it’s a good choice to use when coughing with a cold. Frankincense oil can be used topically, internally, and diffused into the environment.
- Lemon Oil: Lemon oil is an antiseptic and and anti-bacterial {think of all those cleaning supplies that contain lemon}. For sore throats, drop lemon essential oil into water and drink or mix with a teaspoon of honey. Since lemon is also a mood elevator, you could diffuse lemon into the air when you have a cold, to help cleanse and also help that feeling of begin run-down.
: Lemon oil is an antiseptic and and anti-bacterial {think of all those cleaning supplies that contain lemon}. For sore throats, drop lemon essential oil into water and drink or mix with a teaspoon of honey. Since lemon is also a mood elevator, you could diffuse lemon into the air when you have a cold, to help cleanse and also help that feeling of begin run-down.
- Eucalyptus Oil: This one is an antiviral and decongestant oil, so is very useful in helping to treat colds and congestion. Diffusing eucalyptus oil will relieve congested nasal passages, soothe inflammation and fight off bacteria.
: This one is an antiviral and decongestant oil, so is very useful in helping to treat colds and congestion. Diffusing eucalyptus oil will relieve congested nasal passages, soothe inflammation and fight off bacteria.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender is commonly used for relaxation {for example, diffused at bedtime}, yet it’s also an antiseptic and an antimicrobial. So it’ll help fight infections as well.
: Lavender is commonly used for relaxation {for example, diffused at bedtime}, yet it’s also an antiseptic and an antimicrobial. So it’ll help fight infections as well.
- Peppermint Oil: is best known for reducing or preventing a cold, cough or fever. This oil is also great at opening and clearing sinus and respiratory congestion. It has also been known to relieve headaches {I dab just a bit on my temples}, diarrhea and nausea, and can bring a wide range of comforts to the misery of colds and flu. When applied topically, this oil is very soothing to tired, sore muscles.
: is best known for reducing or preventing a cold, cough or fever. This oil is also great at opening and clearing sinus and respiratory congestion. It has also been known to relieve headaches {I dab just a bit on my temples}, diarrhea and nausea, and can bring a wide range of comforts to the misery of colds and flu. When applied topically, this oil is very soothing to tired, sore muscles.
Personally, I like having the blends such a On Guard and Breathe Again on hand at all times. It saves me from blending my own, and it’s easy to grab when you need it. Yet, I also use all the above in combinations.
For example, I’ll dab some On Guard on us all in the morning, and then diffuse Breathe Again at night. I love the many properties of Lemon oil, so all day I drink water with a few drops of lemon essential oil mixed in.
Have you tried essential oils for colds?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and these ideas are not to be taken as medical advice– they are simply what works for us. Products, information, and descriptions presented here are for educational purposes of the traditional uses of essential oils only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counselling with a health care professional. Individuals with serious illnesses or complications should consult a qualified health care professional.
kathy downey says
I just got my starter kit a few weeks ago and love to read about essential oils.Thanks
Amy D says
I wish I had these about now as I am getting a cold! I love treat things naturally when possible!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
I love my doTERRA starter kit! I clean with them, but I am very interested in trying some of the blends, too!
Stefani Tolson says
I have used a few essential oils in the past that have worked for various things. I am happy to see them becoming more and more popular. I would love to have some sort of kit with a variety of oils to use, like with colds like you mentioned.
Melissa Pezza says
Thanks so much for this great info. I just recently got into essential oils, and I’ll take all the knowledge I can get. I love this article!
Amanda Taylor says
You know, I have heard so many positive things about essential oils but I have yet to try them. I really could have used some on hand this week because I was fighting SUCH a bad cold!
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, I love Breathe. I have it in that sniff tube and it is super-awesome. Such a life-saver. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Daisy says
It’s no fun being sick. I need to get some peppermint and eucalyptus oils. That sounds really nice!
Anne Taylor says
I have not tried essential oils yet for anything other than peppermint for spiders. I think we’ll be checking them out soon though!
gingermommyrants says
I have been using essential oils for years. I love Eucalyptus oil for colds. I find a few drops in a hot shower can do wonders for a stuffy nose.
Pam says
So many people I know are into essential oils. I didn’t know they could help with colds.
Danielle says
I see so much about oils and I think I’m becoming convinced I need to give in and get with the program. Anything to help the health of my family.
Kathy says
I love using essential oils! I actually just recently started using some of them for colds with the kids. I can’t wait to get more of them. They’re great!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
I did not known that essential oils could be used for so many different things. I will have to try them out!
Meagan says
I use lavender oil all the time. I also have Ongaurd in the cupboard – going to have to pull that out and give it a try!
Carrie says
A lot of my friends are getting into essential oil. They seem like a great alternative to prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Definitely something I need to look into.
Debbie W says
My body doesn’t like traditional over the counter meds. This may be the way to go.
Lori JB says
I am just starting to learn about essential oils. There are so many of them. I love that there are a seemingly endless amount of combinations for practically anything! Thanks for sharing so more great info on them.
Stephanie LaPlante says
I’m very interested in trying essential oils
Erika E says
I have used Lavender and Eucalyptus oils for years when my family has a cold. Recently I tried Oregano oil at the suggestion of one of my friends and I was amazed at how well it worked to relieve my symptoms.
April Decheine says
I have been wanting to use Frankincense oil, I have heard it has a lot of really good benefits. I use essential oils for many things.
Mary Larsen says
I have not gotten into using oils yet, but I’ve heard great things about them. Who knows, maybe this will be the year that I try it!
Doris Calvert says
I have been looking in to these because Jodi (Mommy Moment) looks awesome! This is a great alternative to drugs and worth a try!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I recently started using essential oils. I use Thieves and Peppermint for my daughter’s asthma. Words really good! I would like to get into them more.
Pamela:: Still Dating My Spouse says
I didn’t know essential oils were good for colds. Thanks for this info
kristin says
I have heard so much about oils I need to try them out personally at some point, thank you for sharing.
Christine says
I’m always amazed at how effective Essential oils can be. I love to diffuse lemon around the house. Makes it feel more fresh.
Judy Cowan says
I have been reading really good things about essential oils but have not tried them yet. I am thinking I really should!