Essential Oils for Cold Relief: Natural Remedies & Benefits

Essential oils have been used throughout history for their many medicinal and cleansing properties. Some essential oils work especially well when fighting a cold. Lavender essential oil contains anti-stress properties, promotes sleep, boosts the immune system and is antiseptic. Eucalyptus essential oil works as a decongestant, an antiseptic, and a fever reducer. It also contains antiviral properties. Sandalwood, peppermint, cedarwood, rosemary, and frankincense essential oils also work as decongestants. Tea tree essential oil is antiseptic and anti-viral. Garlic essential oil is a powerful anti-viral oil while ginger essential oil is anti-bacterial. Essential oils can be used in gargles and homemade vaporizers to help the body fight a cold.

Things You'll Need

• Lavender essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Sandalwood essential oil
• Garlic essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Ginger essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Medium-sized pot
• Medium-sized glass
• Towel

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Instructions

Essential Oil Gargle for Sore Throats

• 1

  Fill a medium-sized glass with water. Pour the water into a pot and simmer until lukewarm.

• 2

  Add 1 or 2 drops (no more than 2) of eucalyptus, garlic, sage, ginger, and tea tree essential oils to the warm water.

• 3

  Gargle with the solution. Do not swallow the mixture.

Essential Oil Decongestant

• 4

  Fill a medium-sized pot with water and heat until boiling.

• 5

  Add 1 to 2 drops of eucalyptus, sandalwood, peppermint, rosemary, and frankincense oils to the boiling water. Use all or at least two of these oils.

• 6

  Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot. Inhale the vapors deeply. Take at least five deep breaths for maximum results. Congestion should clear up partially or completely within minutes.