Feeling Under the Weather? These Essential Oils Can Help You Feel Better

There's a lot to look forward to during the winter months. But congestion, sneezing, coughing, a fever, and headaches are not among them! Unfortunately, these symptoms are common at this time of year due to rampant viral infections and dry winter air.

At Woolzies, we turn to essential oils when we're feeling low.

Keep reading as we explore the best essential oils to use when you're under the weather.

Can essential oils help when you're sick?

In our experience – and that of our customers – essential oils are fantastic for soothing mild symptoms of colds and flu.

So, how do they help?

Essential oils have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, stress-relieving, and pain-relieving properties. Thanks to their stimulating aromas, essential oils get to work quickly. Within a few minutes, you can go from feeling congested to breathing easily.

There are several oils that every house should have.

Essential oils for colds and flu

These essential oils are our favorites to encourage a speedy recovery from colds and flu:

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a fresh, energizing oil with decongestant properties. It also contains cooling menthol, which may be helpful for fevers.

We recommend steaming your sinuses with peppermint oil. Fill a large bowl with hot water and 5 drops of peppermint oil. Cover your head with a towel, close your eyes, and hold your face a safe distance away from the bowl as you inhale for a few minutes.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree is a must-have when you're feeling low! Native Australian tribes have used crushed tea tree leaves to treat colds for hundreds of years.

Soaking in a tea tree oil bath can soothe body aches and reduce congestion when you're under the weather. In addition, adding tea tree oil to heating and air conditioning filters may help to kill flu viruses (1).

Lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil – pressed from the lemon peel – has a fresh, citrusy scent and health properties. It's energizing, antibacterial, and mood-boosting – perfect for when you're feeling run down.

Diffusing an oil blend using lemon can improve how you feel when you have a cold. Add 2 drops peppermint oil, 2 drops tea tree oil, 2 drops lemon oil, and 100 ml of water to your ultrasonic diffuser.

Essential oils for a cough and sore throat

Our top essential oils for coughs and sore throats are Eucalyptus and Clove.

Eucalyptus essential oil has a camphorous scent known for relieving inflammation and congestion. Massaging diluted eucalyptus oil onto your chest and throat area may soothe a cough and sore throat.

When it comes to treating a sore throat, clove essential oil is our go-to. It contains a compound called eugenol with potent anesthetic and antimicrobial benefits (2).

At the first sign of a sore throat, make a gargle using these ingredients:

● 2 drops clove oil

● 1 drop oregano oil

● 1 drop rosemary oil

● 1 teaspoon salt

● 1 cup warm water

Stir until the salt has dissolved and gargle for 20 seconds at a time. Repeat this 2-3 times during the day until your sore throat has healed. Note: We do not encourage consuming essential oils internally, so don't swallow this solution.

Essential oils for nausea and tummy aches

The festive season is synonymous with overindulgence. Bloating, cramps, indigestion, acid reflux, and nausea are regular features during this time.

When inhaled and applied topically, essential oils may ease digestive symptoms – think ginger, Roman chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and lemon.

Try this diffuser blend:

● 2 drops lemon essential oil

● 2 drops peppermint essential oil

● 2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

Add this – along with 100 ml of water – to your diffuser and let it run for 30-60 minutes as you take slow breaths and relax.

Essential oils for headaches and migraines

When you're down for the count with a migraine, our  Head Ease Blend can help. It's designed specifically for headaches and migraines and has a lovely minty, herbal scent.

You can use this blend to make an essential oil compress. Soak a cloth in warm water and sprinkle on a few drops of Head Ease. Close the curtains, lie down, and place the compress over your forehead and eyes to soothe a headache.

Wrapping up….

While they're not a replacement for medical advice, essential oils are a great addition to your wellness "toolkit."

However, rest, hydration, a good diet, and medication should come first when you're sick. And always reach out to your medical practitioner if your symptoms persist.

Resources

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2012.708948

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551727/