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Natural Cold Remedies: Aromatherapy for Cold and Flu Season
Are you battling through a stuffy nose and scratchy throat? It must be cold and flu season! Don’t worry. In this post, we’ll explore aromatherapy for colds and share some natural remedies to help you breathe easily again.Whether it's eucalyptus oil to clear congestion or peppermint oil to ease sinus pressure, aromatherapy offers a wide range of options to relieve cold symptoms. Additionally, the uplifting scents can help improve your mood in winter, and boost morale whilst you recover. Say goodbye to sniffing and snotting, and hello to a more comfortable and relaxed cold season. It’s time to discover natural relief!
It’s a common misconception that colds, coughs, and the flu are caught from the declining temperatures alone, but several factors increase the likelihood of contracting these viruses during the winter.
Over-the-counter cold remedies can be useful for quickly treating symptoms, but they don’t prevent you from catching or spreading it, and they often come with unwanted side effects.
Some alternative natural cold remedies you can try instead, include:
Aromatherapy offers a natural and effective way to alleviate cold symptoms and support your body’s recovery.
There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your routine for cold relief. Here are some popular methods:
Whatever method you choose, there are a few safety notes to be aware of when using aromatherapy for colds:
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a blending oil before you use them on the skin. You should never ingest essential oils. And, as with all natural remedies for colds or other illnesses, if symptoms persist, visit your pharmacy or doctor for advice.
Here are some essential oil blends to help you during cold and flu season.
Shorter days and longer nights mean a reduction in sunlight – resulting in a lack of vitamin D. The consequence of this is an immune system more vulnerable to infection.
The Fix: Diffuse six drops of Lemon Essential Oil every day. This will help to boost the body’s immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells – thereby increasing your ability to fight off illness.
Viruses transmit faster in the cold as lower temperatures make them tougher and more resilient.
Cold air also contains less water vapour than hot air making it drier. Therefore, when we cough and sneeze, the particles released remain in the air for longer, and as a result, it is more likely for us to catch the cold virus.
The Fix: Before going to bed, add 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, and 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser.
Did you know that people who sleep less than six hours a night have four times the risk of catching a cold than people who sleep seven hours a night or more?
Your sleep routine might be the reason you feel so stuffy after all.
Luckily, aromatherapy can help you. Diffuse a gentle and relaxing essential oil like Lavender Essential Oil before bed, or use our Sleep Better range for a good night’s rest.
With the right natural remedies and essential oils by your side, you’ll be set to fight off the germs this season!
What causes colds, coughs, and the flu?
It’s a common misconception that colds, coughs, and the flu are caught from the declining temperatures alone, but several factors increase the likelihood of contracting these viruses during the winter.
- Shorter days and lack of vitamin D lead to weakened immune systems
- Germs are tougher and more resilient in cold temperatures
- The air is drier, meaning cough and sneeze particles remain in the air for longer
Natural cold remedies
Over-the-counter cold remedies can be useful for quickly treating symptoms, but they don’t prevent you from catching or spreading it, and they often come with unwanted side effects.
Some alternative natural cold remedies you can try instead, include:
- Drinking warm water mixed with honey and lemon
- Drinking ginger tea
- Eating fruits high in vitamin C
- Taking a warm bath
- Getting plenty of rest
How to use aromatherapy for colds
Aromatherapy offers a natural and effective way to alleviate cold symptoms and support your body’s recovery.
There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your routine for cold relief. Here are some popular methods:
- Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or vaporizer, creating a soothing and healing environment. Alternatively, add a few drops to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale deeply.
- Steam Inhalation: this method is particularly beneficial for relieving congestion. Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam deeply for a few minutes.
- Massage: Aromatherapy massage can relieve aches and pains associated with fighting a cold. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil, or use a pre-made massage blend. Gently massage your chest, back, and neck.
Safety first!
Whatever method you choose, there are a few safety notes to be aware of when using aromatherapy for colds:
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a blending oil before you use them on the skin. You should never ingest essential oils. And, as with all natural remedies for colds or other illnesses, if symptoms persist, visit your pharmacy or doctor for advice.
Two aromatherapy blends for colds
Here are some essential oil blends to help you during cold and flu season.
Immunity Boosting Blend
Shorter days and longer nights mean a reduction in sunlight – resulting in a lack of vitamin D. The consequence of this is an immune system more vulnerable to infection.
The Fix: Diffuse six drops of Lemon Essential Oil every day. This will help to boost the body’s immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells – thereby increasing your ability to fight off illness.
Germ Repelling Blend
Viruses transmit faster in the cold as lower temperatures make them tougher and more resilient.
Cold air also contains less water vapour than hot air making it drier. Therefore, when we cough and sneeze, the particles released remain in the air for longer, and as a result, it is more likely for us to catch the cold virus.
The Fix: Before going to bed, add 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, and 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser.
Bonus: A sleepy solution
Did you know that people who sleep less than six hours a night have four times the risk of catching a cold than people who sleep seven hours a night or more?
Your sleep routine might be the reason you feel so stuffy after all.
Luckily, aromatherapy can help you. Diffuse a gentle and relaxing essential oil like Lavender Essential Oil before bed, or use our Sleep Better range for a good night’s rest.
With the right natural remedies and essential oils by your side, you’ll be set to fight off the germs this season!
