List of Top 10 Essential Oils for Respiratory Infections
The common cold is the most prevalent infection a individual ever experiences and more than 220 cold viruses are estimated to infect people. It generally requires one or three days after exposure to get the disease started the cold generally takes seven days, but it may take several weeks in some cases. The same virus never infects the same individual twice, and although there is no cure for common cold, natural treatments prevent infection.
The influenza virus is more hazardous than a prevalent cold, and its symptoms are more problem-sensitive. Symptoms of flu include fever, muscle dullness, chills, cough, congestion, and full body pain. Influenza can make a individual feel dehydrated and weak, and the elderly are more likely to experience problems. It is extremely essential to maintain hydration and control functions, as the flu can cause severe problems, including death sometimes the immune system becomes fragile once a individual is infected with the cold or flu virus so that they are prone to bacterial pneumonia. The influenza vaccine can help prevent influenza infection.
Here, we are discussing the use of essential oils for infected persons.
According to a research released in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternate Medicine in 2011, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus vital oils are suggested to assist relieve the symptoms of cold and influenza. The advantage has also been shown by winter-green, clove, lemon, thyme and oregano oils.
How to use basic oils
The broad range of plant-based chemicals in a specified plant is because of its antiviral and antibacterial characteristics, as well as its vital oils. There are many methods to use essential oils and to profit from them.
Diffuser
The best way to make the most of these oils is by using an important petroleum diffuser. I suggest that the vital oil be diffused for between 15 and 30 minutes, up to three times a day. Just add a few drops of essential oil to the water and dissolve. Consider spreading oil or the oil mix while you are sleeping if you are attempting to enhance your respiratory symptoms.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can put a couple of drops of the essential oil into a spray bottle with water.
Research shows that many of the essential oils mentioned below have antibacterial and antiviral characteristics and can assist to remove the air from airborne pathogens.
Direct inhalation
You can inhale most essential oils straight from your bottle or add a couple of drops of the essential oil on your palm and softly inhale. Certain oils are stronger than others; always refer to the oil label for guidance, because for topical use, some oils may need to be diluted. Consider adding a few drops to a cup or bowl of warm water during inhalation.
10 Essential Oils You Need in Your Medicine Cabinet
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus torquata and eucalyptus sideroxylon)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Lemon (Citrus limonum)
- Chamomile
- Frankincense (Boswellia carteii)
- Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Thyme
- Oregano oils (Origanum Vulgar)
Now that you understand how to use them, here are the finest essential oils for the cold and influenza seasons.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a prevalent herb often cultivated in house gardens. The health advantages have been demonstrated and, according to a New York Times article, rosemary plays an important role in the diets of one of the world’s healthiest and oldest living communities, people residing in Acciaroli, Italy.
- Rosemary has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics.
- Blend with eucalyptus, peppermint, candy and lemon.
Instructions: Use a diffuser. Place 2-3 falls with water in the diffuser.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus torquata and eucalyptus sideroxylon)
Eucalyptus is native to Australia, where Aboriginal people have been using eucalyptus for generations to treat sinus infections, respiratory infections and pain. Eucalyptus is a potent antibacterial and antiviral antioxidant. It also works as an expectorant that breaks mucus in the airway.
Mix in rosemary, peppermint, candy and lemon.
Instructions: Use a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops along with water in the diffuser. Inhale – Prevent oral oil consumption.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a famous herb and essential oil. It’s a watermint and spearmint hybrid. The smell is sharp and fresh, and menthol is one of its main elements. In recent times, it was used as a chewing gum flavoring. Peppermint is a European native with many health benefits.
Mix rosemary, eucalyptus, frankincense and lemon with the mixture.
Instructions: Use with a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale – You can also take a few drops orally in a glass of water.
Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Lemon is a familiar sour and sweet scent, and has many uses as an essential oil. Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, it is widely used in beauty products and can be used to purify skin from acne. According to a 2016 study on virus disease, it may also be helpful for people with chest cold and those who were exposed to flu virus. Lemon oil may be absorbed when properly diluted.
- Lemon stimulates the immune system with antiviral and antibacterial characteristics.
- Mix with rosemary, eucalyptus, candy and peppermint.
Instructions: Use a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale – You can also take a few drops orally in a glass of water.
NOTE: Do not apply directly to the skin, as irritation may occur.
Chamomile
Originally from eastern and southern Europe, chamomile. It has been used by Greeks, Romans and ancient Egyptians for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It smells sweet and fruity. It also has many health benefits, including antiseptic properties, when used as a core oil. Those who have a disease often find it difficult to sleep, and chamomile can be eaten as a herbal tea for those who want to sleep well. It also helps you relax when you are ill.
Instructions: Use a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in a diffuser. Inhale – You can also put a few drops to take orally in a glass of water.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteii)
Maybe most known as a gift given by the Three Wise Men, since it has a woody, balsamic aroma Frankincense has been used historically for perfume. It is used today in religious ceremonies, including in the Catholic Church. Frankincense is also known as boswellia for medicinal purposes in India and Africa— it was traded in Somalia 5,000 years ago and was one time more valuable than gold. It is mentioned in one of Ebers Papyrus’ most ancient medical textbooks, dating from the 16th century BC.
- Used commonly for respiratory infections and immune system stimulation. It also creates a sense of comfort.
- Mix with eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and citrus fruit.
Instructions: Use with a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in diffuser. Inhale – You can also put a few drops into a glass of water to take by mouth.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
The Wintergreen herb was used by North American indigenous cultures. Infused with tea, it has been consumed to prevent viral infections from causing achor, pain and soreness. In addition, Native Americans chewed the leaves to prevent tooth decay.
Caution: Winter green may be dangerous if you have thinners in your blood because it can slow the clotting of blood.
Instructions: Use with a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale. – Can also put a few drops orally in a glass of water.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
The clove, derived from a tree, has numerous benefits and is indigenous to Southeast Asia and Indonesia. It has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics and has been used for centuries by healers in India and China. Eugenol, which has numbing and antiviral properties when applied topically, is one of the main ingredients of clove. It also has anti-aging properties.
Blends with rosemary and lemon oil.
Instructions: Use a diffuser. Put 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale – You can also put a few drops to take orally in a glass of water. Apply a drop to the back of the tongue for a cough.
Thyme
Thyme is an ancient herb with medicinal properties and is also known as red thyme. During embalming, it was used by Egyptians and Romans all over Europe to help purify living quarters. The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient medical text dating back to the 16th century BC, first mentioned this herb.
Thyme is antibacterial as well as antiviral. Thymol is a known herb ingredient with antibacterial properties and antiviral efficiency.
Mix with rosemary.
Instructions: Use with a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale – Can also put a few drops to take orally in a glass of water.
Oregano oils (Origanum Vulgar)
Originally from the Mediterranean, Oregano is a flowering plant. Its name is derived from the Latin origanus. It was used for hundreds of years and has numerous health benefits, including antiviral and antibacterial properties. An antibacterial properties were demonstrated in a 2001 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
Blends with rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and frankincense.
Instructions: Use with a diffuser. Place 2-3 drops with water in the diffuser. Inhale – You can also take a few drops orally in a glass of water. Do not inhale directly because nasal passages may be irritated.
Essential Oils Can Naturally Calm Cold and Flu Symptoms
High respiratory infections like cold and flu can make a person feel miserable. The majority of treatment options focus on symptom relief. Essential oils have been a popular therapeutic option over the centuries. The safety profiles of essential oils make them a great choice–investments in high-quality air diffusers are important and bring relief and well-being to you and your loved ones.