Tag Archives: flu

Sneezy routines, droplet days: Aromatherapy for chest congestion

Sneezing, cough and congestion are common during autumn or winter. Cold and flu are so common that almost everyone who has a low immunity level becomes vulnerable to it. Since the flu virus spreads from person to person very rapidly, preventing it can be difficult. Sinus infection can also be a source of headaches, runny noses and droplet infection if left untreated. However, the oral over the counter drugs that we take often fail to offer immediate or complete relief. This is why it becomes important to search for alternative remedies. Control over your condition can be achieved only through natural remedies like essential oils.

Essential oils for congestion: Chest congestion can be both painful and troublesome. You will have difficulty in breathing, excessive mucus blockage in the nasal passages accompanied by flu, cough and sniffles. It is always better to keep a stock of essential oils for treatment of such conditions. Some of the essential oils that help with chest and nasal congestion are – Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Tea Tree oil, Ravensara, and Frankincense. Most of these essential oils have anti-viral properties which make them immuno-stimulators and flu-annihilators. They act upon the flu virus, and give immediate relief.


Below are some of the commonly-used essential oils for chest congestion:

1. Eucalyptus oil: When it comes congestion, nothing works like Eucalyptus oil. The active chemical compounds in the oil work well in clearing nasal blockages and sinus congestion. Like menthol, Eucalyptus oil acts on receptors in the nasal mucosa and reduce the symptoms of congestion. The astringent properties of the oil also help with reducing inflammation of the mucous membrane and the upper respiratory tract. The oil is also an antiseptic which has strong germicidal properties to effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and also treat tuberculosis. Studies have proved that Eucalyptus is so vehement on bacteria that even a 2% diluted solution of the oil can kill 70% of air-bone staphylococcus bacteria.

With Eucalyptus oil, you can inhale it through steam inhalation or use an aromatherapy diffuser. The chemical component called ‘Eucalyptol’ in the oil will destroy the bacteria and loosen the phlegm.

2. Pine oil: Pine oil is good for highly congested chest or nose. Owing to its healing and strong aromatic properties, it helps with coughs, chills and aches related to flu and common cold.

3. Lavender and Peppermint oils: Lavender oils fight infection, reduces inflammation and eases congestion. Peppermint oil, like Lavender oil, reduces infection, clears congestion and kills the flu-virus.

Some of the methods that can clear congestion using these essential oils include – aromatherapy diffuser, steam inhalation and aromatic baths. Quick relief can be got by using Eucalyptus and Peppermint oil combined with steam. The steam opens up the blocked bronchial passages, making breathing a simple and easy affair. Another classic way to use essential oils is to add drops of the oils into a bowl of boiling water, lean over it and inhale the steam (from escaping) by covering with a towel. Doing this for five minutes can clear nasal congestion completely.

Chest-rub Massage oil:
This massage oil can be used for children who have bronchial or respiratory infection. It can be rubbed on to the chest for instant relief. Recipe includes –

  • 1 drop Lavender oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree oil
  • 1 drop Niaouli oil
  • 1 drop Sandalwood oil
  • 25 ml of Jojoba oil

Mix the oils and when the blend is ready, massage them on to the chest for congestion relief.

Sick as a dog? 5 essential oil blends for cold, flu and bronchitis

When the seasons change, not just the landscape, even our bodies change. As we move to Spring or Autumn, we need to be prepared for the possible seasonal allergies that we can contract during the season. The shift in the weather, sudden drop or rise in temperatures, breezy climatic conditions – anything from everything can cause cold, flu or respiratory system related illnesses. Common cold is so common, yet the rigors you have to go through while experiencing it can be difficult for anyone. Intensity of your flu can depend on the effect of the virus and also the efficiency of your immune system. Essential oils can come handy in treating common cold or flu. This article will detail on how it is possible to completely cure yourself of cold symptoms with just a few oil blends.

Essential oil blends for cold and flu: Essential oils have therapeutic properties to cure you of cold-causing organisms and alleviating the symptoms of flu like congestion, headaches, body pain etc. Below are a few recipes that can be made at the convenience of your home:

1. For chest cold and cough: This blend has to be inhaled for better response. You can make the blend and add 4 to 5 drops of it to 18 oz of hot water. Cover yourself with a towel to inhale the blend without letting in external air or allowing the temperature to cool the blend. This sort of steam inhalation can help relieve your headache and cold congestion. To make the blend, combine 6 drops of Cinnamon with 6 drops of Rosemary, 6 drops of Pine and 3 drops of Thyme.

2. For seasonal allergies: If your nasal passage is completely congested, this blend can offer you instant relief. Blend together 4 drops of Eucalyptus, 4 drops of Chamomile, 3 drops of Anise, 3 drops of Lemon, 1 drop of Petitgrain and 5 ml of your favorite carrier oil. While bathing, use 15 to 18 drops of the blend in your bath water. You can even omit the carrier oil when you use a bath oil.

3. For flu, sinusitis and bronchitis: You can blend all these oils by adding them into a dark amber colored bottle and then shaking the bottle for gentle blending. To treat flu or bronchitis, mix 30 drops of Eucalyptus with 15 drops of Lavender, 12 drops of Pine, 6 drops of Marjoram and 3 drops of Thyme. When blended well, mix a few drops of the blend in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam for about 5 to 10 minutes.

4. For prevention of cold and flu: Treatment of cold and flu is different from prevention of it. If you want to take precautions to prevent cold and flu, try this blend. To make the blend, use 5 ml of Lavender, 5 ml of Eucalyptus, 3 ml of Ravensara, 2 ml of Bay Laurel and mix together.

5. For cough:
Frequent coughing can spoil your health and also irritate people around. To prevent the cough syndrome from spreading to everyone at home and to alleviate the frequency of your coughs, try this blend. Add Eucalyptus in a pan of water on low heat and put in a vaporizer or diffuser. The aroma will spread throughout your living space and enhance the health of everyone.