Essential oils properties and use for a runny nose. Benefits of essential oils for colds and flu

Aromatherapy today is one of the most popular procedures not only for body care, but also as a wonderful natural antiviral remedy.

Essential oils against colds are used for treatment, auxiliary measures, and also prevention of the disease. Healing aromatherapy procedures provide protective, restorative, antibacterial functions, which contribute to rapid and effective recovery.

Fir essential oil for the prevention of colds and the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT and respiratory organs. Used as an aid for pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat, and runny nose.

Eucalyptus acts as an antiviral, antipyretic, antiseptic, immune strengthening, and expectorant. Its use gives positive results in the fight against acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis.

This ester has an excellent effect on removing excess mucus, which causes coughing.

Tea tree oil has a powerful antibacterial effect, helps inhibit the development of various pathogenic bacteria. Can be used for pneumonia, flu, colds, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media.

The extract is endowed with strong immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties.

Lemon, as well as other citrus fruits (tangerine, lime, etc.), helps alleviate the condition of a patient with a cold by strengthening the immune system.

Works as an antiseptic, analgesic, antioxidant, tonic natural drug, suppresses the activity of viral infection.

Rosemary restores the body's defenses, has disinfectant properties, has an antitussive effect, helping to significantly reduce spasms of bronchial and asthmatic origin.

Pine can be used to alleviate pain in the throat, resume nasal breathing, and as an expectorant, which is excellent for removing phlegm. Aromatherapy provides an opportunity to significantly improve your health.

Lavender ether is characterized by a wide healing effect on the body. The oil effectively fights various bacteria and infections, and is used as an anti-inflammatory, soothing, and tonic natural remedy.

Useful for respiratory diseases, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections.

Peppermint essential oil improves immunity, reduces fever, is good for treating the upper respiratory tract, relieves nasal congestion and other cold symptoms.

Thyme is an excellent antiseptic, which promotes rapid recovery of the body after illness; it is an analgesic, immunomodulating, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory agent of natural origin.

Treatments with this oil are useful for colds and chronic respiratory diseases.

Sage acts on the body as a general strengthening drug that removes phlegm and effectively relieves inflammation of the respiratory organs and throat.

Juniper, like other essential oils against colds, is useful due to its high antiseptic and anti-infective properties. In fact, they are natural antibiotics.

Cardamom and anise fight headaches, cough and runny nose.

You can learn more about the properties of each oil from.

Essential oils for cold prevention and treatment are the right choice of an effective natural remedy.

To relieve fever - bergamot, lemon balm, lavender, eucalyptus,.
To strengthen the immune system - grapefruit, lemon, pine, juniper, ylang-ylang, sage.
For antiseptic purposes - rosemary, tea tree, clove, thyme,.
Antiviral - fennel, mint, geranium, lemon balm.

Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, regenerating properties, which help in relieving the symptoms of colds, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Various mixtures of essential oils effectively influence healing processes.

Rules for using aromatherapy

Before using esters, it is recommended to consult a doctor, this rule especially applies to people suffering from certain diseases, pregnant women and children, since many oils are contraindicated for use in these cases.
The dosage of oil should be strictly observed and should not exceed the permissible limit.
For children under 3 years of age, it is better not to do procedures with essential oils at all.
Before an aromatherapy session, you need to check the individual reaction of the body by dropping a little oil on the bend of the elbow or the inner side of the wrist. If there are no rashes, headaches, a feeling of suffocation, or other unpleasant sensations, you can use the oil.
Take orally only in dissolved form with honey and jam.
Purchase and use high-quality essential oils, check the expiration date.
For most treatments, essential oils should be mixed with base oils.

To speed up the recovery of the immune system, it is important not only to know which essential oils help with colds, but also to have sufficient information regarding treatment methods using aromatherapy.

Inhalations - for such procedures, a special inhaler is convenient, or you can add a few drops (up to 4) of a certain essential oil to a container with fairly hot water, lean over the steam, cover your head with a towel and inhale the healing aroma.

Aroma inhalation rules:

time period – up to 5-7 minutes;
up to 3 times a day for no more than 7 days;
one procedure - before going to bed;
After such aromatherapy, do not eat food for 60 minutes.

Recipes for oil mixtures for inhalation

1 drop of essential oil:

pine and lavender;
eucalyptus and tea tree;
rosemary and thyme;
lavender and eucalyptus;
eucalyptus and thyme;

2 drops of essential oil:

eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree;
mint, sage, eucalyptus, tea tree;
rosemary, mint, lavender, eucalyptus.

Rubbing – 2 tbsp. tablespoons of base oil (olive, avocado, jojoba) and 20 drops of a certain essential oil should be mixed well and applied with massaging movements to the skin.

The aroma lamp helps relieve cold symptoms and is an excellent preventive measure. The most effective mixture of lavender, mint, eucalyptus oils.

Aromatic bath helps not only improve the patient’s condition, but also remove toxins. Before using essential oil for such a procedure, you must combine it with an emulsifying agent (sea salt, milk, honey, glycerin).

Recipes for aromatherapy in the bathroom:

* restorative

3 parts each of thyme, eucalyptus;
1 tsp tea tree oil;
1 tbsp. spoon of honey;

* antiviral

3 parts each of rosemary and tea tree;
1 k lemon;
1 tbsp. spoon of milk;

* to fight colds

200 grams of bath salts;
4 drops each of eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary oils.

For oral administration, mix one drop of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of jam and honey.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to relieve cold symptoms. The use of essential oils is beneficial for the body due to their naturalness, availability and safety. with the right approach to use.

The end of autumn and winter is the time for colds. These insidious viruses are just waiting for our immunity to lose its vigilance. Children are especially susceptible to various types of colds. Trying to cure another acute respiratory infection in a child, parents give him a lot of different medications, which often have a fairly large list of side effects. But few people know that essential oils can help children with colds. Using essential oils for colds in children can not only relieve cold symptoms, but also stimulate the immune system.

Before using essential oils for colds in children, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of use and dosages of essential oils.

Rules for using essential oils for children:

1. Choose only 100% natural essential oils.

3. If your child is prone to allergic reactions, use essential oils with extreme caution.

4. Keep essential oils and preparations containing them out of the reach of children.

5. To avoid burns, citrus essential oils should be applied to the child’s skin at least 8 hours before going out into the sun.

6. Do not apply undiluted essential oil directly to your baby's skin.

7. When carrying out therapeutic procedures with essential oils, do not leave the child alone.

Dosages of essential oils for children

*Child's age*	*Allowed essential oils*	*Purpose/volume*	*Amount of essential oil (in drops)*
2-8 weeks	chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, benzoin, myrrh, dill	Bath/10 liters
		Aroma lamp/room 15 m3
		Massage/30ml
2-12 months	Bergamot, fennel, ginger, orange, ylang-ylang, patchouli, sandalwood	Bath/10 liters
		Aroma lamp/room 15 m3
		Massage/15ml
	Tea tree	Bath/20 liters
		Aroma lamp/room 15 m3
		Massage/15ml
	no limits	Bath/180 liters
		Aroma lamp/room 15 m3
		Massage/15ml
The use of essential oils is not recommended for children under 2 weeks of age. Pediatrician's recommendation is required before using essential oils for children under 5 years of age.

To treat colds in children, mixtures of essential and base oils are used.

The best essential oils for treating colds in children: chamomile, lavender, dill, bergamot, fennel, ginger, orange, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, thyme, pine, cedar.

It is better to use olive and peach oils as a basis for composing baby massage mixtures. These oils are safe for children and almost never cause allergic reactions. For infants, it is better to use sterile vegetable oils. To do this, they should be boiled in a water bath for 30-40 minutes.

You can make your own mixtures from the above essential oils, focusing on the age of the child, or use recipes for ready-made mixtures.

Treatment of colds with essential oils in children under 1 year of age

When bathing your baby, add 1-2 drops of essential oil mixed with 1 tsp to the baby bath. base oil.

After a bath, it is good to give your child a massage with essential oils. To do this, mix 1 drop of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of base oil. Rub this mixture onto your baby's chest and back. Give your feet a massage and wear warm socks.

To treat colds in young children, inhalations with essential oils can be performed. To do this, drop one of the suitable essential oils into the aroma lamp. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.

Basic mixture with essential oils for colds for children 1-5 years old

Basic mixture with essential oils for colds for children over 6 years old

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil,

5 drops lavender essential oil,

5 drops tea tree essential oil,

2 drops of thyme or thyme essential oil.

Mix all ingredients in a glass bottle. The resulting mixture can be used for baths, inhalations, and massages.

Bath: Stir the mixture of essential oils with 1 tsp. base oil and dissolve in water (see the proportions in the table). The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. In addition to the general bath, you can make a foot bath.

Massage: combine the medicinal mixture with almond or apricot oil (see the table for proportions). Rub the resulting massage mixture into the upper chest.

Inhalations: add a few drops of essential oil mixture (see table) to the aroma lamp. The duration of the procedure is up to 30 minutes. You can also place 1-2 drops of a mixture of essential oils on your child’s pillow or pajamas before bed.

Prevention of colds in children using essential oils.

To prevent colds in children during epidemics, it is advisable to aromatize rooms with essential oils of tea tree, eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, thyme, and fir. These essential oils have the ability to stimulate and strengthen the immune system.

In order to disinfect the premises during an epidemic, it is worth carrying out wet cleaning with the addition of one of the above essential oils (5 drops per 1 liter of water).

Schoolchildren and children attending child care institutions can use aromamedalone as a preventive measure for colds. Place 1-2 drops of essential oil on a piece of cotton wool and place in the aroma pendant. Place it around your child's neck and the aroma of essential oil will protect him all day long.

This article is written for informational purposes. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment, consult your pediatrician.

I wish you and your children health!

Essential oils for colds are a fairly effective method of preventing and treating this disease. A correctly selected composition of the above remedies will not only get rid of the symptoms of this disease, but also strengthen the body. It is also allowed to use essential oils for colds for children and pregnant women.

The importance of aromatic oils in the prevention and treatment of colds

Aromatherapy is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to combat viral and bacterial infections. In addition, using this method simultaneously increases the body's immunity.

Essential oils for colds are used both for the prevention of this disease and for its therapy. For example, for the first purpose, the aromas of geranium, lemon, lavender, lemon balm and others are used. For therapy, it is recommended to use other essential substances, such as oil of eucalyptus, sage, tea tree, spruce, rosemary, juniper, lavender, fir, pine, etc.

Effects of aromatic substances on the body

Essential oils have an incredible healing effect for colds. The properties of the above substance depend on the plant from which it is produced:

antiseptic - tea tree, cinnamon, sage, cloves, rosemary;
antiviral - esters of mint, geranium, fennel, ylang-ylang, lemon balm;
antibacterial - this is the oil of geranium, tea tree, spruce, chamomile, myrtle, cedar, juniper, ginger;
anti-inflammatory - esters of sage, tea tree, juniper, cloves, pine, myrtle, thyme, grapefruit;
immunostimulating - sage, tea tree, rose, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, chamomile, juniper, hyssop, lavender, grapefruit oil;
restorative - esters of lavender, anise, rose, fennel, incense, sandalwood;
diaphoretic and antipyretic - oils of peppermint, lemon, lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, chamomile, tea tree and lemon balm.

To disinfect premises from cold viruses, esters of plants such as juniper, eucalyptus, cinnamon, sage, tea tree, oregano, cloves, thyme, and lemon are excellent. For this, a special aroma burner is used.

The most effective aromatic oils for colds: list

1. Essential oils for colds and coughs: 2 drops of eucalyptus + 2 drops of lavender + 2 drops of peppermint + 2 drops of bergamot. This mixture is used for inhalation. Representatives of alternative medicine recommend inhaling these vapors for no more than 10 minutes.

2. Essential oils for colds and runny nose: 5 drops of rosemary ether + 5 drops of pine oil + 5 drops of eucalyptus ether + 2 drops of peppermint + 5 drops of geranium + 5 tablespoons of sunflower oil. This mixture is used for the sinuses.

3. You can also use the following combinations of aromatic oils for the treatment of colds:

2 drops eucalyptus + 2 drops lavender + 2 drops tea tree;
1 drop of eucalyptus + 3 drops of peppermint + 2 drops of sage + 2 drops of tea tree;
1 drops peppermint + 2 drops lavender + 1 drop rosemary + 1 drop eucalyptus;
1 drop of spruce + 1 drop of cypress + 1 drop of thyme + 1 drop of mint + 1 drop of rosemary;
1 drop of thyme + 1 drop of cloves + 1 drop of peppermint + 1 drop of eucalyptus.

The above combinations of aromatic oils were selected by alternative medicine specialists. They produce the maximum therapeutic effect, quickly relieving the body of the symptoms of colds.

The pharmacy also offers the opportunity to purchase essential oils for colds called “Breathe.” Manufacturers of this product have developed combinations of aromatic substances for the treatment of viral and bacterial diseases, thereby greatly simplifying this process. The patient no longer needs to buy several different packages of aromatic oils.

Recommendations for the use of the above remedy for the treatment of viral diseases

When using essential oils for colds, there are several important rules to consider:

These substances must be of high quality, that is, natural.
The dosage must be strictly observed, especially if this remedy is used for children and pregnant women.
To prevent the flu, it is not recommended to use the same aroma oil for more than 3 weeks. It is important to take a break for at least 10 days.
If the smell causes irritation, headaches or is simply unpleasant, it should be replaced with another one.
Aroma oils have the ability to enhance the effect of antibiotics.
Esters block the effects of homeopathic remedies.
Before starting aromatherapy, it is important to consult a doctor if the patient has heart problems, epilepsy, or an allergic reaction.

Ways to use aromatic oils for colds

Aromatherapy for symptoms of viral and bacterial diseases can be carried out using the following methods:

Using special ones (take 5 drops of the substance per 15 square meters).
Taking a bath with ethers: antipyretic - temperature 36 degrees Celsius, for colds - temperature above 40 degrees Celsius.
Method of application to the skin (5 drops of aroma oil are mixed with body cream and rubbed into the chest area).
Using aromatic inhalation (mix 5 drops of a mixture of ethers with a spoon of honey and add to hot water). Breathe this solution for up to 10 minutes. For colds, it is recommended to apply a maximum of 3 times a day.
Oral administration (mix 1 drop of oil with a spoon of honey or vegetable oil). The course of such therapy is no more than 3 weeks. Important: do not take this remedy on an empty stomach.
(Mix 30 drops of aromatic oil mixture with salt and dissolve in 5 liters of water, wash the floors with this liquid).

Aromatherapy for colds and pregnancy

A pregnant woman is not recommended to use this method for the prevention and treatment of viral and bacterial diseases without first consulting a doctor. There are a number of aromatic oils that are contraindicated for patients in this category.

The most effective essential oils for colds for pregnant women: thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, lavender, peppermint, tea tree.

Pregnant women can use both wet and dry inhalations (by applying the substance to the hand) to treat colds.

An excellent therapeutic combination of the following substances for pregnant women: 4 drops of tea tree + the same amount of eucalyptus. Use this mixture of aromatic oils to lubricate the nasal mucosa.

Aromatherapy for colds for children

This method of treatment and prevention of viral and bacterial diseases is excellent for young patients. Children are allowed to take essential oils for colds, but a few recommendations should be taken into account:

These substances, before adding to the water, are mixed with a base - a spoonful of salt;
inhalations with aromatic oils begin from a few seconds and are gradually increased to three minutes;
Pure essential oil should not be used in aromatherapy for children.

Children are allowed to use the following essential oils for colds: eucalyptus, chamomile, lavender or tea tree. Representatives of alternative medicine advise placing a drop of one of the above remedies on the collar of a child’s shirt before going to bed. This is an excellent preventative method.

Essential oils for colds: reviews

Aromatherapy is a fairly popular method of preventing and treating colds. There are enough reviews about this method.

The topic of using ethereal compositions is especially relevant in special forums. Its visitors strongly recommend using aromatic oils for the treatment of viral and bacterial diseases. Reviews from some patients warn about the possibility of side effects if the selected essential oils are not suitable for the body. They indicate symptoms of allergies or severe headaches.

Therefore, before using essential oils for a cold, you should consult a doctor about such therapy. Self-use can be harmful.

Essential oils for colds: contraindications

The above aromatherapy should be used with extreme caution by people with heart problems, bronchial asthma, and epilepsy. Experts also note that some esters can cause the following side effects:

severe dizziness;
increased irritability;
severe headaches;
allergy.

If you observe the above symptoms, you should immediately stop the course of therapy and seek help from a doctor.

Aromatherapy is a fairly popular and no less effective way to prevent and treat viral and bacterial diseases. Essential oils for colds have a general strengthening and immunostimulating effect on the body. Therapy is not only useful, but also enjoyable.

Essential oils for colds, runny nose, sore throat and flu help to quickly overcome these diseases and strengthen the immune system.

In addition, tea tree and eucalyptus aroma oils fill the room with a pleasant aroma, improving your mood.

The oils contain only natural substances that are absolutely harmless.

Beneficial properties of aroma oils

Unfortunately, colds can appear not only in rainy autumn, frosty winter, windy spring, but also in summer, when many people escape the heat under the cool air produced by the air conditioner. After all, even slight hypothermia can trigger the appearance of the first signs of flu or a cold.

In this case, there is no need to rush to take antibiotics and other medications that have a lot of side effects. At first, it is better to use more gentle treatment methods, for example, using antiviral aromatic oils for colds, adding them to a warm bath or even tea.

In addition, essential oils are very effective for a runny nose. To get rid of its unpleasant symptoms, it is enough to carry out several inhalations with the addition of eucalyptus and tea tree extract.

But what properties should the products have that will help overcome ARVI and colds? So, essential oils for flu or sore throat should have the following qualities:

anti-inflammatory and antiviral;
antiseptic and antibacterial;
antipyretic, strengthening and diaphoretic.

Extracts of many medicinal plants have these qualities. For example, tea tree is a natural immunostimulating antibiotic. And eucalyptus extract has an analgesic and antiseptic effect.

Depending on the effects of a particular oil, it can be used to treat a variety of illnesses, including the flu and colds. And for preventive purposes, it is useful to carry out aromatherapy, which will help comprehensively overcome the disease and help the exhausted body recover.

The best aromatic oils for colds, runny nose and flu are extracts:

tea tree;
lemon;
eucalyptus;
geraniums;
lavender;
thyme;
peppermint;
rosemary;
cedar;
sage;
pine trees;

The use of tangerine, grapefruit, lemon and orange oils activates the body's defenses. Hyssop, chamomile, geranium, tea tree, juniper, thyme, myrtle, cedar, pine and eucalyptus oil have an antibacterial effect.

The essential oils of bergamot, lavender, lemon, chamomile, lemon balm and mint have an antipyretic effect. To strengthen the body, it is useful to carry out aromatherapy using extracts of geranium, rose, fennel, sandalwood and anise.

Before using essential oils for colds and runny nose, you should familiarize yourself with important recommendations. So, you always need to stick to a certain dosage. Moreover, for pregnant women, the elderly and children it decreases.

Systematic use of the same extract can lead to addiction or cause allergic reactions, so you need to take a break. It is advisable to alternate 14 days of use with 7-14 days off.

Before performing aromatherapy, you should consult a doctor. There are a number of restrictions, for example, some people often experience allergic reactions to essential oils.

Those taking medications should exercise caution. Aromatherapy can affect their effectiveness, for example, aggravate the effect of antibiotics.

When purchasing any extract, you should look at the certifications to ensure that it is a quality and natural product. In this case, you need to smell the oil. If the aroma is unpleasant, then it is better to refuse to purchase it.

Cold and hot inhalations

To make a hot inhalation, you need to prepare any anti-cold oil, a towel and a pan in which you need to boil 1.5 liters of water. Then add 3 drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to it and cover with a towel.

It is carried out as follows: you need to close your eyes, and then inhale the healing fumes for about 6 minutes. But the first procedure should last no more than 2 minutes; it is better to increase the total time gradually.

For 1 hour after inhalation, you should not eat, move actively or go out into the fresh air. You can do 2 to 3 inhalations a day, and it is advisable to carry out the last procedure before bedtime. The duration of such treatment is 7 days.

Antiviral aroma oils of eucalyptus and tea tree can be used separately. But in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment, it is better to make special essential mixtures that will enhance each other’s beneficial properties. Among the simple mixtures that help with flu and sore throat are the following:

pine and lavender;
tea tree and eucalyptus;
rosemary and thyme;
thyme and eucalyptus;
cypress, spruce, thyme, rosemary, mint;
eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree;
cloves, thyme, eucalyptus, mint;
mint, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus;
rosemary, pine or fir mint.

All ingredients are mixed in equal parts.

In addition, in order to prevent the occurrence of colds, you can do cold inhalations. So, you should drop cold oil onto a handkerchief, which you should sniff periodically. The optimal combination is a mixture of spruce, tea tree, cypress, lemon and eucalyptus.

You can also carry a small inhaler with you. For this purpose, you need to prepare a small glass bottle and pour 1 tsp into it. salt, and then add 5 drops of rosemary and 15 drops of eucalyptus.

Afterwards, the bottle must be tightly closed and shaken. When you find yourself in crowded places, you need to take out your inhaler and take 3 deep breaths, and then take a break and repeat the procedure.

Indoor air purification

Aromatherapy indoors is an effective prevention of colds. So, you need to pour a little water into the aroma lamp, and then drop cold oil into it at the rate of 5-6 drops per 10 m2. You need to put a lit candle down.

The duration of this procedure is 30 minutes. It should be done up to 3 times a day to fill the room with a refreshing aroma and cleanse the air of harmful bacteria. For this purpose, the use of mint, citrus, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender and sage oils is useful.

In addition, this mixture can be added to a humidifier that has special functions. The simplest and most accessible method of moisturizing is to drop an oily substance onto a damp towel and then place it on a warm radiator.

If you have the flu, the air in the room must be regularly and thoroughly disinfected. Eucalyptus and tea tree oil effectively fight this disease. To do this, add 20 drops of extracts to half a glass of vodka, and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle, using which you need to spray the patient’s room each time.

The best antiviral oils for scenting the room of a flu patient:

orange (5) and Siberian fir (10);
thyme (1), tea tree (4), eucalyptus (1), lavender (2);
peppermint (1), tea tree (2), lavender (1), pine (2).

A mixture of mint (2), eucalyptus (3) and lavender (5) is suitable for office disinfection. You can spray mint (1), rose (1), lemon (2) and lavender (2) in your car.

Aroma bath

In addition, oil for colds can be added to the bath. For this purpose, antiviral extracts (5-15 drops) are mixed with sea salt and then added to a warm bath. The procedure should take up to 15 minutes.

After taking a therapeutic bath, it is better not to dry yourself, but to wrap yourself in a towel. Next, you should put on warm socks, lie down in bed and cover yourself with a blanket.

Essential bath mixtures:

eucalyptus (8), chamomile (5), lavender (5);
clove (1), tea tree (3), lemon (2), thyme (2);
pine (3), tea tree (3), eucalyptus (5).

In addition, to improve overall well-being and positive mood, the essential concentrate can be added to shower gel. So, the use of oils is as follows: per 60 ml of product you should add 3 drops of neroli, 10 drops of lavender or 7 drops of orange oil. At the same time, they are recommended to help restore immunity.

You can also add 3 drops of rosemary oil to your shower stall to strengthen your immune system. Moreover, the use of anti-cold essential oils can be supplemented with ginger tea, which has an immunostimulating, analgesic and antibacterial effect. To do this, add fresh ginger, honey and a slice of lemon to a cup filled with boiling water; see the video in this article.