Essential oils and herbs for cold and flu

The timing of flu is unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Seasonal flu viruses can be detected year-round; however, seasonal flu activity often begins as early as October and November and can continue to occur as late as May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February. There is no "cure" for the common cold or the flu, but there are tools available to increase self-care as you wait for the virus to run its course. 

One effective method of self-care is using essential oils as a topical rub or for aromatherapy. Essential oils can help alleviate your cold and flu symptoms, especially by clearing your nasal passage and reducing headaches and body aches. Some oils have antiviral benefits to help treat infections and reduce fever. Inhalation is the most beneficial way to use essential oils for cold and flu. You can inhale essential oils by sniffing the bottle directly or adding a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief. This method helps clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better. The oils may also help you sleep better and reduce stress. You can add a few drops of essential oils to:

• hot bathwater
• a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation
• a diffuser
• a carrier oil, for massaging the head, neck, or feet
• hot compresses

Here are several great oils to use:

• lemon - antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for fighting viruses as well as reducing cold and flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion, swollen glands and body aches. Lemon essential oil has long been considered a cure-all fruit and essential oil, especially for treating the flu and for reducing fevers. It is also a great treatment for fatigue as it is an energizing essential oil.
• eucalyptus - an efficient remedy for chesty coughs and to ease breathing.
• rosemary - good for relieving cold and flu symptoms because of it is a warming oil, reduces aches and pains, aids in circulation, and relieves nausea.
• frankincense - ideal for treating cold and flu because of its natural cold-fighting properties, such as being antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and an expectorant.
• tea tree - antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial. Use this essential oil for colds as it diminishes coughs, bronchial congestion and sore throats. Tea tree essential oil is also an excellent, natural disinfectant, so you can use it to kill germs on surfaces and in the air.
• peppermint - cooling and effective for soothing headaches, chest congestion, soothing nausea and upset stomach, and reducing fever.
• lavender - helpful for respiratory ailments and symptoms such as influenza, colds, sinus congestion and coughs. Lavender essential oil can also help when phlegm is trapped within the lungs and sinuses.

The herbal home remedies below are meant to be simple to make using ingredients that are readily available. The best thing about these recipes is that they can be customized to the individual and many of the herbs can be used to address a variety of illnesses:

• Sage – carminative, antiseptic, and astringent – the mouth and throat plant. Used for sore throats and cough. Also used for sinus congestion.
• Thyme – antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, and astringent. Thyme is great for respiratory infections and coughs.  It is also good for the stomach and relieves gas.

Herbal Remedies for Cough
Onion honey – 1 spoonful as needed
Onion cough syrup
Thyme honey
Thyme tea with lemon
Thyme and/or sage inhalation

Herbal Remedies for Respiratory Symptoms
Thyme and Sage tea are lung strengtheners and treat respiratory tract problems. You can use both thyme and sage alone or they can be used together
Thyme and/or sage steam inhalation, teas or honey

Herbal Remedies for Sinus Congestion
Sage tea in Neti Pot
Neti Pot with saline

*Lemon juice squeezed into your sage tea removes the bitterness.

Tea and Infusions! Herbal teas are a great way to treat cold/flu symptoms; not only do you get the medicinal benefits, but they are also soothing, warm, and relaxing. Infusions usually use more herbs than regular herbal teas and are steeped for longer periods of time. I find using a French press to be the best method of infusing and the easiest way to strain. But, any glass jar (mason or recycled food containers) and a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth can be used.
Herbal tea - general preparation:

• Pour boiling water over the herb, steep at least 20 minutes, and strain.
• You can also use a French press, preparing as above and pressing after 20 minutes

Infusion - general preparation:

• 2 ounces of herbs or 2 generous handfuls of dried herb
• 1 pint of water (if not completely covered add more water until the herb material is completely covered)
• Steep for 4 – 10 hours or overnight
• Strain herbs

EarthShine also has handmade, all-natural, chemical free products to help you during cold and flu season. I personally recommend our Echinacea tincture, Headache Healer and Wildflower and Herb Facial Steam:

Plantain Salve

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Healing Salve (several varieties)

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Herb Infused Healing Body Oil

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