Did you know that many people swear that natural cold remedies are just as effective as the synthetic over-the-counter cold medicines? For many, the use of essential oils for colds and coughs is the most natural and effective way to manage and or prevent the common cold.
Using oils to treat cough and common cold
Though common in the winter, the common cold can occur at any time of the year. The cold-causing virus is easily spread through tiny air droplets released when the infected person coughs or sneezes. If he/she does the sneezing or coughing near you, chances are high that you’ll contract the virus.
Direct contact with contaminated surfaces also increases your infection chances, which is why you need to ensure you thoroughly wash or disinfect your hands and the common places and items around your home (regularly) to prevent the virus from spreading.
There are various essential oils that can help with the disinfection and still offer you the much-needed shield and relief from cold symptoms. They include:
Best essential oils to treat common cold and coughs
1. Peppermint
You’ve probably come across this common herb while taking a nature walk or even consumed it as a spice. And, you’ve heard us tout it as a natural insect repellent. So versatile!
Peppermint contains menthol—a natural decongestant believed to relieve from throat and chest congestion.
When used in moderation, peppermint essential oil can also help alleviate fever, cough, and body pains that usually come with a cold.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It’s a rich source of the oxide, eucalyptol, which helps loosen mucus secretions, relax the muscles, and open up the nasal passages for easier and effective breathing.
3. Rosemary
Other than its widely known culinary benefits, rosemary also exhibits medicinal properties that can help relieve cold symptoms. Cineole (for instance), essential oil from rosemary is ‘praised’ for its soothing and pain-relieving ability, which can enable you to get that much-needed quality rest when suffering from a cold.
The herb is also known to promote good blood flow to the vital organs like the brain, therefore, a great way to treat headaches.
4. Oregano
Oregano essential oil is commonly known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It exhibits a wide spectrum of antimicrobial properties which makes it suitable for warding off respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, and sore throats.
It’s also a great germ-fighter, so try using it even on the surfaces around your home.
5. Thyme
Just like oregano, thyme essential oil is also made of powerful compounds (mainly carvacrol) which help protect against bacteria and viruses.
It’s also a powerful antidepressant, stress reliever, fatigue fighter, and a decongestant; hence a perfect remedy for colds and coughs.
6. Frankincense
This is one of those cold remedies you’d definitely want to bank on to relieve you of the cold symptoms and also keep your anxiety levels down, especially that you’ll most likely be worried about missing work or an important event.
Frankincense oil has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties; making it an effective remedy for the treatment of a cold or flu.
7. Lavender
Other than its refreshing aroma that helps with deep relaxation and mood enhancement, a lavender essential oil also exhibits healing properties, which help with pain relief, anxiety reduction, and insomnia treatment.
It’s an effective remedy for respiratory ailments like colds, flu, and other related symptoms such as coughs and sinus congestion.
8. Sandalwood
It’s among the most expensive essential oils in the world, perhaps considering its scarce nature and the fact that sandalwood itself is the world’s second most expensive tree. You’ll find this oil in cosmetic products like perfumes, and Ayurvedic medicine.
Sandalwood essential oil boasts of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties which make it an ideal oil for the treatment of colds and flu symptoms.
You may also want to use the oil to relieve mental stress or get over a burnout, it’s calming and relaxing effects will do the job.
9. Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil, also known as, fever grass has over the years been a key component in Ayurvedic medicine owing to its antipyretic properties—the ability to fight a fever.
As a natural analgesic, the oil is also used to reduce body pains and muscle aches often associated with colds.
Want something refreshing that will lift out your fatigue? Then try lemongrass. Other than uplifting your entire body system, it also helps alleviate painful headaches, which is courtesy of the unique citrus scent.
10. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil has antiviral, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, which help get rid of the winter cold infections.
It’s also a natural disinfectant you can use to clean around your home to combat the spread of germs and viruses, and in the end, keep you safe from contracting a cold.
11. Geranium
You may have not tried it but some studies indicate that the Pelargonium sidoides present in geranium may offer you the much-needed relief from a cough.
Add your geranium oil to a diffuser or warm bath for additional benefits of its refreshing floral scent. An elevated mood is just one such benefit.
12. Marigold
Marigold essential oil possesses antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-parasitic properties, which can help cure external body infections and prevent airborne diseases such as measles and the common cold.
The relaxant properties of this oil also help relieve cough and cramps.
13. Cinnamon
Cinnamon leaf essential oil is rich in phenylpropanoids—consisting of antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. All these make it a powerful killer of the airborne bacteria and microbes.
Its anti-rheumatic and analgesic properties also help with chest decongestion and muscle pain relief respectively.
14. Lemon
Its anti-inflammatory nature helps with the restoration of the respiratory system to sound health. The antioxidant property, on the other hand, works on boosting your immune system.
15. Clary Sage
This essential oil helps ease stress and puts you in the sleep mood for a better rest. Adequate rest allows your body to heal faster from a cold.
The Takeaway on Finding the Best Essential Oils for Your Cough or Cold
Ever heard of the saying ‘too much of something is dangerous’? The same principle applies to excessive use of essential oils, which can as well be toxic to your health. Therefore, consider starting with very little amounts and increase as needed or as may be tolerated by your body system. This is, essentially, to avoid intoxication.
Always consult with your doctor before using any essential oil if; you’re pregnant, have epilepsy, suffer from hypertension, or are in doubt of how to use the oil.