The Best Essential Oils For Flu Season

Winters are beautiful with soft, white snow everywhere, and holiday cheer in the air. However, it is also a time when you come into contact with a lot of germs and the chances of infection are high.

This is known as the cold and flu season – and what is supposed to be a jolly, cheerful time can quickly turn into misery as you lay in bed missing out on the fun with friends and family.

Waiting for these illnesses to run their course can be tiresome, both physically and mentally. However, with timely and proper care, you may find relief sooner or even avoid these seasonal diseases completely. Is there a chance you can use essential oils for the flu season to help you stay healthy?

Studies suggest that arming yourself with the right essential oils can help you fight off unwanted pathogens. When used properly, essential oils can offer the best supportive care during a cold or flu spell, soothing symptoms and hastening the healing process.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain how to use essential oil during the winter to boost your immune system. We’ll share the very best essential oils to keep in your arsenal this time of year too. But first, we’re going to explain how essential oils can help you stay healthy this season.

Do Essential Oils Really Help During Cold and Flu Season?

In case you’re still a bit skeptical, we wanted to start by addressing the question: can essential oils actually help you stay feeling your best this cold and flu season? The answer is yes – they can!

This is just one of the many powerful capabilities of essential oils. Take one study, for example, which discovered that eucalyptus oil helped to protect mice from the influenza virus. Or another one, which showed that tea tree oil is capable of deactivating airborne flu viruses within 5-15 minutes!

These are just two examples of how you can use essential oils to protect yourself from germs and keep your immune system optimized this season. There are actually a total of 9 essential oils we recommend using to help boost your immune system and stay safe. Let’s take a look!

Top 9 Essential Oils To Help You Stay Healthy During The Cold Season

While you don’t need to blast all 9 of these essential oils in your diffuser on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to build up your arsenal with as many essential oils as possible.

This way, you’re protected from as much as possible. We’re going to start with one of our favorite essential oils for the flu season: Eucalyptus essential oil.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus contains a compound called eucalyptol that has antiviral and decongestant properties. It can be used to treat a number of respiratory tract infections like cold, cough, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, etc.

Most of these conditions are particularly prevalent during the winter months. Additionally, it can also provide relief from asthma, joint pain, and fever.

Lemon Essential Oil

A versatile essential oil, lemon has a number of health benefits. Besides fighting microorganisms, it can also help detoxify the system. It is known to assist lymphatic drainage, helping the body rid itself of waste.

Because of this, it reduces the accumulation of fluids, which makes it a great oil for treating cough. The presence of limonene and b-pinene give it antimicrobial properties which keep pathogens away.

Peppermint Essential Oil

One of the oldest herbs used for medicinal purposes, peppermint essential oil can prove to be an excellent addition to the medicine cabinet. In fact, peppermint oil has been found in several Egyptian pyramids.

It can help clear sinuses, open up airways, and reduce congestion by clearing mucus. Its antiviral and antioxidant properties make it one of the best essential oils for relieving symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory tracts complaints.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

An excellent antiseptic, tea tree oil has been used in Australia to treat infections for over 100 years. Studies have shown it to be effective against several strains of bacteria, virus, and fungi. Its antibacterial properties help it to treat several respiratory tract infections, and due to its antiviral properties, it can help provide relief from cold and cough.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon oil is packed with antioxidants. It is available as cinnamon leaf oil and cinnamon bark oil; however, the latter is more potent. It may help fight bacterial infections like a sore throat. It also helps relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and congestion.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano is well-known as a food seasoning, but people are less aware of its potent antibiotic properties which make it extremely effective against a number of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is a natural and safe alternative to over-the-counter antibiotics and can be used to treat throat infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Lavender Essential Oil

It is the most used essential oil in the world; its versatile nature makes it one of the must-have essential oils. It is known to help relieve pain and headaches. Its antioxidant properties can help protect the body from diseases and infection. It also promotes sleep, which can be very useful if you are suffering from a cold or flu.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is a popular culinary herb, and traditionally, it has also been used in folk medicine. Being antispasmodic, rosemary may be used in treating bronchial asthma. Overall, it can help treat a number of respiratory infections. It is also known to improve mood, which can be very useful during the winter spell when everything seems cold and grey.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove is high in antioxidants and can protect the body from external threats. Coupled with its high eugenol levels, it can offer protection from several bacteria and fungi. It can boost the immune system, helping the body resist several types of infections and diseases, including cold and flu.

How to Use Essential Oils During Winters:

Start your day with a glass of warm water with a drop of lemon essential oil added to it. This will help flush away all the toxins from the system.
The simplest way of using essential oils is by rubbing a few drops between your palms and inhaling deeply.
Diffuse tea tree, cinnamon, and clove in the house to purify the air and kill germs.
Add tea tree essential oil to water and use this to mop countertops and surfaces.
If you are suffering from a cold, add a little peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus to fractioned coconut oil, and apply on the chest, back, temples, and nape. Rubbing this on the soles of your feet will help loosen congestion.
Diffuse lavender essential oil in the bedroom at night for a night of sound sleep.
For relief from a sore throat, gargle with water that has a drop or two of oregano added to it.
Diffusing peppermint in the house can also help improve the energy and mood in the house.

Final Thoughts On Using Essential Oils For Cold & Flu Season

Now you have an in-depth understanding of which essential oils you can use this cold & flu season to stay healthy. Don’t risk missing valuable time with friends and family during the most wonderful time of the year – optimize your immune system with essential oils!

And if you need to stock up, look no further than the selection here at Revive. From carrier oil to essential oil blends, complete sets, and more – we’ve got everything you need. Here is a full list of our most popular offerings:

Right now, we’re offering free shipping on every order within the US or Canada, along with a 100-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t love our essential oils, we’ll refund your money! What do you have to lose? Shop now and see what the Revive difference is all about!