7 Essential Oils That Will Help You Beat Cold and Flu Season

It’s our favorite time of year! We can’t get enough pumpkin spice everything, preparing for the holidays, and watching the leaves change to lustrous shades of red and orange. But with the weather change comes some challenges, like catching a colds or the flu. It can be tough not to get sick when it seems like everyone around us is sneezing or coughing. Luckily, essential oils can help us to reboot our immune system as well as fend off pesky symptoms so we’re feeling our best all season long.

Essential oils are growing increasingly popular as they offer an affordable and natural way to boost your health. Research has demonstrated their powerful healing effects, plus they smell great! During the colder months, there are a few specific oils that can fight congestion, kill harmful bacteria, and warm you up from the outside in. Check out the list below.

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Ginger Oil

Ginger root has a warming quality that works to increase heat in the body. Ginger oil contains compounds like b-phellandrene and Zingiberene which make it a great expectorant (something that helps to thin and loosen mucus), decongestant, and antiviral. You can either diffuse this oil or add it to a warm bath. 

Try this one from Plant Therapy ($10.95, Amazon).

Cinnamon Oil

With compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl acetate that help increase circulation while offering anti-bacterial and anti-viral benefits, cinnamon oil is another warming spice that can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms. For maximum benefits, diffuse this oil or dilute carefully with a carrier oil and massage onto feet, hands, and joints.

Try this one from Healing Solutions ($6.99, Amazon).

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Eucalyptus Oil

This purifying and immune-boosting superhero has anti-viral properties and is great for clearing congestion. Overall, eucalyptus oil helps soothe the respiratory system when cold and flu season hit. Diffuse this oil or massage into the skin with a carrier oil on areas like the nose, forehead, chest, and back. 

Try this one from Cliganica ($5.09, Amazon).

Tea Tree Oil

Compounds in tea tree oil combat bacteria in the air and help fight off infection. It’s a powerful antiseptic, a great bronchodilator (which means easier breathing!) and expectorant. You can diffuse tea tree oil or massage with a carrier oil into areas like the chest, neck, back, and nasal passageways.

Try this one from Plant Therapy ($8.95, Amazon).

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is another great home treatment for infections of the upper respiratory system and colds, which could be because of the immune-boosting compound terpene thymol. Thyme oil has been used traditionally to treat cold and flu symptoms like chest congestion and coughing. Diffuse or dilute in a carrier oil and massage on the chest, back, and neck for the best results. 

Try this one from Gya Labs ($9.99, Amazon).

Bergamot Oil

Bergamot is another essential oil with cold and flu healing properties. Research has shown that when bergamot oil is vaporized, it is effective at killing flu virus bacteria within just 10 minutes! What’s more, compounds like pinene, terpineol, and geraniol banish congestion and have powerful antibacterial and analgesic properties.

Try this one from Healing Solutions ($8.49, Amazon).

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another miracle product for colds and flus. It contains compounds like menthol and menthone, which give the herb its minty smell and flavor, and are potent analgesics with expectorant, decongestant, and antibacterial properties. Peppermint oil can also help to reduce a fever! To use peppermint essential oil for cold or flu symptoms, diffuse it, massage into the feet or upper respiratory area with a carrier oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath. 

Try this one from Nexon Botanics ($12.95, Amazon).

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