Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that is gaining popularity by the day. As the name suggests, it uses essential oils that have physical and mental healing properties. It is especially used to treat cold and cough.
The common cold and cough can be persistent if not treated immediately. And while antibiotics may help treat them, they may be too harsh on your system and may wreck your gut bacteria, causing digestive issues. Essential oils, however, are a great, natural remedy to treat cold, cough, sore throat, and flu.
Some essential oils that can help you combat cold are:
Thyme oil
This is great to address cold and cough. Thyme oil has compounds that have great antibacterial properties to fight off the infection. It is ideal when you are very congested as it helps in lymphatic drainage. It is considered a natural antibiotic. Apply a couple of drops topically on the neck, chest and throat area. You can also add it to hot water for steaming or use it in a diffuser at home as well. Consume it internally by adding a few drops to a glass of water.
Ginger oil
Another essential oil for cold and cough is ginger oil. Ginger has a compound called gingerol, which has great medicinal properties. It has been used for thousands of years to treat several ailments, including the common cold. Ginger’s warming properties banish the cold by warming it from within. It also helps clear the mucus buildup in the throat and lungs. A couple of drops of ginger oil in green tea consumed several times a day would ease cold and cough symptoms. It can also be added topically in the chest area for added relief.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil, just like Thyme oil, is considered to be nature’s antibiotic. It helps kill cold-causing bacteria and keep coughs and sore throat at bay. Four-five drops of oregano oil in water thrice a day is a great way to attack the germs, boost your immune system, and aid your gut health. Gut health is important when the body is busy fighting other infections.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is not just great to wake up your senses and make you feel energized. It is a natural way to manage your cold and cough too. Mix a few drops in hot tea or in water to reap its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lemon oil
Lemon oil is great during allergy season as it helps keep those sneezes and congestion at bay. Acting as a natural antihistamine, it is very effective in draining your lymphatic system of clear mucus and phlegm. Open your essential oil container and breathe deep to dilute the mucus and let it drain. You can also apply it on your body or take it internally by adding a few drops to water or juice.
Additionally, you can also diffuse eucalyptus oil or take hot baths with a few drops in the water. They are great to open up airways and unblock the lymphatic system.
