In our last article, we mooted the idea of using essential oils to defend your family against flu.
These essential oils can fight viruses, alleviate flu symptoms, and increase comfort during illness. The pleasing aroma of the essential oils are also proven to have a profound calming and mood-enhancing effect.
How do you use essential oils for the flu? We’ll show you.
- Inhalation is the most beneficial method to use essential oils for a flu. You can inhale essential oils by adding a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief or by putting a few drops of oil into steamy hot water. This helps clear your nasal passage so you can breathe better. The oils may also help you sleep better and destress.
- Diffuse – you can add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser to clean the air and for inhalation.
- Apply – Essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and massaged onto the head, neck, chest, spine or feet. For example, the menthol and cooling effects of peppermint oil works well in a chest rub.
- Disinfect – spray a few drops of your selected essential oils with disinfecting properties and wipe all surfaces with them
But what about those who already have the flu?
In most cases, having the flu means you have to wait for the infection to run its course. While recuperating, essential oils are very handy in alleviating the discomfort of being ill.
Examples of essential oils’ use for flu include:
| USAGE | |
| Relief from flu | Fights flu virus |
| Bergamot (spleen & stomach meridians) – relieves coughing fit, clears nasal passage & promotes easier breathing
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Cinnamon (stomach, heart & lung meridians) – cleans surfaces or air |
| Chamomile (heart, lung & liver meridians) – relieves cold & flu symptoms
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Clove (lung, stomach & spleen meridians) – antiviral & antibacterial properties to clean surfaces or air |
| Eucalyptus (lung meridian) – reduces fever & fights viruses
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Patchouli (spleen, stomach & large intestine meridians) – modulates immune response to flu virus |
| Geranium (heart, liver & lung) – has strong antimicrobial, antifungal & antiviral properties. Enhances relaxation, offers pain relief & soothes anxiety
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Rosemary (heart, spleen & liver meridians) – a nontoxic way to clean surfaces or air |
| Lavender (heart, spleen & liver meridians) – relieves stress, fatigue, depression & headaches
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Tea tree (lung, large intestine & liver meridians) – inhibits bacteria and fights infections |
| Lemon (spleen, stomach & liver meridians) – clears nasal passage & allows for easier breathing
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Thyme (heart & lung meridians) – has antibacterial activity to help fight respiratory infections |
| Peppermint (liver, lung & small intestine meridians) – reduces coughs, sinusitis & throat infections, produce cooling sensation.
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Oregano (lung, spleen & stomach meridians) –effective against flu viruses. |