Then it hits you...fatigue, the chills, bodily aches and pains, headache, congestion, sneezing and coughing...it's a cold, or maybe worse yet, the onset of the flu. Before you reach for over the counter, synthetic cold medicines with many side effects, why not try a natural remedy instead? 

Using essential oils for colds and flu relief is an effective and potent, all-natural treatment and an excellent way of alleviating your symptoms. Furthermore, you can use essential oils to prevent cold and flu viruses from settling in by eliminating the viruses in your home, office and car, and by strengthening your immune system with an all-natural boost. 

The common cold is typically spread through the air and can be the result of over two hundred various viruses which attack the respiratory system. There are ways to lower your chances of getting sick, however, such as washing your hands often, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and evading sick people as much as you can. Another means of prevention, treatment and eliminating the spread of germs is by using essential oils physically, in the air, and on surfaces in your home.

Furthermore, essential oils are great for boosting your mood and the mood of others, helping you to relax, and relieving stress and anxiety that can come along with being sick.

Cold & Flu Diffuser Blend

• 3 parts peppermint essential oil 
• 2 parts tea tree essential oil
• 2 parts eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 part lemon essential oil

Mix together and diffuser in your favorite essential oil diffuser. These oils are offered in a convenient 4-pack Cold and Flu Diffuser Blend at Diffuser World.

COLD AND FLU PREVENTION - FIGHTING AND HEALING PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Disinfectant
• Warming
• Aid in Circulation
• Expectorant
• Pain-Relieving
• Natural Immune System Support

Essential oils can relieve cold and flu symptoms, such as headaches, bodily aches and pains, fatigue, congestion and stuffed up airways. Furthermore, essential oils can be used as a natural disinfectant to kill germs on surfaces, such as counters and doorknobs, and in the air of each room. 

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR COLDS AND FLU RELIEF

As you will discover in the suggested remedies and blends included with each essential oil description, you will see that we suggest several methods of using essential oils for colds and the flu. Some methods for cold and flu prevention and relief are: 

• Aromatherapy
• Bath Blends
• Massage Blends
• Atomizing Diffusers Blends
• Hot and Cold Compresses
• Steam Inhalation 

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR COLDS AND FLU RELIEF

As you will discover in the suggested remedies and blends included with each essential oil description, you will see that we suggest several methods of using essential oils for colds and the flu. Some methods for cold and flu prevention and relief are: 

• Aromatherapy
• Bath Blends
• Massage Blends
• Atomizing Diffusers
• Hot and Cold Compresses
• Steam Inhalation 

20 OF THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR COLDS AND RELIEVING THE FLU 

1. FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Frankincense essential oil has remarkable rejuvenating and healing properties. It has natural cold-fighting properties, such as antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties which make it an ideal essential oil for treating a cold or the flu. Frankincense is also useful for reducing anxiety which can help with worrying about missing work or important events when you get sick. 

Remedies:

Hot Bath: The steam will act as a decongestant, and the blend will help to reduce aches and pains ─ 

• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil

Mix the oils into the bath water

Steam Inhalation: This will help relieve congestion and stuffed up airways ─ 

Add several drops of frankincense essential oil to a bowl of hot, steaming water, or add a blend of the oils mentioned above in the bath blend recipe. 

Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam until all the oils have dissipated.

Repeat several times per day as needed for congestion and headache relief. 

Hot or Cold Compress: For congestion and headache relief ─ 

Microwave a dampened washcloth and then add several drops of frankincense essential oil to it.

As a decongestant, add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil, as well.

For headache relief, add several drops of lavender essential oil.

Place the washcloth on your forehead or chest for fast relief.

Diffuse: Fill the air with healthy micro-particles created by an atomizing diffuser. 

Diffuse in a waterless, atomizing, or nebulizing essential oil diffuser. 

2. OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL 

Oregano is a super powerful antiviral and antimicrobial essential oil. In fact, a recent study shows that oregano essential oil dramatically reduces symptoms of upper respiratory ailments including coughs and sore throats.

Remedies: 

Sublingual Administration: Place a few drops under your tongue ─ only if you have a top-grade, pure, ingestible form of oregano essential oil or oil of oregano ─ place a few drops under your tongue and let them absorb for a least 30 seconds before swallowing. This method can provide immediate relief of your cold symptoms. 

Massage or Diffuser Blend: Create a therapeutic diffuser blend and diffuse in an atomizing essential oil diffuser, or add a carrier oil to create a massage blend ─ 

• 2 drops oregano essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 
  

For a massage blend, add in 4 tsp carrier oil 

3. EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL 

Eucalyptus essential oil comprises about 72% eucalyptol making it an efficient remedy for chesty coughs and to ease breathing. 

*Do not take eucalyptus essential oil orally, as it can be toxic. 

Remedies: 

To Relieve a Stuffed-Up Nose: Use several drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser, with steam inhalation, a hot bath, or even in a vaporizer.

Or, 

• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drop peppermint essential oil

To Prevent an Air-Born Virus From Spreading: Diffuse in an atomizing essential oil diffuser ─ 

• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil 

To Calm Chesty Coughs: Try this essential oil chest rub ─

• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops myrrh essential oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

Massage the blend into the chest, morning and evening

For an Aching Body: Use this combination in a hot bath, with a hot or cold compress, or with a carrier oil as a body massage blend ─

• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for massage blend

4. TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea tree essential oil contains antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Using this essential oil for colds is excellent for diminishing coughs, bronchial congestion and sore throats. Tea tree essential oil is also an excellent, natural disinfectant, so you can use it to kill germs on surfaces and in the air. 

*Tea tree essential oil can be a mild sensitizer, so be sure to perform a patch test before using it for the first time. 

Remedies:

As a Cough Remedy: Administer 8 - 12 drops of tea tree essential oil on your sinuses and neck areas.

Or, diffuse in your atomizing essential oil diffuser-

• 4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

As a Disinfectant: Add 25 drops of tea tree essential oil to a 16 oz spray bottle filled with water. Spray and wipe all surfaces in your home, especially those that have been in contact with sick individuals. Furthermore, spray doorknobs, light switches, remotes, keyboards, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and any other object that is often touched and shared amongst family members. 

It's also good to mop hardwood floors with this blend, and you can add lemon or pine essential oils for scent. 

As a Massage Bend: To fight viral infections ─

• 4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

Massage into your chest and the soles of your feet 

Air Diffuser Blend: To disinfect the air in your home ─ 

• 4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

5. LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL 

Lemon has long been considered a cure-all fruit and essential oil, especially for treating the flu and for reducing fevers. Furthermore, lemon essential oil also is a great treatment for fatigue as it is an energizing essential oil.

Lemon essential oil has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which not only makes it ideal for fighting viruses, but also for reducing cold and flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion, swollen glands and bodily aches and pains. 

Another remarkable thing about lemon essential oil is that the oil is found right in the peel of the lemon. You can cook with the peels or rind, and use the peels as a room disinfectant by placing the peels right in your fireplace and burning them to release the oils and aroma. You can also add them to a pot of boiling water and allow the steam to escape into the room.

*As a citrus based oil, lemon oil is phototoxic, so avoid using it if you are heading outdoors into the sunlight. 

Remedies:

To Fight Fatigue: Create a diffuser blend or a massage blend by adding a carrier oil- 

• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops myrtle essential oil
• 2 drops manuka essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a massage blend

To Fight a Cold or the Flu: Use this combination as a diffuser blend or massage blend ─

• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for massage blends 

6. LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender essential oil is a favorite scent amongst the essential oils and has been so for centuries. Lavender has a refreshing aroma; the stems and leaves give camphoraceous notes that are often softened by floral sweetness from the flowers.

Lavender essential oil brings deep relaxation and encourages compassion and gentleness. It's a wonderful healing oil which is a natural pain reliever, anxiety reducer, treatment for insomnia and is good for skin ailments. 

It’s particularly useful for respiratory ailments and symptoms such as influenza, colds, sinus congestion,, and coughs. Furthermore, lavender oil can alleviate breathing problems when phlegm is trapped within the lungs and sinuses.

Remedies:

For Congestion Relief: Apply several drops of lavender essential oil on the chest, sinus and neck area, and back for quick relief.

For Bodily Aches and Pains: As a massage blend ─

• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

As a Sleep Aid and Decongestant: Use this blend in a diffuser or humidifier ─ 

• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil

All of these blends with lavender essential oil are also useful for relieving anxiety while you're are feeling down. 

7. LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL

Lemongrass essential oil is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help to lower fevers and calm the nervous system. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends lemongrass essential oil to ease stomach pains and also to relieve headaches, colds, the flu and rheumatism. 

Lemongrass essential oil has analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, deodorant, diuretic, fungicidal, and sedative properties which make it a perfect essential oil for colds and flu relief. 

*Note that lemongrass essential oil is a moderate irritant so make sure to do a skin patch test to be sure it won't agitate your skin. Lemongrass is phototoxic, as well, so avoid use in the sunlight. Furthermore, it is best only to use 2 drops in your bath water as it can sting.

Remedies:

To Help Lift the "Foggy" Feeling: Inhale lemongrass essential oil straight from the bottle or place a few drops on a tissue or your pillowcase.

To Help Bad Dreams and Insomnia: Diffuse in an essential oil atomizing diffuser ─

• 4 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil 

To Ease Bodily Aches and Pains: Massage Blend ─

• 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Soothe an Upset Stomach: Use the mixture in a diffuser or as a massage blend ─

• 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops manderin essential oil 
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a massage blend

8. PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Peppermint essential oil has a cooling, pungent, menthol aroma with clean, sweet top notes. This oil revives depleted energy and enhances positivity. It can help to improve concentration and battle fatigue, as well as sooth nausea and upset stomachs. 

Because of its high concentration of menthol, peppermint essential oil for colds and flu relief is ideal because menthol is beneficial for treating congestion, stuffed up airways, and relieving bodily aches and pains. Furthermore, peppermint essential oil has a mild warming effect which feels great when used on sore muscles. 

*Peppermint essential oil can be a slight sensitizer, so be sure to perform a patch test before using this essential oil topically for the first time.

Remedies: 

To Ease Nausea and an Upset Stomach: Inhale peppermint oil from a tissue or try this massage or air diffuser blend ─

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil 
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

To Relieve Sore Muscles and Bodily Pain: Massage Blend ─

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops spruce essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

As a Hot or Cold Compress: 

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops yarrow essential oil

Add 1 tsp carrier oil to the essential oils if you feel they are too strong

Steam Inhalation: 

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

For a headache, add 2 drops lavender essential oil 

9. CINNAMON LEAF ESSENTIAL OIL 

There are two types of cinnamon essential oils: bark and leaf. Both types of the oil come from the same tree, one from the bark and one from the leaves, and both have similar properties. However, we recommend cinnamon leaf essential oil for use in aromatherapy as it has milder results. 

*Cinnamon leaf essential oil can still be a mild sensitizer, so be sure to complete a patch test before using it topically. 

Cinnamon trees are not only famous for their spice and flavoring but also for their medicinal properties which have been used for centuries to help digestive, circulatory and immune-deficiency problems.

Cinnamon Leaf essential oil has anesthetic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties making it an ideal essential oil for colds and flu relief. 

Remedies: 

All of the below-listed remedies can be used as a massage oil with the added 4 tsp carrier oil, or eliminate the carrier oil to use in a diffuser, or use in a hot bath by cutting the recipes in half ─

To Boost Circulation, Blood Flow and Warmth:

• 2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a massage blend

To Relieve Indigestion and Nausea:

• 2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 2 drops coriander seed essential oil
• 4 drops tangerine essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a massage blend

To Ease the Mind and Reduce Stress:

• 4 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 6 drops orange essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for as a massage blend

To Relief Fatigue:

• 4 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a massage blend 

10. CLOVE BUD ESSENTIAL OIL

The clove tree is an intensely aromatic, evergreen tree from Indonesia, producing the clove "nails" that are so well-known as a spice. For centuries, dried cloves have been chewed on to release their essential oils which have a strong numbing effect on toothache and gum discomfort and is still used as an antiseptic, pain relieving remedy today. The essential oil from ripe cloves is too strong to use in aromatherapy, but the unripe buds of the flowers produce an oil that is gentler, yet still wonderfully fresh, warming and spicy. 

Clove bud essential oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and stimulating properties. Clove oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, coughs, headache, aching muscles, stress, blood impurities and asthma.

*Clove essential oil can be mildly irritating, so perform a patch test before use and only use a couple of drops in bathwater if you have sensitive skin. 

Remedies:

Use each blend as a massage oil with added carrier oil or in a diffuser without the carrier oil. Recipes can always be used in a hot bath by reducing the ingredients in half ─

To Improve Blood Flow and Aching Muscles:

• 2 drops clove bud essential oil 
• 2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 6 drops mandarin essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil 

To Boost the Immune System:

• 2 drops clove bud essential oil
• 4 drops cardamom essential oil
• 4 drops bergamot essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Strengthen Mental Weakness:

• 3 drops clove bud essential oil
• 3 drops tangerine essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Relieve Chesty Coughs:

• 2 drops clove bud essential oil
• 4 drops myrtle essential oil
• 4tsp carrier oil 

11. GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL

Like all citrus species, grapefruit contains special sacs in the peels which are filled with essential oil. 

*Grapefruit is phototoxic, so avoid it if you are going out in the sun. 

Grapefruit essential oil is known to ease nervous exhaustion, to relieve indigestion, is detoxifying and clarifying. Properties include: diuretic, disinfectant, stimulant, antidepressant, antiseptic and lymphatic. 

Remedies: 

As always, each recipe can be used in a diffuser or with a carrier oil to be used topically, or used in a bath by cutting down the ingredients ─

To Aid in Indigestion or Nausea:

• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Detoxify the Body:

• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops juniper essential oil
• 2 drops angelica root
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Fight Exhaustion: take a hot bath with this blend or double it for a diffuser blend ─

• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil

To Help Relieve Dark Moods: Diffuse in an air diffuser:

• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil

12. SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Sandalwood essential oil is perfect for easing mental stress and burnout. It's a natural calming, relaxing and healing oil. It has astringent, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties making it an ideal essential oil for colds and flu relief.

Remedies:

To Ease Mental Stress: Take a hot bath with this blend or double the recipe and use it in a diffuser or add a carrier oil for a massage blend-

• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

As an Overall Bodily Calming Blend:

• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 4 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

To Relive Aches and Pains:

• 2 drop sandalwood essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

To Ease Congestion: Vaporize this blend or use with a carrier oil as a chest rub ─

• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a chest rub

13. BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL

Basil essential oil is a well-known cooking herb used in Italian recipes. Apply basil essential oil to fatigued or sore muscles and joints to relieve swelling and pain. Apply topically or diffuse basil essential oil to promote clear breathing and reduce congestion. Use basil essential oil topically on the soles of the feet or by diffusing it into the air to fight mental and body fatigue. It also can be used to treat indigestion and nausea. 

* Basil essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy and is a mild sensitizer so perform a patch test before using topically. 

Remedies:

 To Relieve Mental and Bodily Fatigue: Diffuseor use as a massage blend with a carrier oil ─

• 2 drops basil essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• To Improve Concentration: Diffuse ─
• 2 drops basil essential oil
• 4 drops myrtle essential oil

To Improve Bodily Strength: Vaporize or use as a massage blend with the carrier oil ─

• 4 drops basil essential oil
• 4 drops orange essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Settle a Nervous Stomach:

• 2 drops basil essential oil
• 4 drops oregano essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Ease Congestion:

• 4 drops basil essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a chest rub

14. JUNIPER BERRY ESSENTIAL OIL

Juniper berries are known for making Gin and also are renowned in Western herbal medicine as one of the most diuretic and detoxifying of all remedies with a powerful effect on the kidneys. For aromatherapy, be sure always to choose the oil from the berries as opposed to the twigs because it is inferior. 

Juniper berry essential oil has antiseptic, antirheumatic, depurative, antispasmodic, stimulating, stomachic, astringent and diuretic properties. 

*Do not use juniper berry essential oil if you are pregnant. 

Remedies: 

To Ease Bodily Aches and Pains:

• 2 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops fennel essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Battle Fatigue: Vaporize or use as a massage blend with the carrier oil ─

• 3 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

As a Bath Blend for Aching Muscles:

• 2 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 4 drops cardamom essential oil

15. THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

Plants from different locations produce thyme essential oil with various chemical constituents; these oils are known as “chemotypes”. One of the safest and most effective chemotypes is thyme linalool, from France. The other type of thyme is red thyme and can be more of an irritant for the skin. Check the bottle's label to know which kind of thyme you are purchasing. 

Thyme is antiviral, a decongestant, fights fatigue and is a natural stress reliever and antidepressant which makes it a perfect essential oil for colds and fighting the flu. 

Remedies:

 To Lift Depression During Illness: Diffuse ─

• 3 drops thyme essential oil
• 3 drops orange essential oil

Or, Take a Hot Bath With This Blend:

• 2 drops thyme essential oil
• 4 drops bergamot essential oil

As a Decongestant: Vaporize or use with a carrier oil for a chest rub ─   

• 3 drops thyme essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil as a chest rub

For Immune Support: 

• 4 drops thyme essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops clove bud essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

For Post-Viral Fatigue: Vaporize ─

• 4 drops thyme essential oil
• 4 drops mandarin essential oil
• 2 drops cardamom essential oil

16. CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL

This amazing plant is the giant of the sages. The flowers are so sticky with fragrance, that if you touch them, the essential oil clings to your skin.

Clary sage is a diverse oil with tons of health uses and properties such as: antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative and stomachic.

* You should avoid clary sage if you are pregnant. 

Remedies: 

To Help Improve the Mood During Illness: Vaporize or take a hot bath with this blend ─

• 2 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 drops tangerine essential oil

To Fight Fatigue: Vaporize or create a massage blend with a carrier oil ─

• 4 drops clary sage essential oil
• 2 drops jasmine essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

To Aid in Indigestion and Reduce Nausea: Vaporize or just sniff the blend from a bottle ─

• 4 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

17. GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL

Ginger is a natural digestive stimulant and also is good for treating colds, coughs, the flu, rheumatism, aching muscles and joints, and even malaria. Fresh ginger is very warming and helps so fight viral infections by slightly raising the body temperature which makes it harder for viruses to survive.

*Ginger can be mildly sensitizing so perform a patch test before using for the first time. 

Remedies:

To Increase Blood Flow to Cold Limbs:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 drops cardamom essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Relieve Indigestion and Nausea: Diffuse ─

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops orange essential oil

To Ease Anxiety During Illness:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil for a massage blend

To Feel Overall Better During Illness: Take a hot bath with this blend ─

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops cardamom essential oil

To Relieve Muscular and Bodily Aches:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops coriander seed essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

18. ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Rosemary is cultivated all over the world as a cooking herb and for its medicinal uses due to its high camphor content. The ancient Greeks burned branches of rosemary as incense as its high content of essential oil makes a superbly fragrant smoke. 

Rosemary essential oil is good for relieving cold and flu symptoms because of it is a warming oil, reduces aches and pains, aids in circulation, and relieves nausea. 

*Avoid rosemary essential oil if you have epilepsy as its high camphor content can cause seizures. Also, do not use this oil during pregnancy. 

Remedies:

To Fight Fatigue: Diffuse or add a carrier oil for a massage blend ─

• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Revitalize and Warm Aching Muscles:

• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops black pepper essential oil
• 2 drops vetiver essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Ease Backache: Take a hot bath with this blend ─

• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil

To Relieve Nausea: Inhale or diffuse this blend ─

• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Add eucalyptus essential oil to aid in decongestion

19. CYPRESS ESSENTIAL OIL

Cypress trees belong to one of the oldest plant families on the earth ─ the Cupressaceae, which is some 17 million years old. Cypress is an excellent essential oil for colds and flu relief because of its anti-toxic effect. It's also antispasmodic and a natural anti-inflammatory. 

Remedies:

To Release Muscles Spasms:

• 4 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops marjoram essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Remove Toxins From the Muscles:

• 4 drops cypress essential oil
• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 2 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Reduce Bodily Aches and Pains:

• 4 drops cypress essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil 

20. PINE ESSENTIAL OIL 

 The health benefits of pine essential oil are attributed to its antibacterial, analgesic, diuretic, antiseptic, energizing and aromatic properties. These properties make pine essential oil for colds and flu relief an important addition to any therapy blend.

Remedies:

To Reduce Bodily Aches and Pains:

• 4 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

To Fight Fatigue: Diffuse ─

• 4 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops orange essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Use as a Natural Antiseptic Cleaner:

In a 16 oz spray bottle with water add 8 drops of pine essential oil.

Spray on all surfaces in your home. You can also use this blend on your hardwood floors.

Add tea tree essential oil for further microbial cleaning. 

REMEMBER YOUR CARRIER OILS

Please bear in mind that before using essential oils topically, they must be diluted with a carrier oil.

 *PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE WHEN USING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR COLDS AND FLU RELIEF

If you are not sure how to use essential oils for cold and flu relief, ask for the advice of your doctor or a licensed natural health practitioner.

If you are pregnant, suffer from hypertension or have epilepsy, you should avoid rosemary and clove bud essential oils. Again, ask your doctor of any questions.

Remember that essential oils with a citrus note are sensitizing and phototoxic, so use these oils sparingly, especially if you are going outdoors. 

Although reactions are rare with proper use, always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil to ensure you will not have an allergic response to it.

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