Aromatherapy for Colds and Flu
by Lisa Lundeen
Essential oils can be excellent tools for helping us deal with the inconveniences of wintertime cold symptoms. Essential oils are the volatile oils produced by certain aromatic plants, flowers and trees. They are the most concentrated form of herbal medicine, with one drop of essential oil being roughly equivalent to one ounce of plant material. While essential oils are mostly used for their fragrances in skin care products and aromatic candles, their medicinal value should not be overlooked. Essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds that can have very therapeutic effects on our physical as well as mental and emotion well-being.
Many of the essential oils that are good for treating discomforts of colds and minor illnesses are already familiar to many of us and are quite widely available and relatively inexpensive. One of the best known is eucalyptus. The active chemical compounds in eucalyptus have always been used in chest rubs and vaporizors for treating congestion of the respiratory system. It is excellent for excess bronchial and nasal mucous, and in general one of the best oils for any problem relating to the respiratory system.
Pine is another good essential oil for the respiratory system, because it helps draw out deep seated congestion. It is also helpful for coughs, chills and aches. It is strengthening and energizing.
Another essential oil that helps lift our energy level when we're feeling down is rosemary. Its invigorating qualities help pick us up and help us get on our way when we need to get about our business but feel groggy and tired.
For viral and bacterial infections, tea tree is very helpful because it contains both anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities. It is a safe and gentle essential oil that is safe for even small children.
And for all you lovers of lavender, you will be happy to know that in addition to all of lavender's other uses (skin care, burns, cuts, stress and insomnia, to name a few), it is another good choice for colds and flu. It helps stimulate the immune system, as well as soothe aches and chills and general blahs. As many aromatherapists say, when in doubt, use lavender.
All these essential oils can be used in simple, pleasant home remedies. One good way to treat respiratory congestion is to take some steaming water, add 3-5 drops of essential oil, put a towel over your head and the bowl, and inhale the vapors for at least 5 minutes (come up for air if you need to!). Another option is to add 10-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of massage oil or lotion and massage into the skin. The essential oils will be absorbed through your skin and into your body. If you're doing this to relieve chest congestion, rub it mainly on the chest and back. Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin as they are very concentrated and could be irritating. Baths are another enjoyable way to receive the benefits of essential oils. Simply add about 10 drops to a hot bath and relax for at least 15 minutes. Sometimes the simple act of taking some time out for ourselves is what it takes to get rid of those miserable colds.
Lisa Lundeen is a certified aromatherapist in Minneapolis. She has her own line of aromatherapy oils called Scentual Essentials. She also teaches classes and workshops about aromatherapy.