The flu is a viral infection with symptoms acting on any number of systems, most commonly lungs and digestion. These include coughing, sneezing, and sore throat, digestive upset, diarrhea, aches, chills, and fever. Flu symptoms can come on fast and hard, which is why people often say they feel like they’ve been hit by a truck. Like any virus, this one needs to run its course. There are a few things you can do to provide relief and quicker healing.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for the flu are:
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Tea tree
Flu Prevention
Diffusing antiseptic and antiviral oils, or incorporating them into room sprays, may help keep your home healthy and prevent the spread of the virus. A few suggestions are eucalyptus, cinnamon, orange, and peppermint.
Get a lift from aromatherapy when the flu has you in misery.
• Body massage. Adding antiseptic and antiviral oils to a massage can give your body a much needed break and speed recovery.
• Soothing soak. When flu symptoms are consuming you, slip into a warm, oil-infused bath. If you’re congested, add some decongestant eucalyptus oil and breathe deep while you soak. Avoid cinnamon in the bath.
• In the air. Diffusing flu-fighting oils may help relieve your head, lungs, body, and mind as well as disinfect your home.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Make sleep a priority. Trying to power through the flu will only prolong its pain.
• Eat chicken soup. This age-old remedy provides hydration and other healing benefits.
• Heal with honey. Antiseptic honey soothes sore throats and may minimize coughing.
Flu can be a nuisance or completely debilitating. These essential-oil remedies are a great way to lessen the impact and lead you to recovery and health.
This blend’s powerful antiseptic and pain-relieving properties can help get you on the road to recovery faster and alleviate discomfort.
2 drops cinnamon oil
3 drops lemon oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
Every diffuser is different. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for diffusing this blend.
If the flu is making your stomach upset, slip into bed and massage this mixture onto your abdomen to help the nausea subside.
1 teaspoon carrier oil
3 drops ginger oil
2 drops lemon oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Massage the mixture onto your abdomen up to three times a day, as needed.
When body aches bring you down, massage this mixture onto sore muscles. These multitasking oils will help soothe sore muscles and relieve congestion and nausea while fighting off the flu virus.
2 ounces jojoba oil
10 drops lemon oil
5 drops eucalyptus oil
5 drops ginger oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend.