Lavender Blend For Colds And Flu
Colds and flu are mild viral infections that cause a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, fever and often a cough, the flu has similar symptoms but often more severe and often accompanied by high fever, muscle and joint pain, headache and fatigue.
Colds and most cases of flu are not serious but anyone who’s ever had a cold or the flu knows they are not not pleasant so try using essential oil blends such as this this Lavender blend of essential oils to soothe and relieve the symptoms of colds and flu.
THE SYMPTOMS OF COLDS & FLU INCLUDE
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Headache
Feeling tired or exhausted
Loss of appetite
Additional symptoms common to flu
Fever – a temperature of 38C or above
Aching body
Difficulty sleeping
Upset stomach
Feeling and/or being sick
THE FOLLOWING OILS ARE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL
Eucalyptus – Not only is Eucalyptus a great decongestant and anti-viral oil which can help with the congestion common with flu but it can help to fight the viral infection, along with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties it can be used as an effective pain reliever and help to reduce inflammation.
Lavender – Lavender is an analgesic and anti-viral oil which can help to not only fight the virus but has pain relieving properties which can ease aching muscles, headache and sore throats. Lavender also has anti-depressant and decongestant properties which can help to relieve some of the congestion common with flu but also lift up the spirits when feeling unwell.
Benzoin - Benzoin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help ease the symptoms of the flu and speed up recovery, it’s a warming stimulating oil that can help to revive flagging energy levels.
HOW TO USE
If you have an empty essential oil bottle you can clean it out and make a blend to use when needed or you can add them individually in the following ratio.
Eucalyptus – 3 drops
Lavender – 3 drops
Benzoin – 3 drops
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Diffusing a blend of these essential oils can help to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu such as blocked nose, headaches, congestion and lethargy.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of the blend of Lavender, Eucalyptus and Benzoin essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
INHALATION
Inhaling this blend of essential oils is effective in helping to relieve symptoms associated with colds and flu such as congestion, headaches, sinusitis and catarrh. Steam inhalation helps to clear congestions in your head, nose and chest.
Simply use 1 -3 drops of this blend of essential oils in a bowl of hot water, place a towel or blanket over your head and shoulders to enclose your head over the bowl and inhale for 5 – 10 minutes.
Note: Steam inhalation may be too strong for children, instead place the bowl in the room or close by and allow the steam to infuse in the air.
BATH
Taking a warm bath with this wonderful healing blend can help relieve symptoms of colds and flu, including aches and lethargy. As the heat of the water disperses the oil into the air it can help to ease congestion and headaches.
Add 1 - 3 drops of the blend to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
GARGLE
When very diluted this blend can be used to soothe inflamed sore throats.
Add 1 – 3 drops of the essential oil blend to a glass of water and gargle, ensuring not to swallow. Repeat as needed.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Eucalyptus should not be used with Homoeopathic remedies because Eucalyptus is very strong and can cause adverse reactions with homoeopathic treatments.
Benzoin should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Used in excess Benzoin can cause headaches, nausea and sickness.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room for example Eucalyptus, Lavender and Benzoin are such oils.